Drugs in Saudi Arabia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Drugs in Saudi Arabia - Research Paper Example In regards to this, drug use is a serious offense in Saudi Arabia; the penalty is death. Drug traffickers found guilty are sentenced to death. The Saudi Arabia monarchy rates as one of the places with the strictest regulations on drugs in the world. The kingdom has a zero-tolerance, strict anti-drug policy that is initiated at all the transport entry systems into the country with state-of-the-art technology for detection (US Department of State). The monarch lists some of the prescription medication as illegal, thus visitors or passengers carrying such must have proper prescription papers from their doctors. Interestingly, some of the medications in the over-the-counter category fall under the controlled substances in the Saudi Arabia Kingdom. Over the past few years, the kingdom has been emphasizing its prohibition of drugs and substances considered to be against the Koran teachings through the creation of more regulations and policy to control drugs. The airports in the kingdom conduct thorough passenger searches, even the transiting passengers. Those found with controlled substances and drugs are subjected to trials under the Islamic laws (US Department of State, 2011). The introduction of the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses was in March 1987 under King Fahd. The Council of Senior Ulama (religious scholars responsible for the interpretation of Islamic laws) had presented religious edict (fatwa) No. 138 that contained the penalty proposal. The edict was advocating for a death penalty for individuals found guilty of receiving or smuggling â€Å"drugs† into the kingdom, with the same penalty for recidivist distribution charges. The edict became law and took effect immediately. According to Amnesty Intern ational records, the first execution took place in July 1987, which saw the beheading of Falin bin Kami al-Makati.   

Programming and Commercial Effects on Children Essay Example for Free

Programming and Commercial Effects on Children Essay Many parents are not aware that commercial programming can have the same effect on childs cognitive learning as the programming the children are watching. The Merriman-Webster (2012) dictionary defines cognitive as, Of relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity (as thinking, reasoning, or remembering). Research has been done on childrens programming as well as commercial television to show the effects on todays youth. Even though suggestive adult humor can be found in childrens programming, the impact commercials have toward children is just as important to watch. Television can provide opportunity for children to learn however it should not be a teacher or babysitter for todays youth. Questions like, If a program is scheduled at all hours of the day and into the night, does this make it appropriate for younger children to watch? should be just one of the many parents should ask when allowing children to watch specific television programming. Intentional or not, programmers use television to influence todays youth. With todays ability to view childrens programming on a multitude of different stations and different channels for each station, it is amazing on how much of todays programming for young children have hidden layers of adult humor. Television writers put subtle instances of adult humor in to childrens programming which allows for them to draw in ratings from a wider range of viewers. Rice (2009) conducted a study on popular childrens cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants in which it states the show is directed toward an age group of approximately 2 to 11 year olds, however research shows that it has a variety of audiences in all age groups. Nearly a quarter (22%) of the viewers ranged from ages 18 to 49. Along with this research, Rice also notes on the schedule of the show to emphasize how it is directed toward a large range of viewers. The show was slotted to air between early morning hours to even later hours, up until close to midnight which by then most of the targeted age group would ave been in bed for a few hours by the time of airing. Rice also recorded subject analysis data for several age groups. In information collected from high school students, the majority of them seem to identify with the shows side kick known as Patrick Star. A large majority of respondents say they watch the show because it is funny, entertaining, and hilarious (Rice, 2009, paragraph, 46). On the other hand, when college students were polled they more or less chose to watch because it helped them unwind from a stressful day, possibly like a treat for their bran after a hard day of class work. If a show that is targeted for a much younger age group has a relaxing type of effect, it would be interesting to see how it influences the target age group. When childrens programming is actually aimed towards a large range of viewers how adults choose what their children should watch could have an important impact on how they develop. In recent, years television networks an writers have taken a more proactive approach in educating youth through television programming. Some of this can be seen by the creation of junior channels. Channels like Nick Jr. or Disney Jr. ave created programming geared toward preschoolers and toddlers that use colors and characters to peak their interests. One of the more influential television stations that support child develop has been the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). PBS has had constant influence in child development with shows like Sesame Street and Barney Friends and now offer new programming like Bob the Builder, Teletubbies and Thomas Friends. These shows focus on learning in the early stages of a preschoolers development by reaching the alphabet, numbers, dancing, singing and even emotional responses. According to The Journal of Media Literacy (2012), To capture and hold viewer attention, each Dora episode features a linear narrative shaped around a high-stakes adventure with serious consequences. It calls upon viewers to interact with the television to help Dora overcome a series of structured challenges. When children hear that they did a good job or a positive response, they tend to want to interact more and thus keeps them interested in the programming. Along with current programming on television, networks have started developing DVDs to sell to parents when current programming might not peak a childs interests. Big Companies like Disney, the Brainy Baby Company and Sesame Workshop have started developing age specific programming. When a large company starts to invest in developmental programming, it gives a better sense of satisfaction as the brand is well known. DVD series like Baby Einstein, Brainy Baby and Sesame Beginnings all have their own niche and targeted age range however all promote development and learning. Kikorian, Wartella, and Anderson (2008) state shows like Baby Einstein target viewers from as young as one month old and covers a wide range of topics such as music, art, language and poetry while Sesame Beginnings targets children starting at six months of age. This show features younger versions of the Muppets of Sesame Street and promote interaction between children and their caregivers. Kikoran et al. (2008) also discussed the unique effect of television on children under the age of two and suggests that some research shows that exposure to television during the first few years of life may be associated with poorer cognitive development. This question could be geared toward the overall television experience which includes commercials and the actual programming. With the importance of what is appropriate for children to watch in television, parents seem to be more concerned with actual programming then what is played in between. However, studies have shown that these commercials can be just as influential to our youth. With promotion of movie trailers, current television shows and video games violence is in pure view for children to see and it is less monitored then the actual program. In order to track this data, the authors in an article in the Journal of Advertising had to define how children and their parents viewed violence. For the children defining violence was much more broad as one child responded with, Violent is fighting with weapons, with swords, blood, and gore and another stated, Violence is bleeding really bad. Sometimes its when somebody falls down and theyre scratched or bleeding really bad (Brocato et al. 2010). Parents were more unified with defining violence with violence consisting of blood, gore and death. Children seem to think that it is the mother that stresses the importance of them not watching while the fathers feel it is alright as long as they are watching it with them. Both parents shared a common theme in that the commercials are not the issue but the actual programming. Parents also shared that by being present they could address sensitive issues like violence when it happens. Reading through the study it was surprising to see possible limitations that could have address more issues. Parents could have been asked while being present when the issue arose how did the child react to the situation. Another question that might have been asked is how did the child react to the actual discussion about the topic. Was the child more interested in the programming or on what the parents had to say. Ultimately the article had a good basis for what were the more glaring issues and how both the parents and children valued what was played in commercials. Intentional or not, programmers use television to influence todays youth. This could be from how they act from watching their favorite television program, to desiring a new toy or video game that was currently seen on a commercial. Parents should take the time to watch what their children are watching. One way to see how a childs favorite program can affect them is to watch the program without the child and then with the child. When watched alone write down instances that might be inappropriate or that draw questions. As the child sits through the program watch how they react to certain situation and then discuss with them on what is positive and what is negative. With correct supervision and discussions, parents have the ability to be a part of the education process with todays youth.

Suffering and The Book of Job Essay example -- Holy Bible Book Job Ess

Suffering and The Book of Job      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The concepts of suffering addressed in "The Book of Job" have no relevance to the ideas of suffering expressed in eastern religions such as Buddhism and Jainism. In fact, for Buddhists, the cause of suffering was discovered some 2,500 years ago by a prince from India named Sidhartha Gautama. This man, who was known as the Buddha, taught that suffering was caused by the craving for material things; ergo, cessation from suffering could be attained by detaching oneself from the things of this world (Ianuale). Had Job been exposed to these strictly eastern concepts of suffering, his outlook on his vicissitudes would have been quite different indeed.    "The Book of Job" is an epic tale of pious pessimism from the Old Testament of the Bible about a righteous, God-fearing man named Job. Job has been blessed with many children, and great material wealth. But all of that soon comes to an end as Satan and God begin their debate on whether or not Job would keep his piety in the face of adversity.    Satan is allowed, by God, to test Job, once by taking away his family and wealth, and a second time, by afflicting him with sickness and sores. In the first test, Job holds fast to his conviction and never blames God for his misfortunes. The second test, however, proves to be more challenging, and Job curses the day he was born.    In the next section of the story, three of Job's friends come to visit him upon hearing of his misfortunes. Each one of them tries, in separate speeches, to offer Job an explanation as to why such tragedy has befallen him. They insist that Job must have done something to deserve his adversity, saying that all men are, in some way,... ...of Major World Religions" Oral Lecture,     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   5 December 2000. Middlesex County College. Edison, NJ. "Job." Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. 7th ed. Ed.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Laurence Behrens, Leonard J. Rosen. New York: Addison     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wesley Longman, 2000:407-433. Kutz, Ilan. "Job and His 'Doctors'; Bedside Wisdom in The Book   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   of  Ã‚   Job." BMJ 321. December 23-30, 2000; 1613-1615. PA     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   RESEARCH II. ProQuest Direct. Middlesex County College     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Library, Edison. 4 February 2001. 2000.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.proquest.umi.com. MacLeish, Archibald. "God Has Need of Man." Writing and     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Reading   Across the Curriculum. 7th ed. Ed. Laurence Behrens,     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Leonard J. Rosen. New York: Addison Wesley Longman,     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2000; 474-480. Smith, Huston. The World's Religions. San Francisco: Harper, 1958.   

Outsourcing at Any Cost Essay

Galaxywire. net decided to choose its central location in Green Fork, because the city development officials offered a 300,000 low-interest loan for employee training, promise 50 percent tax abatement for the first 10 years and construct a new 2. 3 million dollar secondary building for day care and executive suites. Galaxywire. net can help the city solve high unemployment rate, because they planned to hire 3000 employees. CEO promised they will stay and treat their employees as a family to deal with increasing distrustful of large corporations in local. Few years later, the outsourcing trend becomes popular in the United States of America, especially, most of Galaxywire’s competitors were already outsourcing. Therefore, top management started to consider moving to India in order to save at least 10 million a year. Galaxywire. net let its employees know immediately of its intention to close the home office. It provided severance packages of a month’s full pay and extended health insurance coverage for five months. But none of the top executives would be laid off and still get paid high compensations. At that time, the unemployment rate is still at 10 percent, so the city tried to find solution to make Galaxywire. net stay and still recoup most of the money it hoped to save by moving. The city does not want to lose its largest employers, so they proposed a deal that would save 7 million dollar in the first year, 8 million dollar the second, 9 million dollar yearly thereafter and extended the 60 percent tax abatement for another decade. Also, the employees agreed to a 15 percent pay cut. However, the company was not interested in the first offer and still would not stay. So the employees agreed to another 5 percent pay cut and other concessions. In addition, the city increased the tax reduction by another 5 percent. The second offer totally helps the company save 10 million dollar in the first year, 11 million dollar the next and 12 million dollar year thereafter. The second offer is very attractive, and how should the Galaxywire. net make a decision? From my own perspective, the ethical issue in this case is that Galaxywire. et is confronting the moral challenge, they are in moral dilemma, because their profit against needs of employees and the city government. If they choose to stay, it proves they fulfill the commitment. But if they choose to move to India, it proves they break the promise and dishonest. There are two solutions for Galaxywire. net to make decision. First, I suggest that Galaxywire. net should choose to stay in Green Fork and accept the first offer. The first solution has many benefits for Galaxywire. et, the reasons as follow: first, if the company chooses to stay in Green Fork and fulfill the commitment, it would increase employee loyalty and enhance the relationship with local government. Second, it is hard to measure the Indian employees will be qualified for their positions. But there are many skilled and dedicated employees in Green Fork. It is not necessary to take risk to move abroad. Third, the company should choose the first offer instead the second offer, because the second offer will bring the greater burden on local government’s budget and the employees will become inactive due to lower salaries. If the company chooses the first offer, the employees and local government will feel grateful to the company because it proves that company still care about the interests of employees and local government. According to the Libertarian theory, the company did not sacrifice individual interests and rights to satisfy the company’s interest right and interests, we can say what the company did is just and moral. Although the company sacrificed some interests, they guaranteed the employees and local government’s interests. The goodwill of Galaxywire. et will be better and better due to choosing the first solution. Second, I suggest that Galaxywire. net should move to India and give up both the first and the second offer. Also, the company should provide the employees who will be laid off a chance to purchase original issue stock as compensation. There are many benefits if the Galaxywire. net chooses the second solution, the reasons as follow: first, the company can reduce the cost and save around 10 million dollar a year, because salaries expense is largest expenditure of each company. Although the second offer can help the company saving more, the local government may not be able to afford it in few years later, because the local government’s budget is limited, and it is unfair if too much budget goes to Galaxywire. net. The local government can have more budget to support other developing or small companies in local, if the scale of the companies become bigger and bigger, the high unemployment rate problem can be solved in the long run, because larger companies need more qualified employees. Expending too much budget to keep a largest company is not a wise choice. Also, the government can set up funding to training local people to be qualified employees. Second, issuing original stock as compensation is a good way to solve breaking the promise. The employees can reap benefits from this decision, because they will earn more income per year and feel thankful to the company, and it proves that the company does not put them away; the employees still can rely on company to make money. The employees who will be laid off are used to work at the largest company, and it can prove they are qualified to their position, so it is not hard to find a new job in local or Chicago. Also, the qualified employees can help the local developing or small companies develop faster. The unemployment rate seems not to be worsening if the company moves to India. In addition, the company will have more money to invest in more profitable projects in order to make more profit. When the company gains more and more revenue, they can pay dividends to their stockholders. The second solution relieves the burden of governmental budgeting, makes employees have more income, and help the company reduce the cost. From the view of Utilitarian theory, the company, the government and the employees reap great benefits of the second solution, and it means the greatest good for the greatest number. Therefore, the second solution can be just and moral theoretically. As far as I am concerned, the second solution is more appealing than the first solution. The reason is that the second solution can distribute benefits to every member. Galaxywire. net can reduce the cost and save 10 million dollar, holding stock can help employees who will be laid off earn considerable returns, and local government will not expend more and more to keep the company stay anymore instead giving money to someone who needs it. It seems that the company move to India unequal and against the moral obligation, but according to Rawls, it is moral and just, because unequal distribution of power, opportunities, income or wealth is not just unless everyone benefits. Also, according to Utilitarian theory, everyone will happy due to the benefits he or she received, so the second solution can achieve the good consequence. In addition, the second solution helps limiting the role of government to guarantee the individual1rights. If the company accepts one of two offers, more and more resources will move to the company, it would make other companies cannot have right to achieve these resources. The government plays an important role of social resources distribution. Therefore, the second solution is moral and just in Libertarian theory. The first solution is good but not the best, so it should be rejected, because the Galaxywire. net still does not receive the ideal cost reduction. Also, the local government still needs to expend more to keep company stay, and other companies will receive less support. In addition, the employees will earn less than before, it will make them inactive. Although it is moral and just in Libertarian theory, the company sacrifice own interest to other members’ interests, it cannot lead to a good consequence, because the benefits cannot make each member satisfied. Therefore, the first solution is not perfect due to the view of Utilitarian theory.

Ageing Theory Essay

P4: In this assignment I will be explaining two theories which are the disengagement theory and the activity theory. Disengagement theory The disengagement theory suggests when people reach old age, they tend to naturally withdraw themselves from society and social involvement, elderly folk will also reduce their physical activity due to complications with poor health as they grow old. This among other reasons will result in restricted opportunities to interact with others and forms an individual mentality/approach to life due to becoming less concerned with the expectation of others/withdrawal. In 1975 Cumming argued that â€Å"it was appropriate and healthy for older people to withdraw from others† because it was deemed a natural part of the ageing process. The disengagement theory states that older people start to withdraw themselves from society and others because of their bodily issues i.e. hearing loss, loss of vision and reduction in physical movement. These complications can cause an older persons health to deteriorate which results in the loss of communication with others and withdrawal from society along with social interaction. Retirement can also be a contributing factor for elderly people not to be involved as much due to the inevitability that they will lose touch with their ex colleagues and friends. Older people may also have family that live far away therefore, they may not be able to travel much due to not having access to a car or even have access to technology such as the internet. This restricts the opportunity for social contact and leads to further disengagement due to being isolated from the new generation’s facilities. However, critics point out that disengagement can be discredited for a number of reasons. The majority of older people do remain socially involved with family and friends and many older people become more involved with close family as they become older. It may be that many older people choose to spend the time they have remaining with people they feel close to, rather than seeking to make new friends. If people only interact with close friends does this mean they are disengaged? It is also important to remember disengagement can often be enforced, rather than voluntary. For example, people who need to move to a nursing home experience restrictions on their social circle as well as limitations on their friends, this can result in fewer connections as friends die and depression/isolation occurs due to  inability to change the situation they are in. This is why many people don’t agree with the disengagement theory. Activity theory The activity theory suggests that older people need to disengage, but that they also need to remain â€Å"active† in order to limit the risks associated with disengagement i.e. stagnation, loss of mental and physical skills. Being mentally and physically active is viewed as being very important because it can improve mental and physical health in later life. The general ideology of the activity theory is the more you do, the better you will age. People who maintain an interest in life and continue to be engaged with family and friends tend to be healthier, happier and more in touch with what is going on around them. However, it is not sufficient merely to provide facilities for elderly people. They need to be educated to make use of them and encouraged to engage in a full day of activities, this will result in a high level of productivity and in theory slow down the ageing process. Furthermore, the activity theory can be argued against to some degree because it doesn’t remain true. It is somewhat difficult to suggest just being busy will help greatly with ageing. Therefore, a heightened level of activity is needed, but it needs to be engaging and fulfilling, rather than just busy work/stimulation. As people get older, nerve cells in the brain get weaker which results in memory loss, in order to prevent this from happening old people choose to be mentally active by taking courses and getting involved in studies, and physically active by going on walks, the gym even swimming. To conclude this theory implies by truly engaging ourselves in later life with purpose it can make us live longer. Overall I think it is best to stay active for as long as you can, it means a better social life and a healthy body and mind. It may even increase your life expectancy. I feel disengagement from society and social interaction would have serious consequences and would result in life expectancy being decreased. However, people may be forced in to disengagement through injury or onset of disease/disability. M2: I will be discussing the disengagement and active theories in relation to the individual I have chosen. Disengagement theory in relation to Barrack Obama When Barack Obama reaches old age, he may go through disengagement. This would include a withdrawal from society and social interaction. This may be caused by various factors as the ageing process begins to start and his physical and mental state declines. Obama may distance himself from family and friends which would restrict his opportunities, this is because older people tend to disengage themselves totally and chose not to be involved in social activities/interaction. Therefore, Obama could develop an individual approach and become stuck with this mentality which would result in isolation as he becomes less concerned with the expectations of others. A number of factors can contribute to Obama becoming further disengaged such as retirement. Due to the amount of stress and responsibilities he has had to deal with for a long period of time, he may feel a time out is required. This will inevitably mean the loss of friends and ex colleagues. Another factor could be the deterioration of his health for example, his eye sight, hearing and physical movement may all contribute to him socially disengaging. This would cause further complications and would also restrict Obama from travelling. The realization of death would then begin to linger while he considers the amount of time he has remaining. Furthermore, mental aspects may also occur due to contemplating his previous decisions he made while in power which could have a detrimental effect and may result in him developing depression. This will no doubt result in him no longer wanting his picture taken, and health services being required in order to help him cope with the situation he is in (mentally unstable maybe even forced disengagement). The mutual relationship he once had with society would then begin to evaporate as the disengagement process is completed. Activity theory in relation to Barrack Obama However, if Obama chooses to remain active, he will be more likely to overcome the negative factors that social disengagement causes. If Obama retires after his term as president of the United States, he could continue to work for the America government by being part of international relations. Therefore, he would continue to travel and have his photograph taken due to being an ambassador for his nation. This would mean he will maintain a heighted level of activity that would be engaging, fulfilling, and stimulate  his brain which would delay the aging process and in theory prolong any health issues. Furthermore, Obama would maintain an interest in life and continue to be engaged with family and friends, this would result in him being healthier, happier and more in touch with what was going on around him. He would also be involved in family gatherings and physical activities such as keeping fit i.e. running and attending the gym. All these active factors would form a physical and social routine which would no doubt prevent any sort of disengagement. D2: I will be evaluating how each theory is associated to health and social care provision and what influences health and social care can provide. Ageing and health and social care provision The activity and disengagement theory both relate to health and social care settings. Looking at the activity theory, it is clear that it still has an impact on health and social care settings, most services help people to be active by providing various physical and social activities i.e. care homes provide bingo, quizzes, chess, cards, music and sensory activities which keep elderly people occupied. These games are used in order to keep them entertained and their minds active, whereas day care centres offer days out, dancing and exercise. I believe these services help people to be involved rather than push them away and disengage them as they encourage physical and social interaction/participation. People are living longer due to these services and our good public health/lifestyle. Most health and social care provisions urge older people to remain active because it helps prolong body functions, boosts self esteem and in theory delays the negative effects of ageing. Doctor’s surgeries, community centres and hospitals will also have leaflets and posters with information on revealing how to stay active and will show activities and exercises that older people can do in order to keep healthy. It is now viewed as very important to remain active because as we grow older people tend to lose their memory. This is caused by a decrease in the number of brain cells and the body weakening. Therefore, maintaining a heighted level of activity that is engaging, fulfilling, and stimulates the brain helps delay complications and the aging process. Policies and procedures have changed over the years, giving older people more respect. Having these rights help older people feel more safe and secure in society. All these services for older people will aim to provide quality assurance, choice and ensure the upmost respect is given to the people they are caring for. Older people should always have a choice as to how active they wish to be. If some older people do not want to take part and be disengaged in activities and other participations then that is fine as they have free will in what they want to do and what they do not want to do. Some people may even have disabilities or mental health problems. Therefore, they may not want to take part as they will feel belittled or intimidated it is also a part of their human rights. Quality services will never attempt to force older people to be active and engaged, but they will provide opportunities and encouragement for individuals to maintain the continuity of their lives and remain as a ctive as they wish which must be respected and always taken into account. Looking at the disengagement theory, it is clear that it still has an impact on health and social care settings. Although there are many services that provide physical and social engagement, it can be difficult for elderly people to be involved. I believe there are a number of influences in today’s society that encourage disengagement. For example, Disabilities contribute when forming interaction socially and physically, travel expenses is also an issue, many people don’t have access to transport, although there are mini buses/bus passes now available for elderly people, lots of elderly, mentally challenged and disabled find it difficult to attend these services (forced disengagement). Some people may even struggle to adapt to retirement, someone who has been working all there life may find it difficult to find themselves out of the loop through the loss of ex colleagues and friends even death i.e. the loss of a loved one is a contributing factor and provides an outlet to disengage completely. Furthermore, more people now use drugs, smoke and drink alcohol excessively. Alcohol is a depressant and if used inappropriately it can form an addiction which eventually results in people wanting to be on their own and not wanting to leave their homes. Drugs, smoking and alcohol can also cause diseases such as cancer, liver disease and mental illnesses which all affect how individuals engage. All  these factors could result in serious complications/implications i.e. people not waiting to interact physically or socialise at all. Conclusion Overall I personally believe that today’s society is based more on the activity theory. People are becoming less ill because of the NHS and living longer due to various health and social care services providing engagement both physically and socially. Campaigns on healthy eating, exercise and things to do to keep active is being put out in the open daily. This includes medicines, treatments and screenings. The activity theory provides some evidence of being effective because more and more older people are living in their own homes, keeping active both physically and socially and even cooking healthy meals for themselves as people are becoming more alert to what their body requires, retirement is also now shown to be enjoyable, elderly people ensure they maintain a routine which involves interacting with family and friends, in addition to volunteering which helps them engage and in theory, be more in touch with what is going on around them leading to a happier, healthier life. In my opinion the disengagement theory is very negative on society and on a person. Although it is sometimes viewed as an unavoidable weakness, no one in today’s world wants to be separated from society because of their age. I believe the theory to be ignorant to the fact that older people are still individuals regardless of the process of ageing there are still people who are capable of enjoying life and being part of society which deserve respect and the right to have choices and be independent. Although complications can occur as the ageing process takes place i.e. loss of mobility, illness, malfunction of the body. It is important that people rights are respected and if they want to disengage themselves from society they are free to do so.

The banking industry in the United Arab Emirates

The banking industry in the United Arab Emirates Background The banking industry in the United Arab Emirates is faced with fiancà © completion from public and private players. The United Arab Emirates has a well-developed banking sector and the economic strength of the country has created a business opportunities to foreign and local players.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The banking industry in the United Arab Emirates specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The economy has some of the world largest international banks like Barclays Bank, The International Bank for Trade Finance, Syria Gulf Bank and other small upcoming banks and microfinance (Syria Gulf Bank). This paper takes an analysis of Syria Gulf Bank; it will look into the company’s operating base and its competition. Which business do you think will be the biggest competitor in the United Arab Emirates, why? The main competitors that the bank is likely to face are conventional and Islamic multinationa l banks that have stated to venture in the United Arabs Emirates business. Among the banks, the bank that seems to have much power and can be said to be the greatest threat to Syria Gulf Bank is Barclay’s banks limited. The reason for singling out Barclays as the main competitor is its international operations and the services that it has embarked on in its branches. Barclays’ Bank is among the oldest banks in the world; it has grown with different economies and transformed with changes that are facing the sector; one way that the bank has used to integrate its business is the use of single fund transfer and access to ones account at any Barclays bank in the world. This means that a customer of the bank has the ability to make banking transaction in any country without having to undertake some interbank transfers; this rate of efficiency coupled with the banks international presence in different countries offers it a higher chance to convince customers that it is the b ank of choice. For example, a customer who is transating with the bank in the United Stattes of America receives a transfer by a customer at the United Arabs Emirates on the spot (Barclays Bank).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More When Syria Gulf Bank is engaging in an international transfer, mostly in the countries that it has not established a branch, it has to do this using another holding bank. This takes time and is costly to the customer. Another area that Barclays bank has been able to stand strong is its financial base; the company has been in operation for a couple of years thus it has accumulated a financial base that it uses to expand its operations; the strong financial base assist the company tap new upcoming business opportunities leaving others banks with less financial base struggling. In the wake of global financial crisis, the company has been able t o use its financial base to acquire assets and make policies that strengthen their business approach. The most competitive parameter that Syria Gulf Bank has is its specialized services, the company has only few customers thus it can forge its services and products to meet the needs of the customer. This facilitates business since a customer does not need to queue for banking services. Again the technology adopted to handle the business of the company is high tech, the Automated Terror Machines and internet banking are highly efficient and not jammed as the case is with Barclays such services. The above moves by the company are likely to offer it a competitive edge than Barclays (Syria Gulf Bank). What is the difference between vision and mission in formulating business strategies; please provide relevant examples released by international companies When making operating strategies, managers are guided by the company’s, mission, vision, and corporate objectives; the business frameworks are provided by the shareholders or the entrepreneur who have the mind picture of what they want in their organization. When the mission, vision and objective are fulfilled, then management agency relationship or contracts are fulfilled. An effective mission, vision and objectives should be attainable and reflect the needs operation of a company.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The banking industry in the United Arab Emirates specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the international business arenas, there are some countries that have fulfilled their visions and missions continuously; they include Toyota Motor Corporation and Emirates Airlines company in the United Arabs Emirates; this section of the paper defines the major difference between mission and vision, it will be suing examples of Toyota company and Emirates Airline company. Mission Mission defines the main business of the company and how it aims at fulfilling its business; it has the business objectives and goals of success that when fulfilled the company will have attained its business competitiveness. Toyota has a mission statement as, â€Å"To attract and attain customers with high-valued products and services and the most satisfying ownership experience in America†( Toyota Motor Corporation Corporate Website). The management either in Japan where the head quarters are, or in other branch are guided by the mission they want to attain. When one analyzes the mission statement, the company simply illustrates how it wants to add value in peoples life, through its innovative products. Emirates has the mission of â€Å"An exceptional journey from start to finish,† † (Emirates Airline Company Corporate Website); this means that the company is willing to offer high quality transport services to its customers all over the globe. The mission has been attained through massive inventive and innovative of models, and involvement in corporate social responsibilities. To attain the mission, the company needs to keep reminding its human capital and stakeholders on the reasons of its being. Leaders should always make policies that assist in the attainment of the mission of the company. Vision statement Vision defines what a company want to attain after it has fulfilled its mission; this is what it aims at in the eyes of the people. Toyota vision â€Å"To be the most successful and respected car company in America (Toyota Motor Corporation Corporate Website).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Vision of Emirates is, â€Å"caring for our employees and stakeholders as it grows its business to higher heights; the company understands that it can only remain competitive and profitable† (Emirates Airline Company Corporate Website). The attainment of the vision will only be realized after the company has set appropriate internal processes that target the world market; the internal processes that the company has implemented are aggressive marketing, innovation, research and development among others. It is worth noting that mission statement is more skewed to what the company want to attain and how to attain it while vision statement is more on the critical success factors that can be seen after the attainment of the vision statements. In modern contemporary business world, leaders have the role of formulating mission and vision statements that are attainable with the potential that a company have. To support the two strategic management tools, a company needs to have c orporate objectives and goals; the objectives and goals assists keeping the business on track. Barclays Bank. Barclays Bank in the United Arabs Emirates , 2011. 07th May 2011. Emirates Airline Company Corporate Website. Emirates, 2011. Web. Syria Gulf Bank. Syria Gulf Bank, 2011. 07th May 2011. Toyota Motor Company Corporate website. Toyota,2011. 07th May 2011.

Is Perception Reality essays

Is Perception Reality essays A few years ago I moved to Arizona. I was to be the office manager of a Real Estate Appraisal firm. Unbeknown to me the Company owed back taxes to Internal Revenue Service. The IRS came in and seized all of the Companies bank accounts and assets. All of a sudden I had to scramble to find a new job. I did not immediately find work as an appraiser but took a job with the Arizona Department of Corrections. What I thought to be true and what the reality was; were two different things. I believed that the individuals incarcerated were being punished and were not able or allowed to do much of anything. Additionally, I believed that they basically sat in a jail cell and read books, drew pictures or wrote letters. I also believed that they were law abiding while in prison. In other words, I believed that they were limited in not being able to break the law. Additionally, I assumed they had virtually no contact with the outside world. I completed some training in self-defense, first aid, conflict resolution, Radio Communications, etc. I was then sent to Cell Block 6 AKA Death Row. This is where my perceptions began to give way to reality. I found that almost every inmate (as called by officers and staff) had a Television and that free cable was provided with many movie channels available. Most had stereos with many CDs. They were required however, to wear headphones while listening to their music. I was surprised to find that the law mandated many privileges to the incarcerated individuals. Three hot meals a day were served the inmates. Also, family members could send them care packages at Christmas up to about 100 lbs., containing homemade food and clothing items. In addition, there is a prison store that the Incarcerated could order items from. A ...

Lake Superior State University Admissions

Lake Superior State University Admissions Lake Superior State University Admissions Overview: The majority of applicants interested in Lake Superior State University are admitted each year. With an acceptance rate of 91%, most students with grades and standardized test scores that are average or better will get in. To apply, visit the schools website for application instructions and important deadlines.   Admissions Data (2016): Lake Superior State University Acceptance Rate: 91%Test Scores 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: 430 / 540SAT Math: 430  / 520SAT Writing: - / -What these SAT numbers meanMichigan public university SAT score comparisonACT Composite: 20  / 25ACT English: 19 / 26ACT Math: 18 / 25ACT Writing: - / -What these ACT numbers meanMichigan public university ACT score comparison Lake Superior State University Description: Lake Superior State University is one of  Michigans 15 public universities; its campus is located in Sault Ste Marie on the site of the former U.S. Armys Fort Brady. It is on the smaller side, with just over 2,500 students, a student/faulty ratio of 15  to 1, and an average class size of fewer than 30 students. LSSU offers a long list of academic programs from its five colleges and schools: the College of Arts, Letters, Social Sciences and Emergency Services; the College of Business and Engineering; the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences; the College of Nursing and Health Sciences; and the School of Education. The university is one of only three in the country to offer a fire science program. With more than 60 student clubs and organizations as well as intramural sports, there is plenty to do on campus. LSSU is a member of the NCAA Division II  Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference  (GLIAC), but the universitys ice hockey team competes in the NCAA Division I Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) and has won five national championships. Enrollment (2016): Total Enrollment: 2,099  (all undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 49% Male / 51% Female86% Full-time Costs (2016- 17): Tuition and Fees: $11,019  (in-state)Books: $1,100 (why so much?)Room and Board: $9,442Other Expenses: $1,600Total Cost: $22,161   Lake Superior State University Financial Aid (2015- 16): Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 96%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 86%Loans: 59%Average Amount of AidGrants: $9,830Loans: $6,167 Academic Programs: Most Popular Majors:  Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Exercise Science, Fire Science, Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Nursing Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates: First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 72%Transfer-out Rate: 5%4-Year Graduation Rate: 21%6-Year Graduation Rate: 42% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports:  Ice Hockey, Cross Country, Tennis, Track and Field, Basketball, GolfWomens Sports:  Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Track and Field, Softball, Golf, Cross Country Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics If You Like Lake Superior State University, You May Also Like These Schools: Oakland University: Profile  Northern Michigan University: Profile  Albion College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphFinlandia University: Profile  Spring Arbor University: Profile  Eastern Michigan University: Profile  University of Michigan - Ann Arbor: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphAlma College: Profile  Ferris State University: Profile  Central Michigan University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphGrand Valley State University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphAlbion College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph

Big Switch Network Design Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Big Switch Network Design - Assignment Example All the above require completion of very complex tasks; these are information gathering, planning as a task, designing and modeling. While building a network, the designer focuses more on three layers of the OSI model. Although there are many technologies available for network construction, it is extremely important to be aware of the implications of selecting a technology over the other, the network devices or equipment to use, and in which layer the device can function, and lastly have knowledge on the functionality of the device by conforming to the network architecture requirements. Implementation of VLAN segments in a network (Keith, 2011) VLAN is Virtual Local Area Network. VLAN is a logical LAN segment that pair different physical LANs by creation of logical subnets. In VLAN, we involve different physical LAN segment to enable communications between them. This infrastructure enables functional separation of the departments, for example, separating the HR department from the pr oduction department by two different LANs without a router. Creation of workgroups enables communication of two different VLANs even though there are in different buildings physically. VLAN improves performance increasing available bandwidth according to how many VLANs are created to share the bandwidth being consumed. This infrastructure eases network maintenance; this can involve removal, changing and addition of network users and equipments. In LANs, a designer needs to re-configure the routers, servers and the work stations if a user moves, and this leads to reconfigure the switch, hub and arrangement of the cables. This can be avoided in a VLAN on the work station and the involved router however; they bring additional administrative complexity which in the other hand increases security by management of virtual workgroups by the administration. Generally, this type of networking reduces every type of cost from implementation cost to maintenance cost by minimizing the network adm inistration (Krzysztof, 2008). We can also use multiple VLANs per switch port. This is using of shared hub off of the switch ports. Also, the designer can introduce a wireless VLAN. In implementing this, the designer introduces a wireless access point that can be located by more units from one administration centre so that we avoid a lot of cabling and use of routers. At each access point contain mapped SSIDs of a maximum of 16 membership units. Then the access points is assigned a 802.11 standard called a primary SSID, broadcasting with beacons to all wireless clients on that segment. Membership is assigned for each wireless client on the VLAN by considering the specific company department, the security rights and which servers are most accessed. Then VLAN 1 is considered as the default native VLAN, so it does not tag traffic. This native VLAN number given must then watch all the attached access points assigned VLAN on that network segment. To filter traffic and enable secure manag ement VLAN traffic, this company will implement access control lists on every network switch. The introduction of the RADIUS SSID control will require wireless clients with an authenticated configuration of 802.1x, to have a RADIUS server that is already configured with mapped SSIDs on every wireless client. The list is sent to the access point where the client is a member by the server. Here, the employee cannot be a member of just any wired VLAN except to the assigned specific VLAN, and all this is done during authentication. The VLAN defines its own policy group filters, so all infrastructure devices are denied membership to a

Introduction to Social Sciences (inequality based on race) Essay

Introduction to Social Sciences (inequality based on race) - Essay Example A community incorporates people who share a common characteristic inclusive of a geographical area and traditional values. Patterns of racial segregation are not natural outcomes. According to Law (2013), racial discrimination will act as a proponent that will indicate the relationship of inequality and the society. The social mechanism will also explain the interconnected social attributes create persistence in racial difference. The paper will focus on the power and the global community aspects of social sciences with the aim of understanding the world better. Social inequality is a scenario that occurs through the uneven distribution of available resources in the community. In the case of inequality based on race, the skin color acts as the dominating factor in the allocation of resources. The issue of racism has been on the rise given the continued increase in the interaction among individuals from different nations. As a result, human welfare all around the world faces patterns of inequality that is recurrent in nature. For instance, cities around America exhibit racial discrimination to African Americans from the east coast to the west coast. Bonilla-Silva illustrated that the boundary of racism is very legible in the U.S as the black community find it very hard to get jobs and access quality education as compared to the Americans (2013). Racism dates back to the ancient age where people simply disliked certain attributes of a particular culture. Right from the upbringing, parents warned children against associating with some races. The media also participated in re-enforcing racism into the minds of individuals. The mentioned factors made the co-existence of people of different ethnicity and skin color in the society unbearable. With time, the nature of hatred turned into a foundation of prejudice. The outcome of the stated social practice is that

Managing Across Cultures Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Managing Across Cultures - Assignment Example Geert Hofstede was a sociologist in a multinational corporation (Hofstede, 1991; Hofstede and Peterson, 2000). He had analyzed and defined the culture into five parts which would help in understanding other cultures well. They are given below: Individualism and Collectivism: In some culture, they emphasize on staying individually whereas in some other groups, they prefer staying in groups. If an organization plans to expand in a country which is individualistic in nature, then the group behaviour of the organization might get negatively affected by the cultural behaviour of the nation. Power Distance: The part of the culture which deals with the distribution of the organizational power is known as power distance. It is the extent to which the organizational members with lesser authority accept the fact that power is distributed unequally. If the new employees, who would be hired in the business after its expansion, could not accept the unequal distribution of power, then it might lea d to reduced work efficiency or increased employee turnover rate. Uncertainty avoidance: It is the tolerance for the uncertainty or ambiguity. It represents the extent to which the members cope-up with the anxiety by minimizing uncertainty. People belonging to cultures with very high uncertainty avoidance tend to be highly emotional. ... The long term oriented societies generally focus on the long term future while making any plans. On the other hand, the short term orientation societies focus on the short term future during decision making. As culture is described as the inherited concepts, values or ways of living that are shared by the individuals of same social group, it holds an importance in every aspect of the business performance. The culture of a nation builds the individual cultures of the people belonging in it. Any business which expands its operations in another nation is bound to face different cultural values. This cultural diversity might negatively as well as positively impact the performance of the business. The culture is said to be dynamic in nature as it changes with the time. This change in the culture might lead to the rise of several conflicts. The field associated with management is changing and evolving in a continuous manner with emergence of new ways and techniques of managing the organiza tions and their employees (Abo, 1994). Myriad methods and theories of management have been established for increasing the operational efficiency of the organizations and their employees. Most of the modern management theories or models are derived from the cultural aspects (Hofstede, 1980). These theories have been designed for establishing and maximizing the success as well as the productivity of the managers, employees and also, the organizations. These theories and methodologies represent the cultural identity of the employees and managers. Many researchers suggest that attempting to establish or implement management practices without considering the organizational culture, often leads to failure of such practices. In such cases,

Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Short Tandem Repeat (STR) - Essay Example Because of their varying repeat lengths, STRs are characterized with large number of alleles, which in turn make them being highly variable between populations (Lee et al, 1994). In addition, these microsatellite sequences account approximately for 3 percent of the human genome and occur on average every 10,000 nucleotides (Collins et al, 2003). Finally, among other types of biological material, STRs are characterized with consistency and stability, which practically means that any cell contains the very same profile of SRTs. From the forensic perspective, it means that regardless of type of biological material obtained in the crime scene, appropriate STR profile proving source attribution can be conducted using any type of cell without compromising the result. From the practical perspective, STR profile constitutes simply a panel of numerical designations of each STR allele repeat number based on their electrophoretic sizing information. The electrophoretic mobility of DNA is inversely proportional to the length of the fragment; the longer allele with more repeats migrates slower than the shorter alleles containing fewer repeats. If a snapshot (electropherogram) is taken at a time point when two alleles of different lengths are electrophoretically migrating through a gel, the shorter allele will appear further from the origin than the longer allele. When looking at multiple alleles simultaneously, the STR electropherogram pattern (profile) of an individual is different from that of another individual whose alleles may be longer or shorter and hence assigned with different allele numbers. The variation in STR allele sizes results in distinctive DNA profiles with a uniqueness of 1 in a trillion using the 13 core STR loci in the FBI’s national database known as COmbined DNA Index System (CODIS). These 13 loci were chosen for their unique characteristics, such as number of alleles and repeat sequence, present in each one of them. Their adoption in the

Research critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Research critique - Essay Example ect relevance to meal in Nursing Homes, as it discusses meals in an hospital settings; unlike a similar study on nursing homes meals carried out by Goodman et al (2005) where out of the 34 literatures reviewed only one (the oldest) was dated 1989, all others were literatures published between 1998 and 2004. On the light side however, the literature review was satisfactorily comprehensive, taking into account the different perspectives involved in the research problem. Also, an in depth exploration of the impact of meals and meal services in relation to the wellbeing - health and emotional, of the residents was done, shedding more light, in the process, on meals services as it affects the proper running of a nursing home. The literature review also attempted an overview of the role of nursing homes on the aged population of the society, highlighting the increasing PS. The research study was completed in 2000 and submitted for publication in 2002. I had to remove (2) completely, since it is thus, no longer correct. Also, since we need not compare between Nursing Home types for this critique, I believe sentence (3) too should be removed. Afterall, the paragraph still makes sense (and is complete) without the sentence. I hope you are Ok with these

Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Short Tandem Repeat (STR) - Essay Example Because of their varying repeat lengths, STRs are characterized with large number of alleles, which in turn make them being highly variable between populations (Lee et al, 1994). In addition, these microsatellite sequences account approximately for 3 percent of the human genome and occur on average every 10,000 nucleotides (Collins et al, 2003). Finally, among other types of biological material, STRs are characterized with consistency and stability, which practically means that any cell contains the very same profile of SRTs. From the forensic perspective, it means that regardless of type of biological material obtained in the crime scene, appropriate STR profile proving source attribution can be conducted using any type of cell without compromising the result. From the practical perspective, STR profile constitutes simply a panel of numerical designations of each STR allele repeat number based on their electrophoretic sizing information. The electrophoretic mobility of DNA is inversely proportional to the length of the fragment; the longer allele with more repeats migrates slower than the shorter alleles containing fewer repeats. If a snapshot (electropherogram) is taken at a time point when two alleles of different lengths are electrophoretically migrating through a gel, the shorter allele will appear further from the origin than the longer allele. When looking at multiple alleles simultaneously, the STR electropherogram pattern (profile) of an individual is different from that of another individual whose alleles may be longer or shorter and hence assigned with different allele numbers. The variation in STR allele sizes results in distinctive DNA profiles with a uniqueness of 1 in a trillion using the 13 core STR loci in the FBI’s national database known as COmbined DNA Index System (CODIS). These 13 loci were chosen for their unique characteristics, such as number of alleles and repeat sequence, present in each one of them. Their adoption in the

Research Methods for Business Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Methods for Business - Research Proposal Example There are three different organizations and types of trade unions, namely industrial unionism, general unionism, and craft unionism. Craft Unionism refers to a trade union that seeks to protect a particular group of skilled works. General Unionism on the other hand refers to an organization of trade unions that comprise of a variety of skilled workers (Somers, 2013). Industry Unionism on the other hand comprises of all workers within a particular industry, joined together in one organization. To successfully carry out their mission and objectives, Trade Unions have a constitution that governs the conduct of their leaders, and the actions of its members. This research proposal identifies the manner in which the researcher will gather information and carry out a research on the importance of trade unions and non-union employee representation bodies. Most employers do not encourage their employees to join trade unions. This is because trade unions are always accused of creating a negative relationship between employees and their employers. However trade unions play an important role in protecting the interests and welfare of employees. On this note, this research takes the position that; Non-Union Representation bodies and Trade Unions play an important role in improving the working conditions of its members. In supporting this thesis, this research will answer the following six questions; Trade Unionism is an example of an organized movement that began during the 19th century in the United States, Great Britain, and continental Europe. In most of these countries of the world, Trade Unionism is used to define the term labor movement. During the 18th century, a number of small associations began to appear in Britain, however, most of these organizations were sporadic, and did not last for a period of time. This is because these small associations of workers got resentment

Consider the View That Free

Consider the View That Free Will is an Illusion Essay You decide on the chocolate cake confident that you could have chosen the sandwich instead. You were free to do both, but as a matter of fact, you chose to eat the unhealthy option. But were you actually free to choose the unchosen alternative? Many philosophers think that free will is actually an illusion – that the choice you actually made was inevitable. Schopenhauer, for example, argued that for a man to say that he could have chosen an alternative is analogous to water in a still pond saying it could be flowing. Yes, he said, the water could be flowing if that same water were in a river, but given that it is actually in a pond its stillness is inevitable. I will argue that the arguments that purport to show that free will is an illusion are weak, and that we have such a thing as free will. First let us look at the arguments for determinism (here I will understand the determinism being discussed to be hard determinism – the view that our free will is illusory – rather than the compatibilist idea that free will can exist alongside causal determinism). What makes you take the chocolate cake instead of the sandwich? We think that the chocolate taking is the result of our deliberation and that the motive for eating the chocolate cake overcame our desire to be healthy. But what determined or caused us to be the kind of being that preferred the one to the other? It was our overall character. But what caused this? We say it is our upbringing and our genes. Now did we decide upon our upbringing that started the casual chain of events that culminated in the taking of the chocolate? No, so there was no other action that was in fact possible. Think of a snooker ball falling into the pocket. What caused this to happen? It was the combination of its shape, the direction of the cue, and the nature of the table. These factors combined with the laws of physics made the event inevitable. Of course, the snooker ball was not logically required to go into the pocket. There could have been a gust a wind at the crucial moment, but then this other event would have been causally necessary. Other things can only happen if other things which cause these other things to happen occur. So whatever happens is determined. If this is true of snooker balls, why should it be not true of us as well? If we are physical beings, and our brains composed of physical stuff, why should I be not constrained by the same physical forces as everything else? The hard determinist says that there is no reason to believe that we are not subject, like the billiard ball, to the laws of nature. We feel like we could have chosen the sandwich, but given the physical facts about the situation the taking of the chocolate was inevitable. Of course, we could have taken the sandwich if the physical facts were different, but they weren’t! So free will – the sense that we could have done otherwise in the same situation – is an illusion say the hard determinists. We are not free. This is a radical thesis, and if accepted would result in a radical readjustment of our concept of ourselves. And it from this that my first argument comes. According to phenomenalism we should proceed according to this methodology: accept the appearances – accept what you have the most warrant for believing. Descartes, for example, says we can be more philosophically assured of the existence of our own minds than the existence of the physical world. Hence his famous proposition: Cogito ergo sum. Why should the more doubtful propositions of science about the nature of the doubtable physical world take precedence over the immediate data of consciousness? Why should the philosophically disputable over-ride the philosophically indubitable? Physical determinists are committed to this doubtful methodology: let the world, which we cannot prove to exist, take precedence over the mental world whose existence we simply cannot doubt. The phenomenalist like Sartre says the mental appearances are indisputable. We certainly have the phenomenology of the appearance that we could have chosen otherwise. And it is from these certainties that we should proceed. So our freedom is here an inevitable part of our conception of ourselves and no argument from the outside world of physics can over-ride these certainties. Here’s another argument against the acceptance of the idea that free will is an illusion. Kant says that ought implies can. In other words, we cannot be obliged to do something if it is not within our ability to do it. Someone may say that I ought to eliminate third world poverty – that if I do not do so I am guilty of a neglect of duty. But this is unreasonable. It is not within my power to eliminate third world poverty, so it cannot be said that I ought to do so. Of course, if someone were to say that I ought to help to eliminate third world poverty, this is a reasonable ‘ought’ because I can do it. Ought then implies can. The argument proceeds from this presupposition and says that if Eric murders Sam we say that he ought not to have done so. He ought to have done differently – he ought to have refrained from murder. But if determinism is true, then, Eric had no alternative open to him. He was caused by his nature, the laws of physics, and his environment to kill Sam. We cannot therefore say that he ought not to have done it. We cannot expect people to do things that are not within their power to do. Our moral beliefs then presuppose that determinism is false. If we are not free then a morality of oughts and duty is incoherent. Again, we could proceed phenomenologically on this – we are more sure and have more warrant for our oughts than we have for our beliefs in determinism, so moral oughts should over-ride any belief we might be entertaining for determinism. Another argument against determinism says this: if I am caused to inevitably accept the conclusions of an argument then I cannot have been rational to accept the conclusions of the argument. If I am determinist I have to say that my belief in determinism was caused by physical processes. The determinist has to accept that it is true for his opponent. Both are caused by ignorant physical forces to accept their beliefs. But this is self-refuting. The determinist is in effect saying that there is no rationality, so we cannot be rational in accepting or rejecting beliefs. So the consistent determinist cannot say that he is offering reasons for accepting determinism; he must say he is putting in new causal inputs that cause a new belief state to emerge. This seems little better than irrational brain-washing! To conclude: belief in determinism is not warranted. It goes against our fundamental conceptions of ourselves and threatens to make morality meaningless. Moreover, determinism is self-refuting. It says of itself ‘There is no rational reason for accepting me. ’ I cannot rationally accept that which has no rational reason for its justification.

Different Types Of Diversification Strategies Marketing Essay

Different Types Of Diversification Strategies Marketing Essay Expanding a business can be quite hard so business owners and their teams tend to use a diversification strategy to be able to increase their sales and be successful in their expansion. The business diversification strategy is what companies do (increasing the sales volume) in order to increase their profits. The increase in the volume of sales can be done by developing new products and targeting new market. The diversification strategy can be used at the unit level of a business as well as in their corporate level. In a company expansion in unit level of a business, the strategy can be a new segment idea that is related exactly to the existing business. For the corporate level, the new business can be without relation to the existing business. Different Types of Diversification Strategies There are three basic types of diversification strategies that may composed of several plans that range from the designed and development of new products to the licensing of these new technologies. They may also be a combination of these plans with two or more of it included. They are the concentric diversification where the technology stays the same while its marketing plan alters significantly. The technical knowledge is an edge when it comes to this type of strategy. The next one is called horizontal diversification. In this type, the technology used is somehow far from the existing business. Though the new products are not related to the existing ones, the customers who are loyal still patronized the products. This is very effective when a business have many loyal customers. Last but not the least is the lateral diversification. This strategy is almost similar to the horizontal diversification. The only thing that differentiates it from horizontal diversification is that lateral strategy targets new customers instead of targeting their existing loyal customers. Diversifications Advantages and Disadvantages When using the business diversification strategy, you must consider some things to succeed. Diversification can really help businesses achieve its full potential in the market. It helps the company increase their customers by attracting new ones and retaining loyal ones. Furthermore, it enhances the product portfolio of the business by launching products which compliments their existing products in the market. Nevertheless, the company must hire or have sufficient knowledge about diversification so that no problem can arise in the future. The management team of the company must be well trained and educated about the processes that must be followed. Lack of information and knowledge about the latest trend in the market can really be upsetting in your business goals. You must ensure that all are taken care of and you have the ability and capability of handling those things. If not, hire someone who is a professional in this kind of situation. Types of Diversification The different types of diversification strategies include the modernization and development of new products, updating the market, new technology licensing, distribution of products by another company and even the alliance with the said company. The three types of diversification strategies include the concentric, horizontal and conglomerate. Diversification is a method of risk management that involves the change and implementation of different investments stated in a specific portfolio. This is practices because of the rationale that a portfolio containing a variety of investments can yield higher profits and serve as a lower risk to the independent investments in the same portfolio. It is only through investing more securely that the benefits of diversification may be fully reaped. Investment through foreign securities may also reap benefits because of the decreased correlation between local investments. The concentric diversifications specify that there exists similarities between the industries in terms of the technological standpoint. It is through this that the firm may compare and apply its technological know how to an advantage. This is through a careful change or alteration in the marketing strategy performed by the business. This strategy aims to increase the market value of a particular product and therefore gain a higher profit. The horizontal diversification tackles products or services that are in a sense, not related technologically to certain products but still pique the interest of current customers. This strategy is more effective is the current clientele is loyal to the existing products or services, and if the new additions are well priced and adequately promoted. The newest additions are marketed in the same way that the previous ones were which may cause instability. This is because the strategy increases the new products dependence on an existing one. This integration normally occurs when a new business is introduced, however unrelated to the existing. Conglomerate or lateral diversification is where the company or business promotes products or services with no relation commercially or technologically to the existing products or services, however still interest a number of customers. This type of diversification is unique to the current business and may prove quite risky. However, it may also prove very successful since it independently aims to improve on the profit the company accumulates with regards to the new product or service. At times there are certain defensive actions that may promote to the risk of contraction within the market, or that the current product market seems to have no more growth opportunities. This must also be considered before initiating a certain type of diversification strategy. Another factor is the outcome of the chosen diversification strategy. The expected result is expected to generate a profitability growth that will complement the ongoing activities within the company. Diversification strategies are used to expand firms operations by adding markets, products, services, or stages of production to the existing business. The purpose of diversification is to allow the company to enter lines of business that are different from current operations. When the new venture is strategically related to the existing lines of business, it is called concentric diversification. Conglomerate diversification occurs when there is no common thread of strategic fit or relationship between the new and old lines of business; the new and old businesses are unrelated. DIVERSIFICATION IN THE CONTEXT OF GROWTH STRATEGIES Diversification is a form of growth strategy. Growth strategies involve a significant increase in performance objectives (usually sales or market share) beyond past levels of performance. Many organizations pursue one or more types of growth strategies. One of the primary reasons is the view held by many investors and executives that bigger is better. Growth in sales is often used as a measure of performance. Even if profits remain stable or decline, an increase in sales satisfies many people. The assumption is often made that if sales increase, profits will eventually follow. Rewards for managers are usually greater when a firm is pursuing a growth strategy. Managers are often paid a commission based on sales. The higher the sales level, the larger the compensation received. Recognition and power also accrue to managers of growing companies. They are more frequently invited to speak to professional groups and are more often interviewed and written about by the press than are managers of companies with greater rates of return but slower rates of growth. Thus, growth companies also become better known and may be better able, to attract quality managers. Growth may also improve the effectiveness of the organization. Larger companies have a number of advantages over smaller firms operating in more limited markets. Large size or large market share can lead to economies of scale. Marketing or production synergies may result from more efficient use of sales calls, reduced travel time, reduced changeover time, and longer production runs. Learning and experience curve effects may produce lower costs as the firm gains experience in producing and distributing its product or service. Experience and large size may also lead to improved layout, gains in labor efficiency, redesign of products or production processes, or larger and more qualified staff departments (e.g., marketing research or research and development). Lower average unit costs may result from a firms ability to spread administrative expenses and other overhead costs over a larger unit volume. The more capital intensive a business is, the more important its ability to spread costs across a large volume becomes. Improved linkages with other stages of production can also result from large size. Better links with suppliers may be attained through large orders, which may produce lower costs (quantity discounts), improved delivery, or custom-made products that would be unaffordable for smaller operations. Links with distribution channels may lower costs by better location of warehouses, more efficient advertising, and shipping efficiencies. The size of the organization relative to its customers or suppliers influences its bargaining power and its ability to influence price and services provided. Sharing of information between units of a large firm allows knowledge gained in one business unit to be applied to problems being experienced in another unit. Especially for companies relying heavily on technology, the reduction of RD costs and the time needed to develop new technology may give larger firms an advantage over smaller, more specialized firms. The more similar the activities are among units, the easier the transfer of information becomes. Taking advantage of geographic differences is possible for large firms. Especially for multinational firms, differences in wage rates, taxes, energy costs, shipping and freight charges, and trade restrictions influence the costs of business. A large firm can sometimes lower its cost of business by placing multiple plants in locations providing the lowest cost. Smaller firms with only one location must operate within the strengths and weaknesses of its single location. CONCENTRIC DIVERSIFICATION Concentric diversification occurs when a firm adds related products or markets. The goal of such diversification is to achieve strategic fit. Strategic fit allows an organization to achieve synergy. In essence, synergy is the ability of two or more parts of an organization to achieve greater total effectiveness together than would be experienced if the efforts of the independent parts were summed. Synergy may be achieved by combining firms with complementary marketing, financial, operating, or management efforts. Breweries have been able to achieve marketing synergy through national advertising and distribution. By combining a number of regional breweries into a national network, beer producers have been able to produce and sell more beer than had independent regional breweries. Financial synergy may be obtained by combining a firm with strong financial resources but limited growth opportunities with a company having great market potential but weak financial resources. For example, debt-ridden companies may seek to acquire firms that are relatively debt-free to increase the lever-aged firms borrowing capacity. Similarly, firms sometimes attempt to stabilize earnings by diversifying into businesses with different seasonal or cyclical sales patterns. Strategic fit in operations could result in synergy by the combination of operating units to improve overall efficiency. Combining two units so that duplicate equipment or research and development are eliminated would improve overall efficiency. Quantity discounts through combined ordering would be another possible way to achieve operating synergy. Yet another way to improve efficiency is to diversify into an area that can use by-products from existing operations. For example, breweries have been able to convert grain, a by-product of the fermentation process, into feed for livestock. Management synergy can be achieved when management experience and expertise is applied to different situations. Perhaps a managers experience in working with unions in one company could be applied to labor management problems in another company. Caution must be exercised, however, in assuming that management experience is universally transferable. Situations that appear similar may require significantly different management strategies. Personality clashes and other situational differences may make management synergy difficult to achieve. Although managerial skills and experience can be transferred, individual managers may not be able to make the transfer effectively. CONGLOMERATE DIVERSIFICATION Conglomerate diversification occurs when a firm diversifies into areas that are unrelated to its current line of business. Synergy may result through the application of management expertise or financial resources, but the primary purpose of conglomerate diversification is improved profitability of the acquiring firm. Little, if any, concern is given to achieving marketing or production synergy with conglomerate diversification. One of the most common reasons for pursuing a conglomerate growth strategy is that opportunities in a firms current line of business are limited. Finding an attractive investment opportunity requires the firm to consider alternatives in other types of business. Philip Morriss acquisition of Miller Brewing was a conglomerate move. Products, markets, and production technologies of the brewery were quite different from those required to produce cigarettes. Firms may also pursue a conglomerate diversification strategy as a means of increasing the firms growth rate. As discussed earlier, growth in sales may make the company more attractive to investors. Growth may also increase the power and prestige of the firms executives. Conglomerate growth may be effective if the new area has growth opportunities greater than those available in the existing line of business. Probably the biggest disadvantage of a conglomerate diversification strategy is the increase in administrative problems associated with operating unrelated businesses. Managers from different divisions may have different backgrounds and may be unable to work together effectively. Competition between strategic business units for resources may entail shifting resources away from one division to another. Such a move may create rivalry and administrative problems between the units. Caution must also be exercised in entering businesses with seemingly promising opportunities, especially if the management team lacks experience or skill in the new line of business. Without some knowledge of the new industry, a firm may be unable to accurately evaluate the industrys potential. Even if the new business is initially successful, problems will eventually occur. Executives from the conglomerate will have to become involved in the operations of the new enterprise at some point. Without adequate experience or skills (Management Synergy) the new business may become a poor performer. Without some form of strategic fit, the combined performance of the individual units will probably not exceed the performance of the units operating independently. In fact, combined performance may deteriorate because of controls placed on the individual units by the parent conglomerate. Decision-making may become slower due to longer review periods and complicated reporting systems. DIVERSIFICATION: GROW OR BUY? Diversification efforts may be either internal or external. Internal diversification occurs when a firm enters a different, but usually related, line of business by developing the new line of business itself. Internal diversification frequently involves expanding a firms product or market base. External diversification may achieve the same result; however, the company enters a new area of business by purchasing another company or business unit. Mergers and acquisitions are common forms of external diversification. INTERNAL DIVERSIFICATION. One form of internal diversification is to market existing products in new markets. A firm may elect to broaden its geographic base to include new customers, either within its home country or in international markets. A business could also pursue an internal diversification strategy by finding new users for its current product. For example, Arm Hammer marketed its baking soda as a refrigerator deodorizer. Finally, firms may attempt to change markets by increasing or decreasing the price of products to make them appeal to consumers of different income levels. Another form of internal diversification is to market new products in existing markets. Generally this strategy involves using existing channels of distribution to market new products. Retailers often change product lines to include new items that appear to have good market potential. Johnson Johnson added a line of baby toys to its existing line of items for infants. Packaged-food firms have added salt-free or low-calorie options to existing product lines. It is also possible to have conglomerate growth through internal diversification. This strategy would entail marketing new and unrelated products to new markets. This strategy is the least used among the internal diversification strategies, as it is the most risky. It requires the company to enter a new market where it is not established. The firm is also developing and introducing a new product. Research and development costs, as well as advertising costs, will likely be higher than if existing products were marketed. In effect, the investment and the probability of failure are much greater when both the product and market are new. EXTERNAL DIVERSIFICATION. External diversification occurs when a firm looks outside of its current operations and buys access to new products or markets. Mergers are one common form of external diversification. Mergers occur when two or more firms combine operations to form one corporation, perhaps with a new name. These firms are usually of similar size. One goal of a merger is to achieve management synergy by creating a stronger management team. This can be achieved in a merger by combining the management teams from the merged firms. Acquisitions, a second form of external growth, occur when the purchased corporation loses its identity. The acquiring company absorbs it. The acquired company and its assets may be absorbed into an existing business unit or remain intact as an independent subsidiary within the parent company. Acquisitions usually occur when a larger firm purchases a smaller company. Acquisitions are called friendly if the firm being purchased is receptive to the acquisition. (Mergers are usually friendly.) Unfriendly mergers or hostile takeovers occur when the management of the firm targeted for acquisition resists being purchased. DIVERSIFICATION: VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL? Diversification strategies can also be classified by the direction of the diversification. Vertical integration occurs when firms undertake operations at different stages of production. Involvement in the different stages of production can be developed inside the company (internal diversification) or by acquiring another firm (external diversification). Horizontal integration or diversification involves the firm moving into operations at the same stage of production. Vertical integration is usually related to existing operations and would be considered concentric diversification. Horizontal integration can be either a concentric or a conglomerate form of diversification. VERTICAL INTEGRATION. The steps that a product goes through in being transformed from raw materials to a finished product in the possession of the customer constitute the various stages of production. When a firm diversifies closer to the sources of raw materials in the stages of production, it is following a backward vertical integration strategy. Avons primary line of business has been the selling of cosmetics door-to-door. Avon pursued a backward form of vertical integration by entering into the production of some of its cosmetics. Forward diversification occurs when firms move closer to the consumer in terms of the production stages. Levi Strauss Co., traditionally a manufacturer of clothing, has diversified forward by opening retail stores to market its textile products rather than producing them and selling them to another firm to retail. Backward integration allows the diversifying firm to exercise more control over the quality of the supplies being purchased. Backward integration also may be undertaken to provide a more dependable source of needed raw materials. Forward integration allows a manufacturing company to assure itself of an outlet for its products. Forward integration also allows a firm more control over how its products are sold and serviced. Furthermore, a company may be better able to differentiate its products from those of its competitors by forward integration. By opening its own retail outlets, a firm is often better able to control and train the personnel selling and servicing its equipment. Since servicing is an important part of many products, having an excellent service department may provide an integrated firm a competitive advantage over firms that are strictly manufacturers. Some firms employ vertical integration strategies to eliminate the profits of the middleman. Firms are sometimes able to efficiently execute the tasks being performed by the middleman (wholesalers, retailers) and receive additional profits. However, middlemen receive their income by being competent at providing a service. Unless a firm is equally efficient in providing that service, the firm will have a smaller profit margin than the middleman. If a firm is too inefficient, customers may refuse to work with the firm, resulting in lost sales. Vertical integration strategies have one major disadvantage. A vertically integrated firm places all of its eggs in one basket. If demand for the product falls, essential supplies are not available, or a substitute product displaces the product in the marketplace, the earnings of the entire organization may suffer. HORIZONTAL DIVERSIFICATION. Horizontal integration occurs when a firm enters a new business (either related or unrelated) at the same stage of production as its current operations. For example, Avons move to market jewelry through its door-to-door sales force involved marketing new products through existing channels of distribution. An alternative form of horizontal integration that Avon has also undertaken is selling its products by mail order (e.g., clothing, plastic products) and through retail stores (e.g., Tiffanys). In both cases, Avon is still at the retail stage of the production process. DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT TEAMS As documented in a study by Marlin, Lamont, and Geiger, ensuring a firms diversification strategy is well matched to the strengths of its top management team members factored into the success of that strategy. For example, the success of a merger may depend not only on how integrated the joining firms become, but also on how well suited top executives are to manage that effort. The study also suggests that different diversification strategies (concentric vs. conglomerate) require different skills on the part of a companys top managers, and that the factors should be taken into consideration before firms are joined. There are many reasons for pursuing a diversification strategy, but most pertain to managements desire for the organization to grow. Companies must decide whether they want to diversify by going into related or unrelated businesses. They must then decide whether they want to expand by developing the new business or by buying an ongoing business. Finally, management must decide at what stage in the production process they wish to diversify. FURTHER READING: Amit, R., and J. Livnat. A Concept of Conglomerate Diversification. Academy of Management Journal 28 (1988): 59304. Homburg, C., H. Krohmer, and J. Workman. Strategic Consensus and Performance: The Role of Strategy Type and Market-Related Dynamism. Strategic Management Journal 20, 33958. Luxenber, Stan. Diversification Strategy Raises Doubts. National Real Estate Investor, February 2004. Lyon, D.W., and W.J. Ferrier. Enhancing Performance With Product-Market Innovation: The Influence of the Top Management Team. Journal of Managerial Issues 14 (2002): 45269. Marlin, Dan, Bruce T. Lamont, and Scott W. Geiger. Diversification Strategy and Top Management Team Fit. Journal of Managerial Issues, Fall 2004, 361. Munk, N. How Levis Trashed a Great American Brand. Fortune, 12 April 1999, 830. St. John, C., and J. Harrison, Manufacturing-Based Relatedness, Synergy, and Coordination. Strategic Management Journal 20 (1999): 12945.

Why the French Revolution was Just :: essays research papers

Louis exclaimed 'Why, this is a revolt.' 'No Sire,' replied the duke, 'It is a revolution.' These words were uttered by the duke and King Louis XVI when the peasants revolted into the Bastille. You may ask did the peasants have a right to do this to the king and the country of France. Yes, the peasants had a right and this is why the French Revolution was just. The 3rd estate was severely in poverty, even to the extent of on the verge of death. The poverty was so severe it can be considered fatal. The king treated the 3rd estate like crap. The 3rd estate was taxed heavily and was left hungry most of the time. Food was scarce and most of the time people were fighting even for the smallest scraps of food. The 3rd estate was forced into poverty so severely that they had no other option except to revolt and start a revolution, known as the French Revolution. A main reason why mostly peasants and people in the 3rd estate fought over food was because of the winter of 1788-1789. During this time, France experienced a heavy drought and much of the wheat and yeast used to bake bread was destroyed. This left a scarcity of the most eaten food in all of France. The price of bread soared over 600% what it used to be. A loaf of bread would be about $600 in time. This lead to an increase of crime and theft. This left many people hungry and starving. There were constant brawls and fights over scraps of bread. Louis XVI and Maria Antoinette ate all the bread they want. They did not give a darn about any of the people starving and begging for any kind of food outside their luxurious castle. They just sat there wasting money and eating all they want. This lead the 3rd estate down a road they had been before. The ?slaves? of the king and the tax payers. Taxes were so severe that the 3rd estate could hardly keep up. The king charged the 3rd estate with tax after tax. He taxed them just for they could spend it on some other ridiculous item for themselves. The king knew that the 3rd estate didn?t have the money to spare on taxes, but King Louis XVI did not care. Unfortunately, the taxes were put on the people who had the least amount of money, when the taxes should have been put on everyone in France in an equal way.