Lou Gehrig

The sport of baseball has produced some legendary, iconic players since its inception in the late 1800s. However, there is one particular legend that stands out from the rest: Lou Gehrig. Lou Gehrig was one of baseball’s greats, had a record setting career and a life claimed by a disease bearing his name. When Lou benched himself in 1939, nobody, including himself, imagined he would be dead in just two short years. Lou Gehrig was born June 19, 1903 to Heinrich and Christina Gehrig, German immigrants. They made their home in Yorkville, in the Upper East Side of New York City and eventually moved to upper Manhattan when Lou was four. Shortly after settling in their new home, Lou received his first baseball glove, a catcher’s mitt, for Christmas at the age of five. At the park across the street from the Gehrig home, Lou would play baseball with the older children in the neighborhood. Even though Lou was only six, he was comparable in size to the other children as he was big and strong; a very husky fellow but very shy. Like the older children, Lou would arise at five each morning and play baseball in the park until it was time to go to school. In this park is where it began for Lou Gehrig (Hubler, 1941). By the time Lou entered Commerce High School he was a big, burly young man weighing nearly two hundred pounds with extremely broad shoulders. In the park, he could hit a baseball further than anyone around. However, Lou did not participate in baseball as a school sport; he considered himself an ordinary neighborhood sandlot player. At some point during Lou’s high school career, classmates told his teacher about how far he could hit a baseball. After hearing this information, the teacher demanded Lou show up at one of the scheduled high school baseball games. Lou did show up, heard all of the cheering, turned around, and went directly home. Lou was so terrified that he literally ran away from his first high school baseball game. The next day his teacher demanded that Lou show up for the next game and threatening a failing grade if he did not show up. Lou Gehrig was forever grateful for the teacher’s threat that day (Macht, 1993). Lou’s parents wanted him to attend college even though he wanted to work and earn money for the family. Fortunately, Christina worked for a fraternity house at Columbia University managed by the university’s athletic director. Because of this working relationship and a tremendous amount of studying, Columbia offered Lou an athletic scholarship and he accepted. Before the baseball season started, someone had advised Lou to go to Connecticut to play for Eastern League, a professional team, to gain more experience and he would be paid to play. While playing for the Eastern League, the Columbia University baseball coach discovered that Lou was playing professionally and therefore breaching his contract with Columbia. Lou was not allowed to play his entire freshman year as a consequence of breaching his contract (Macht, 1993). By Lou’s sophomore year at Columbia, his fielding was erratic but his hitting improved with much practice. He was dangerous and extremely wild as a pitcher and terrible in the outfield. Finally the manager placed Lou at first base where he needed only to catch direct throws or scoop up ground balls. His hitting continued to evolve and he was hitting the ball more than 420 feet. During this time at Columbia, professional league teams were taking notice of Lou and making offers. It was not until his mother fell ill that he accepted a $1500 bonus to join the New York Yankees and dropped out of Columbia University after two years (Hubler, 1941). The new Yankee immediately became frustrated with his newfound job. He practiced with the team, watched the other players, worked out in the bullpen and everything in between. However, he never played in a game. Finally, after several weeks of warming the bench, the Yankees manager called on Lou to pinch-hit for the pitcher during a game at Washington. He struck out. A few days later, during at game with St. Louis, Lou was sent to the plate again and hit a line drive for a double. The Yankee’s manager knew that Lou needed more playing exerpeience and decided to send him to Hartford, Connecticut, to play with the Hartford Club (Macht, 1993). Lou’s time in Hartford proved to be beneficial. In the short time he was there, he hit 69 home runs in 59 games. In September, the Yankee’s first baseman injured his ankle. The Yankees immediately sent for Lou to take injured first baseman’s place. Lou was finally in the Yankee’s line-up. The Yankees went on to win the pennant that season and for the third year in a row they were in the World Series. However, Lou had joined the Yankee line-up too late in the season. He was not eligible to play in the Series unless the opposing team’s manager would allow him to do so. Unfortunately, the manager of the opposition refused the request and Lou warmed the bench as he watched his team win the World Series for the first time. The 1927 season brought baseballs greatest team: The New York Yankees. The first six batters in the Yankee’s order made up Murderer’s Row with Babe Ruth in the 3rd position and Lou in the 4th or â€Å"clean-up† position. According to The 1927 NY Yankees (2011) the Yankees were â€Å"Graced with the batting phenomenon pair of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig† (1927-Murderers’ Row, para. 2). Even though Babe Ruth had the most home runs during the 1927 season, Lou had the highest batting average of anyone on the famed Murderer’s Row. The Yankees went on to win 110 games and swept the Pirates in the World Series. The 1927 season also brought somewhat of a slugfest between Lou and the Babe. The fest was never anything but friendly between the two as they cheered each other on through the season. This slugfest was a brutal neck-and-neck, back-and-forth home run race. At times the two of them (sometimes referred to as the â€Å"Twins†) tied in home run hits, times when the Babe was ahead of Lou and other times when Lou was ahead of the Babe. This activity continued for nearly the entire 1927 season. During the last month of the season, Lou could not keep up with the Babe and eventually he fell behind him in the home run race. Lou ended the season with 47 home runs. Lou Gehrig had an astounding career with many achievements and records during his time with the New York Yankees. He played 2,130 consecutive games with the Yankees between the years of 1925 and 1939. This record stood for 56 years until it was broken in 1995. He became the first American League player to hit four homeruns in one game, won the Triple Crown in 1934 and inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 (CMG Worldwide, 2003). Lou currently holds several records in the world of baseball including Major League and team records for the New York Yankees. First, Major League records currently held by Lou Gehrig are four home run hits in one game, most grand slams (23) in a career, most runs batted in by a lefthander in one season, most seasons with 100+ runs batted in consecutively and most seasons with 150+ runs batted in consecutively (Baseball Almanac, Inc 2000-2011). Additionally, the current New York Yankees team records held by Lou include grand slams (23), hits resulting in double bases (534), hits resulting in triple bases (163), and runs batted in (1,995). Lou also holds several of the number two spots in the Yankees record books including second highest batting average, hits, home runs by a lefthander, on base percentage, runs scored, slugging average, and total bases (Baseball Almanac, Inc. 2000-2011). To say that Lou Gehrig had a good career with the Yankees is an understatement. The 1938 season brought some changes for Lou Gehrig. He was off to a slow start at the beginning and was not hitting like usual. By summertime several players from other teams were noticing that Lou was walking and running like an old man. It was also noted by some pitchers that Lou’s reflexes seemed to be slow, and although he was swinging the bat as hard as he always had, the balls were not going nearly as far. By the end of the season his batting average was down to .295. Lou had higher expectations of himself considering his .351 average the season before (Macht, 1993). In early 1939 Lou was determined to bounce back for the upcoming season but he was developing more trouble physically. He had fallen while fishing, had problems stepping off curbs, and small items would fall out of his hands. Finally, even thou Lou would not admit something was seriously wrong, in June he visited the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he underwent numerous tests. On June 19, 1939, his 36th birthday, his doctor gave him the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that attacks the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles (Hubler, 1941). Today this disease is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Lou benched himself May 2, 1939, just days prior to his diagnosis and never played for the Yankees again. By the spring of 1941 Lou was bedridden and started to have trouble breathing. Eleanor and her mother took care of Lou around the clock. By this time he could not swallow anything other than pureed food. On Monday, June 2, 17 days before his 38th birthday and exactly 16 years to the day he took over first base for the New York Yankees, Lou Gehrig passed way in his New York home with his family by his side including his devoted dog, Yankee (Macht, 1993). Lou Gehrig is a legend; a baseball icon. He was known as a decent, humble, shy and courageous man on and off the baseball field. He set many records during his career and faced his debilitating disease with nothing but courage. There will never be a number four Yankee’s jersey to grace a baseball field again because that number was for the one and only: Lou Gehrig.

Mla Sex Education

Sex Education is Necessary in High-School Does sex education encourage sex? According to Benjamin Spock the author of Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care, â€Å"Many parents are afraid that talking about sex with their teenagers will be taken as permission for the teen to have sex. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, the more children learn about sexuality from talking with their parents and teachers and reading accurate books, the less they feel compelled to find out for themselves. † Before 1910 there is no recollection of the history of sex education.We managed as people to â€Å"replicate† ourselves very well for decades and absolutely nowhere near our level of family disruption. In 1915 the first of anyone who introduced a significant change in all of this was Margaret Sanger [The founder of Planned Parenthood, the largest promoter of sex education and abortion in the U. S. and in the world. ] She wrote, What Every Boy And Girl Should Know. Sex Education should be taught in High-Schools because the research on sex education has shown that the prevention programs have a high affect on behaviors and they help achieve positive health impacts.It has helped reduce the frequency of sex, new number of sex partners, and also the unprotected sex mishaps which are increasing the use of condoms and contraception’s (â€Å"Sex Education†). About every year over 800,000 pregnancies and young adults under the age 25 experience about 9. 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (â€Å"Effective Sex Education†). Criticize that by age 18, 70 percent of U. S. females and about 62% of males have engaged in sexual intercourse.In the program no abstinence-only-until-marriage has shown results that they help teens to be able to delay in engaging in sexual intercourse or to at least protect themselves when they actually do engage in sex (â€Å"Effective Sex Education†). Sex education and HIV/STI prevention prog rams do not increase rates of sexual engagement, and do not lower the age at which youth engages them in sex, and they do not increase the number of sex partners and the frequency of sex among young adults.But do consider that between the 90s and 2004 the U. S teen birthrate fell from 62 to 41 per 1000 female teens. Experts say that 75 percent of the decline is due to increased contraceptives and 25 percent in to being abstinence of sexual intercourse. Others might say contraceptives and abstinence are very equal, but regardless contraceptives have been very critical to reducing the teenage pregnancy (â€Å"Abma et al†).Some might say that parents should teach their teenagers about sexual intercourse or to at least talk to them about it, but some will say that it is easier for someone who actually knows what they are talking about such as a sex education classes to give the reasons of why being abstinence is more important than being sexually active because teenagers tend not to listen to their parents they would rather listen to their peers and the society. Also consider that some teenagers don’t like to be embarrassed especially when talking about their gender based anatomy.But what they don’t know is that classes are gender exclusive, which saves the embarrassment amongst their peers and teaches them only what is necessary for their gender. If taught properly sex education could become a regular course such as the human anatomy and biological science are taught as high school credits that go towards their graduating credits. If students are taught the correct terms of reproductive systems, sexually transmitted diseases and birth contraceptives instead of the â€Å"street lingo† and the appropriate sexual education can have such an impact on preventing the sexual problems in adulthood.As for the Planned Parenthood issue it just â€Å"promotes comprehensive sex education in schools and for school-aged youth as an important way- al ong with parental guidance- to help young people lead sexually healthy and responsible lives†(â€Å"Sex Education in Schools†). Advise that parents and teachers do have doubts about the sexually education but Planned Parenthood just helps assist schools in developing and delivering medically accurate, age-appropriate sex education curriculum, so teens just don’t learn things beyond their age maturity.Although about 13% of U. S. teens have had sex by the age of 15, most of them initiate in sex in their late teen years. By their 19th birthday, 7 in 10 teen men and women have had intercourse (Abma et al). Between the years of 1988 and 2006-2010, the proportion of never-married teens aged 15-17 who had ever engaged in sexual intercourse declined from 37% to 27% among females and from 50% to 28% among males. Conclude that during the same period, among teens aged 8-19, declined from 73% to 63% among females and 77% to 64% among males (Martinez G et al).Experts at the G uttmatcher Institute say 86% of the decline in the teen pregnancy rate between 1995 and 2002 was the result of dramatic improvements in contraceptive use, including increases of teens using a single method of contraception’s and increase of using multiple methods simultaneously and a substantial decline in nonuse. But only 14% of the decline is attributable to the decrease in sexual activity (â€Å"Facts on American Teens’ Sources of Information About Sex†).Public school systems have been implementing sexual education into their classrooms as a regular part of instruction for decades. The controversy are very abundant and when dealing with such delicate issues and there are many pros and cons to the sexual education being taught in the public schools. It seems that most parents are either strongly against or strongly in favor of sexual education classes, but very few parents are in the middle ground. But in fact there are more parents that are actually in favor of sexual education classes.As the result of polls they have estimated that less than 7% of the population does not believe that sexual education should be requirement in schools (â€Å"Pros and Cons†). As of 93% who are actually in favor of the subject matter that are as part of the regular curriculum such as when teens take human anatomy and physiology or biology the classes are very similar to sexual education but as sexual education tends to be more based to the diseases, STD’s. But as the 7% of the parents/teachers that are disagreeing to the class are considering more of the cons aspect than what good it could possibly do.Such as being aware of his or her own family or religious beliefs and values and know their child’s intellect and maturity levels, or the myths surrounding the intercourse can be dispelled (such as not being able to get pregnant the first time) (â€Å"Pros and Cons†). But even when these such classes are available the sexual educat ion are taught as a brief interlude during a physical education or a health class which in reality is not long enough to relate such serious material.Also the teachers are not always trained how to properly teach sexual education courses and may transgress their own beliefs and morals into the subject matter rather than sticking with the facts. But what parents/teachers are ignorant to even just a class of appropriate sexual education can have an impact on preventing sexual problems in adulthood, studies show that many teenagers become sexually active before the inclusion of the educational classes.Early inclusion of classes has proven to help student remain either abstinent or to at least be responsible if they are active (Parker). Conclude that the idea of schools and the state have a responsibility to teach young people about sex is a peculiarly modern one. The rise of sex education to a regular place in the school curriculum in the United States and Western Europe is not, howeve r, simply a story of modern enlightenment breaking through a heritage of repression and ignorance.The movements of sex education can be understood through several related angles: as part of larger struggles in the modern era over who determines the sexual morality of the coming generation; as part of the persistent tendency to view adolescence especially adolescent sexuality (â€Å"Sex Education†). Sex education has always been shaped by its historical context. Much to the distress of sex educators, young people do not simply memorize their school lessons and apply them perfectly.But all in all sexual education to an understanding and despite the educators’ moralistic tone, sex education met immediate opposition. Sexual education has very well statistics being taught in school when relating it to the pregnancies and more teens being aware of the contraceptives and condom use has proven/ shown fewer percentages of sexual activity, and new numbers of sex partners and few er less mishaps of unprotected sex mishaps.

Brexit Essay - Aceyourpaper.com

Brexit Essay Table of Contents 1. Titles 2. Topics 3. Outline 4. Abstract 5. Thesis Statement 6. Introduction 7. Body of Essay 8. Conclusion 9. Works Cited Potential Titles The Potential Effects of Brexit on the European Union Why Did the UK Voters Approve Brexit? Developing Post-Brexit Trade with the European Union Topics The Economic and Political Impact of Brexit The International Implications of Brexit Should the UK Reconsider Its Brexit Decision? The Pros and Cons of the Brexit Decision Outline I.   Abstract II.   Introduction III.   Body A.   Background and overview B.   Immediate after effect of Brexit vote C.   What the future holds IV.   Conclusion Abstract In June 2016, voters in the United Kingdom approved the so-called â€Å"Brexit† referendum, signaling the withdrawal of the British Commonwealth from the European Union. Although a number of economic indicators experienced a short-term downturn after the Brexit vote, most indicators have returned to their pre-Brexit levels and some have even improved. There are also other signs that the devastating consequences of the Brexit initiative will not materialize and there is a growing consensus that even if the UK does experience some challenges in the post-Brexit era, things are not doing to be as bad as predicted. To gain a better understanding of what has already happened and what experts predict for the future, this essay on brexit provides an overview of the Brexit referendum, a summary of the events that have followed its approval by UK voters and a summary of the research and important findings concerning the future for the UK and the EU in the conclusion. Thesis Statement To gain a better understanding of what has already happened and what experts predict for the future, this essay provides an overview of the Brexit referendum, a summary of the events that have followed its approval by UK voters and a summary of the research and important findings concerning the future for the UK and the EU in the conclusion. Title:   Brexit a Half Year Later Introduction It has been more than 9  months since 51.9% of the voters in the United Kingdom elected to leave the European Union (EU) in the now-famous â€Å"Brexit† referendum and in spite what some critics said at the time, the sky has not fallen. Despite some initial negative fallout and jittery reactions from many EU member-states, things appear to have resumed some semblance of normalcy and some economic indicators have even improved. To determine what has happened and what the future holds for the UK, this paper reviews the relevant literature to provide a brief overview of the Brexit referendum followed by recent events that have followed its approval by UK voters. Finally, a summary of the research and important findings concerning the future for the UK and the EU are provided in the conclusion. Background and Overview When the results of the Brexit vote became known on June 23, 2016, the reaction on the part of UK voters and the EU was first a mixture of shock, dismay, fear and even anger (Jasper, 2016). For example, some representative articles and headlines that followed the Brexit vote include:   Brexit earthquake has happened, and the rubble will take years to clear†; â€Å"The Week Britains Brexit Earthquake Shook The World; â€Å"Brexit economic shock equivalent to natural disaster, says OECD†; â€Å"Earthquake in Europe and â€Å"Brexit An Earthquake† (as cited in Jasper, 2016, p. 17). After the dust actually settled and the nervous reactions to the Brexit vote turned to grudging acceptance, many economic indicators in the UK including employment have returned to their pre-Brexit levels and in some cases have since exceeded them as discussed further below. Immediate aftereffects of the Brexit vote The â€Å"earthquake† predicted by many analysts for the UK post-Brexit has simply not materialized. In this regard, Halligan (2016) emphasizes that: Theres very little sign of the predicted post-Brexit economic crisis. To the shock of many not least business titans who bankrolled the Remain campaign the instant collapse doesnt seem to be happening. The UK economy is, for now at least, taking Brexit in its stride. (p. 3)   Indeed, in the month following the Brexit vote, there were more than 150,000 more job listings in the UK than in the same month in 2015 (Halligan, 2016). Likewise, Bowler (2017) agrees that the negative economic impact predicted by many analysts post-Brexit has not materialized. For example, Bowler points out that, â€Å"Before the referendum last June, many economists produced gloomy forecasts which have since been proved wrong. Consumers confidence has not suffered, and by and large, things have gone on as before† (para. 4).. Another reason for the return to relative normalcy in the UK and EU has been the growing realization that the UK is not going to withdraw from the EU anytime soon. Despite the results of the Brexit referendum, the UK parliament is not legally required to automatically trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin formal proceedings for withdrawal from the EU and the only pressure do to so will come from the mandate of the referendum vote. For instance, Brooks (2016) emphasizes that, â€Å"In law, a referendum result is advisory on Parliament but not binding. Parliament need do nothing at all legally† (p. 2). In addition, even assuming that a revocation initiative does not overturn the Brexit referendum, it will likely be years and perhaps even a decade or more before all of the negotiations to fully effect the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Indeed, according to Castle (2016), the trade negotiations that are involved in the Brexit initiative are highly complex and conte ntious and resolving these issues may require another decade with no guarantee of a successful outcome. Many authorities agree, though, that the stakes are too high for the EU to adopt an uncompromising or belligerent approach to post-Brexit trade negotiations with the UK. As Hodges (2017) recently pointed out: Its entirely conceivable that a soft Brexit, in which Britain maintains many of our existing EU trading and regulatory relationships, could be made to work. Its even possible that, with a bit of luck and skilful negotiation, a hard Brexit, involving a much looser trading framework, could also be sustainable. (2017, p. 41) As can be readily discerned from the data shown in Figure 1 below, the UK’s retail sales index has experienced gains in the post-Brexit climate: Figure 1. Retail sales index: 2006-2017 Source: Hodges, 2017 Likewise, another reason for the return of calm to the European continent has been the recognition that despite its importance to the EU, the loss of the UK is not its death knell. Indeed, the EU has become a formidable economic entity in its own right and it is reasonable to suggest that member-states that share the continent overwhelmingly view the arrangement as being in their best interests. In this regard, Headley (2016) emphasizes that, â€Å"Even after Britains departure, the remaining European Union of 27 members, added to the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein) and the special arrangements with Switzerland, will still be the worlds largest economic entity† (p. 8). What the future holds Taken together, it is clear that both the EU and the UK will survive the Brexit referendum and both will perhaps even prosper as a result (Headley, 2016). It is also clear, though, that when and if the UK finalizes its withdrawal from the EU, both will be compelled to make substantive changes, or as Headley (2016) puts it, to â€Å"reinvent themselves† (p. 11). While the EU will remain the largest economic entity in the world for the foreseeable future, though, the outlook for the UK is less clear. While it will remain an important member of NATO and close military ally of the U.S., the UK is faced with forging a new identity that will by need be fundamentally different than what many citizens have known all their lives. For instance, according to Brooks (2016), â€Å"Britain must do much more than leave it must figure out what it will be† (p. 27). Fortunately for the UK, the enormous time and effort spent in formulating the wide range of laws and policies that have contributed to the EU’s success to date also mean that the UK can freely pick and choose what it likes best from the lot and adapt them for its own unique circumstances. In this regard, Brooks (2016) concludes that, â€Å"Weve been promised the good laws will stay but be made British and the bad ones will go† (p. 27). Notwithstanding the promise this oppo rtunity holds for the UK, this process too will take a significant amount of time and the outcome for the UK remains less certain today (Brooks, 2016). Conclusion The results of the Brexit referendum on June 23, 2016 confounded analysts and pundits who confidently but inaccurately predicted that voters in the UK would never leave the security of the European Union. The research showed, though, that despite some initial economic fallout as a result of the vote, things have returned to their pre-Brexit levels and some economic indicators have even improved. Some of the reasons for this return to normalcy include the amount of time that will be required to formally effect the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and the growing realization on the part of UK voters that the outcome can actually benefit them given enough time and attention to post-Brexit issues, including most especially the selection of which EU laws and policies will remain in place. We hope this example Brexit essay  will provide you with a template or guideline in helping you write your own paper on this topic.   You are free to use any information, sources, or topics, titles, or ideas provided in this essay as long as you properly cite the information in your paper and on your reference page. Works Cited /  Sources Bowler, T. (2017, March 28). How has the economy fared since the Brexit vote? BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36956418. Brooks, T. (2016, September 9). So Brexit means Brexit, does it? I dont think so. The Journal (Newcastle, England), 27. Castle, S. (2016, December 15). Brexit talks could stretch 10 years, British official warns. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/15/world/europe/ brexit-talks-could-stretch-10-years-british-official-warns.html?_r=0. Halligan, L. (2016, July 23). The Brexit bust that wasnt. The Spectator, 3. Headley, S. (2016, September-October). Europe after the British exit: Demise or reinvention? New Zealand International Review, 41(5), 7-11. Hodges, D. Kamikaze Brexit; DAN HODGES POLITICAL COMMENTATOR OF THE YEAR Brace Yourselves! Leadsom and Her Ultras Have Been Handed the Controls and Were Zooming towards A. Contributors: Not available. Newspaper title: The Mail on Sunday (London, England). Publication date: March 26, 2017. Page number: 41. Jasper, W. F. (2016, August 8). Brexit: Rejecting globalism. The New American, 32(15), 17-21.

Difficulty of Predicting Terror Attacks in the United States Essay

Difficulty of Predicting Terror Attacks in the United States - Essay Example The paper explores the reasons that make the prediction of terror attacks in the United States a difficult affair. Difficulty of Predicting Terror Attacks in the United States Introduction Modern times have witnessed a transformation of terror groups into barbaric and more determined groups. The present terrorism model differs from the previous models as it is characterized by loosely articulated political objectives, indiscriminate attacks, and efforts to attain maximum psychological and social disruption. The differentiations between the present and past models have left serious gaps in preventing and disrupting terror attacks. This has come in the backdrop of a growing Islamic resentment of the United States, which has become entrenched within the world. The significance of understanding terrorism in the United States was heightened in the wake of 9/11 attacks. America’s sense of immunity to large-scale terrorist attacks within its own borders suffered a massive blow with 9 /11 attacks. The attacks were a traumatic awakening to America. The success of the 9/11 attacks was grounded in three prominent capabilities that terror organizations such as Al-Qaeda still retain. These include the capability to exploit vulnerabilities of the enemy, effective employment of deception, and the application of suicide attacks to enhance success (Bullock, Haddow & Coppola, 2012). Despite the focus, little is known about general patterns of terror attacks within the U.S. Terrorists have honed their capability to gather intelligence, employ technology, and identify security gaps. As a result, predicting terrorist activities has become a tall order. Making assessments on future likelihood or consequences of terror attack is in essence an elusive undertaking (Pillar, 2011). This is mainly compounded by the fact that there are limited statistical data detailing terrorist attacks from which to parameterize terrorism risk. Besides, relevant variables influencing terror underta kings such as target type, weapon type, and target (geographical) location are hard to pin point. Terrorist threat is perpetually changing in ways that make it dangerous and difficult to counter. While most terrorist activities were traditionally confined in conflict- prone areas, especially in the last decade, terrorist activities have attained a global dimension. The main focus of terror attacks centre on inflicting massive civilian casualties and causing lasting economic damage. This propels the urgency in attaining capability to predict and pre-empt such attacks (Forest, 2007). The impact of terrorist attacks in the society has been so severe to the extent of becoming imperative to predict and disrupt the attacks. Most of the successful terrorist attacks exhibit common features such as meticulous long-term planning, cautious target selection, access to destruction means, and effective support in terms of logistics. The overriding question in those circles is not if but when. Irr espective of the mode and scale of attack, few Americans doubt that time is quickly running out. Nevertheless, this view tends to be contestable and may even be exaggerated. It is difficult or even impossible to predict terrorist intentions. Indexing of potential terrorist attacks is based on criteria such as motivation of terrorists, presence of terror groups, efficacy of the groups in undertaking terror acts, the scale and frequency of previous

Literature Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Literature Research Paper - Essay Example As the stories begin, both the protagonists, Calixta of â€Å"The Storm† and Edna of â€Å"The Awakening† are trapped in the confines of domesticity, however awareness of its confines slowly begins to dawn in both of them. In â€Å"The Storm† Calixta is busy with her domestic chores, â€Å"sewing furiously on a sewing machine†, until the storm starts brewing. â€Å"Suddenly realizing the situation† she goes about shutting doors (www.ablongman.com). The storm symbolizes the spur that jogs her into a new awareness. In a similar manner, Mademoiselle Reisz serves as the spur that jogs Edna into awareness, especially as contrasted with Madame Ratignole who is repressed and conservative and is described as the â€Å"bygone heroine of romance† (Chopin 888). As opposed to this, Madame Ratignole is â€Å"the embodiment of womanly grace and charm† but her race is also known for â€Å"their entire absence of prudery† (Chopin 889). In inter acting with Madame Ratignole, Edna becomes conscious of a vague dissatisfaction with her life and the narrowness of her upbringing, desiring to be as sensual as Madame Ratignole instead. This initial awareness leads both the protagonists into a sexual encounter. As Calixta gathers up the sheet she has been sewing, she appears to be unconsciously dispensing with the outward signs of her domesticity and submitting herself to the wildness of the storm raging outside. When Alcee gathers her into his arms, she looks up at him and the â€Å"fear in her liquid blue eyes had given place to a drowsy gleam that unconsciously betrayed a sensuous desire.†( www.ablongman.com). Edna’s awareness also leads her into a sexual encounter, and this is described as a light which begins to â€Å"dawn dimly within her – the light which, showing the way, forbids it.† (Chopin 893). This reveals the inner conflict which the sexual encounter generates in Edna, the path to independence lies revealed to her, yet it is not one encouraged by

Strategic Managment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strategic Managment - Assignment Example It involves the mission, vision and objectives of the company and also the policies and plans that are made to achieve these objectives. Strategic management helps the company to decide about allocating resources and plans in different programs and projects (Sadler, 2003). Our question asks us to discuss and analyse the strategic capabilities of HSBC and Oman International Bank during their merger in Oman. While applying a suitable theory from the strategic management context, we have selected the SWOT analysis framework for the given case study and in the following sections we will be discussing about the various strength, weakness, opportunity and threats aspect of these organizations. HSBC has operated in Oman since 1948 and has decided to merge its Oman branch with Oman international bank. Strategic capability and strength of HSBC in the merger can be stated as the opportunity the bank will get to invest $97.4 million additional capital in a key economy like Oman in gulf. As HSBC is present over there for 60 years in Oman thus they have recognized that this merger as a opportunity which will provide them with lots of opportunities in Oman. On the other side, OIB is the fifth largest bank is Oman who had gross assets of $3.2 billion at the end of December. The strength of the merger with HSBC Oman will provide the company with huge additional capital and the 60 years of operating experience of HSBC and the merger will not effect on the listing of OIB on Muscat Securities Market. The weakness of HSBC Oman before the merger is that HSBC has lack of opportunity and the weakness of OIB is that it is in the fifth position in the country and has lack of potential staffs. This merger will create the largest bank in Oman. Question 2 Identification and Critical evaluation of the change management style that I think is appropriate for the new organization Change management can be defined as an approach which is used in transitioning any team, company or any individual to change it in a desired state. It is a systematic approach which deals with the change from both side of a company and individual. Change management has different aspects which includes adapting the change, controlling change and effecting change (Anderson, 2010). From the aspect of this case, I will like to relate it with the view point of Kurt Lewin’s change management style. The theory is also known as the Unfreeze, Change, Freeze or refreezes (Liu, 2011). Unfreezing stage is the most important stage in change management. It indicates that the company should be ready to change. It involves the understanding regarding changes. The first step involves moving a department or individual or entire business organization towards the motivation that change is necessary to survive in this ever changing competitive environment. The second stage refers to the step towards transition. Because change is not event, it is a everyday process. Transition is the internal movement towards the change. It means the company is unfrozen and moving towards a new form. Strong skills and support is necessary in this stage in the form of training and guiding. Same in case of HSBC bank Oman SOAG, new company needs this change strategy to unfreeze itself to proceed

Employee Involvement and Employee Participation Essay

Employee Involvement and Employee Participation - Essay Example However, the increase of competition in all industries worldwide resulted to severe turbulences in most firms’ internal and external environment. In this context, efforts are made so that the interests of employees are adequately promoted ensuring that job satisfaction and employee performance are at high levels. Moreover, emphasis is given on the involvement of employees in all organizational activities. The modes of employee participation and employee involvement, as these terms reflect different aspects of the employment relationship, are analyzed below. Particular reference is made to shared capitalism which is often regarded as a form of employee involvement. Employee involvement is differentiated from employee participation. In order to understand the characteristics of these two terms it would be necessary to refer to their definitions, as they have been developed in the literature published in this field. In accordance with Foot and Hook (2008) employee involvement is used in order to reflect the right of employee to participation in various phases of organizational activities. It is explained that the above right is provided to employees in order for their engagement and productivity to be increased (Foot and Hook 2008). On the other hand, Secord (2003) defined employee involvement as ‘a range of processes designed to engage the support, understanding and optimum contribution of all employees in an organization’ (Secord 2003, p.231). From a similar point of view, Cummings and Worley (2008) note that employee involvement reflects ‘the participation of employees in various organizational decisions’ (Cummings and Worley 2008, p. 350). The cases of Wells Fargo and Verizon as mentioned as examples of the potential effects of employee involvement in organizational decisions. It is explained that the above organizations supported employee involvement, by encouraging their employees to suggest practices that would help towards the increase of organizational performance. In accordance with Kirkman, Lowe and Young (1999) employee involvement can have three levels: ‘a) the parallel suggestion involvement, b) the job involvement and c) the high involvement, or, else, empowerment’ (Kirkman, Lowe and Young 1999, p.4). The mode of employee involvement promoted within a particular organization is depended on the organization’s culture but also on its aims. Employee involvement, as described above, is differentiated from employee participation, a term used in order to describe the regulation of employment relationship by the state. Of course, employee participation can also refer to empowerment and participation in decision-making but it refers to these activities as related rather to industrial democracy, i.e. for highlighting a right given by the state, as for instance, the collective bargaining right (Evans 2001). In accordance with Rose (2008) employee participation can be defined as Ã¢â‚¬Ë œthe extent to which employees and their representatives should and do enter into joint decision making with management’ (Rose 2008, p.335). Winstanley and Woodall (2000) note that since 1980s the context of employee participation has been changed; in its new form, the term employee participation is used in order to show the increase of employee commitment as a means for promoting organizational change. In any case employee involvement often incorporates the elements of employee parti

Trail of Tears Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Trail of Tears - Essay Example Their journey did not end there. Next, they followed an old trail to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and continued to the Ohio River. From there they began crossing into southern Illinois near the mouth of the Cumberland. The death suffered by this innocent nation is staggering. One of every 4 Cherokee died on this forced journey. The journey was named the "trail of tears" because of all the death experienced and witnessed by the Cherokee. Perhaps the most compelling part of this piece was the story of Tsali. Tsali made the ultimate sacrifice. Knowing full well that he would be killed, he fought back and ultimately surrendered after killing two men. Indeed, he was a hero. His story is one that this piece takes pride in without over stating the point. Whether we wish to or not, we are forced to visualize this period through the prose presented by Brown. She allows the reader to understand that the "Trail of tears" is not just a hokey title to some sad group. It was an atrocity that made that trail and we ought to know it and know it well.

Organizational Terminology and Concepts Paper Essay

Organizational Terminology and Concepts Paper - Essay Example Organizations these days strive to inculcate a healthy organizational culture that is composed of a diverse workforce with fair treatment of employees, enthusiasm towards work, equal distribution of rewards on the basis of performance, equal opportunities, right policies and investment in development of employees (Ulrich, 1996). It would be correct to say that leadership of the organization has the most impact on an organization’s culture and the practices and norms flow from upwards. An honest leader who prefers fairness in all acts would produce honest diligent and friendly managers while a Machiavellian leader would produce the same crop of employees under him. Organizational Behavior Organizational behavior is the study of behavior or practices exhibited by employees in the organization, it simplifies the relationship between organization and the employee with emphasis on enhanced relationships between individuals, teams, departments and the whole organization ultimately c ontributing to the fulfillment of individual, departmental or organizational goals and objectives. Organizational behavior drives the organizational culture and is itself regulated by organizational values and policies. Based on the organizational behavior certain motivation techniques are designed within the organization sometimes based on rewards and sometimes on authority and power. The most known organizational behavior models prevalent in organizations today are autocratic, informal, supportive and collegial. While different organizations use different techniques and relationship models amongst its practices in workforce, it is a collective agreement that the field of organizational behavior is a collection of many fields including sociology, psychology, communication and management.  By applying certain methodologies and techniques from these fields professionals belonging to the field understand, predict and manage the human behavior in the organization (Ulrich, 2009). A su ccessful leader understands its workforce and the required motivators that drive and motivate them to do the best for the organization and achieve objectives with a smile on their face. Diversity: Every human being is a different person; certain similarities may exist but differences are inevitable, differences that may be visible or invisible. Most visible differentiating factors among the workforce are protected by the law, such factors are caste, race, physical condition, gender, religion or beliefs and age etc. Organizations these days give much importance to the invisible factors of a diverse workforce such as culture, background, working style, weight, height accent or language and others (Ulrich, 1996). A diverse workforce brings diverse experiences and ideas, with more opportunities to learn and grow. Successful organizations not only discourage discriminating acts of any kind but they consciously create a diverse workforce to achieve maximum efficiencies and innovative prac tices. Communication Communication is a two way process, in an organization communication holds much importance and it is the nature of

In the Crucible Several characters grow as a result of the trials Essay

In the Crucible Several characters grow as a result of the trials. Their growth usually pertains to their view of themselves and their perceptions of the world - Essay Example The turning point in the story is shown by how Elizabeth denies her husband's cohort trysts with Abigail during the witch trials. The development towards this change will be shown in this paper as relating to the current social condition of this period. Elizabeth Proctor is pictured as a wife who continued to harbor deep resentments on the cheating of her husband with their former servant, Abigail. These resentments persisted for a long time in their household as she was constantly reminded of the scene. The change that transpired in Elizabeth occurred when she was accused of witchcraft through Abigail's evil plot to incriminate her name caused by a desire to eliminate her and be with John finally. Elizabeth was then dragged to the court on charges of witchcraft and sorcery, but was disposed of due to her pregnancy. She was famous for her words, "No mater what happens tonight, I still love you," directed to her husband, a show of her undying love for him. When she was requested by the court to stand as witness, she denied her husband's infidelity with the intent of saving his name. This intention was indeed in contradiction to her earlier whining as a wife cheated on by her husband, as there in the court lay the opportunity to get back on him, yet, withheld it in a quest to save his reputation.1 It was supposed to be refuted by her husband when she herself was the one accused, but became futile due to their current servant's (Mary) accusation of him as witch.2 Elizabeth showed growth during the trial when she claimed that her husband was not a lecher, contrary to her resentments about his infidelity, which constantly caused quarrels in their household. The cause-and-effect relationship of this denial is shown by her own view of herself and her perceptions of the world. One cause triggered by this assertion was a probability of being the topic of rumors in their community, given that the setting of the story was in 1692, in which people were traditionally engaged in rumors when one's life was in moral turmoil. This would in turn cause her to be assailed by rumors herself, being the wife of a husband who had once cohort trysts with a servant. This denial of her husband's infidelity was coupled with her love for him, making no intent to drown him to witchcraft accuses, but rather save his life from such. The story reveals, however, that John was accused and convinced of witchcraft himself, in which he chose to be burned and die than live and untruthfully bring people to the court for witchcraft. Elizabeth lied about the infidelity of her husband because of her deep love for him.3 This profound love was manifested in a scene where she told him that no matter what happens, she still loved him. Elizabeth lied about the infidelity of her husband because she wanted to save him from a looming disgrace.4 Being a wife of a respected man, she intended not to drag her husband's name in the court and maintain the cause of their fights just within the corners of their abode. She saw no reason for the involvement of the public in the matter; neither of such infidelity be used as a testimony in the court, which could place her and her marriage in a disgraceful situation. Elizabeth's growth

Using Bicycles as an Alternative to Automobiles Essay Example for Free

Using Bicycles as an Alternative to Automobiles Essay Abstract: This paper basically shows the reasons to use the bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation. It will points out the benefits of the use of a bicycle. It will also show what is being done to get rid of the negative aspects of using a bicycle for transportation. Bicycling is one of the fastest growing forms of recreation. People are drawn to it for many reasons, being out in the fresh air, the thrill of speed, the physical challenge, along with many other things. But there can be many more uses for the bicycle. The use that this paper will focus on is transportation. The use of bicycles can greatly improve the economy of a nation. A comparison between the efficiency of the transportation systems of the United Stated and Japan points this out. In 1990 Americans spent 17. 9 percent of the GNP on transportation, whereas the Japanese spent only 10. 79 percent on transportation. This difference of nearly 7 percent, gives the Japanese economy much more money for investing in their future. Our Economy is not the only thing we should worry about, and it is also not the only thing that can be improved by the use of bicycles. There are several major problems that could be drastically reduced by the increased use of bicycles. Traffic would be a lot lighter due to the extremely small size of bicycles. It would also greatly reduce the wear and tear on our roads and highways, and therefore reduce government expenditure. But one of the most serious problems it would reduce is that of pollution and smog in out larger cities. There are more benefits to biking, though. There are benefits that come at a more personal level. Biking greatly improves ones health. It can be a way to exercise without taking much times out of ones schedule. The time one would spend biking to work serves two important purposes. One, getting to work, but also as a great form of exercise. Improved mobility in crowded situations. In downtown areas, biking to work may actually save time. Cars crawl through congested traffic, while bicyclists ride around it. The time it takes to park a car could also be factored in. Finding a parking space takes time and may be far away, while bikes are easy to lock and can be locked close to any destination. Personal economics are also important. Cars are expensive to own and operate. On top of the high prices for new cars, one must also pay for insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Not only is the price of a new bicycle much lower, they cost almost nothing to operate. Still with all of these benefits, many people choose not to consider a bicycle as a viable form for transportation. People feel that it is to time consuming, to inconvenient, and to dangerous. But there are things that can be done to change these facts. How a city is designed will play a large part in whether or not people choose to use bicycle as a form of transportation. Many of Americas large cities are not very friendly to the bicycle commuter. City streets should be wide enough to have room for a safe sized bike path that is separate from automobiles and pedestrians. This would improve the safety of bicycling. Another method that can be used is traffic calming. Traffic calming is a term that has emerged in Europe to describe a full range of methods to slow cars, but not necessarily ban them, as they move through commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. Traffic calming exists in certain downtown areas as a natural outcome of design initiatives to accommodate sizable special populations. Some the best examples of traffic calming are not in the United States. Traffic calming was originally introduced in the Netherlands and Germany, but is now being put to use in Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. In 1981, Germany set up six traffic-calming demonstration projects in various places with varying density. The initial reports showed that there was a reduction of speed from 23 mph to 12. The traffic volume remained constant, but there was a 60 percent decrease in injuries, and a 43 to 53 percent reduction in fatalities. In a recent survey, most people showed that if conditions where improved, more people use bicycles to commute. Things are being done to make things better. Private organizations are offering incentives and promotions, and our government is also making legislation to improve things. The need for bicycle and pedestrian provisions to be fully integrated into state and local plans and transportation policy documents has assumed even greater significance due to the ISTEA and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. States were not required to have long-range transportation plans until ISTEA was passed, and Metropolitan Planning Organizations have had little or no control over project selection until now. Because of this fact, in the past, State highway agencies have dominated the spending of highway and transportation dollars. Plans developed at the city level would often contain many worthy transit and non-motorized projects. ISTEA makes a number of important changes. Both levels of government are now required to produce annual transportation improvement programs and long range transportation plans. These plans shall provide for the development of transportation facilities (including pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) which will function as an intermodal transportation system. (Section 1024 (a) and 1025 (a)) State long-range plans are required to have consider strategies for incorporating bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways in projects where appropriate throughout the state. (Section 1025 (c)(3)) State long-range plans are also required to have a long-range plan for bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways for appropriate areas of the State, which shall be incorporated into the long-range transportation plan. People need to realize what the over use of automobiles is doing to our country. Our nations wealth is probably the greatest contributor to this problem. Americans generally feel that a car is a necessity and not a luxury. We are also spoiled with some of the lowest gasoline prices in the world. Some suggest an increase in gasoline taxes to drive people towards the use of alternative modes of transportation. Surveys shows that it would influence more people to not drive as frequently. But economists feel when the government imposes an intentional price floor on a common product, it can only hurt the economy. All of these things will help influence people to use alternative modes of transportation. But when it comes down to it, everyone must make a personal choice. Bicycles will probably never be as convenient as automobiles, and in this writers opinion, they shouldnt be. Commuting on a bike is a sacrifice in some ways, but we need to set our priorities straight. No legislation will do that for us. Boulder is probably one of the best place to get into the habit of frequently using a bicycle. In this community bikes are generally a lot more convenient than cars, in pretty much every aspect. Probably more than half of the time, I can get to wherever I want to in less time on a bike than in a car. Not to mention the time saved by not having to find a parking spot. This is accomplished by the use of good bike routes, underpasses, and having the right of way over cars. I use my bike almost daily, whereas I would probably use a car about once a week. It is also a lot more economical to ride a bike than to drive a car, especially on campus. As I already mentioned cars require several expenses, whereas bikes require almost none. Also on campus, if you have a car, you must pay for a parking permit. I plan to use a bicycle whenever and where ever possible. I think that everyone should own a bicycle and a least use it occasionally. I would like to inform other people of how easy it is to use a bicycle for transportation. References 1. United States, Integrating Bicycle and Pedestrian Considerations Into State and Local Transportation Planning (Washington: The Administration, 1994). 2. United States, Transportation Research Record, Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning With Safety Considerations (Washington: Transportation Research Board, 1987) 3. United States, Actions Needed To Increase Bicycle/Moped Use In The Federal Community (Washington: U. S. General Accounting Office, 1981) 4. Mike Hudson, Bicycle Planning (The Architectural Press: London, 1982) 5. National Research Council. Transportation Research Board. Pedestrian Behavior and Bicycle Traffic (Washington: National Academy of Sciences, 1980) 6. National Research Council. Transportation Research Board. Nonmotorized Transportation Around The World (Washington: National Academy Press, 1994) 7. National Research Council. Transportation Research Board. Nonmotorized Transportation Research, Issues, and Use (Washington: National Academy Press, 1995) 8. John T. Doolittle, Integration of Bicycles and Transit (Washington: National Academy Press, 1994) 9. http://www. tnrcc. state. tx. us/air/ms/vexercis. htm 10. http://www. nd. edu/~ktrembat/www-bike/BCY/TryBikeCommute. html.

Financial Prospectus Content Paper Essay Example for Free

Financial Prospectus Content Paper Essay A concrete organization has capability to become a big vendor to a lot of construction organizations. In this report you will see an account of the project of starting up a concrete organization, the development concept, the controlling methods, and what reports will be important to keeping an effective company. To achieve success a new company must be sure to stay up with all of the rivalry thats coming up. Description of Venture The intention is to open up a concrete organization having 15 workers and 10 vehicles. The land area which we plan to purchase is around 5 acres of land. The factory thats being bought will be a complete factory which was developed from the earlier proprietors who operated exactly the same kind of company. Presently there arent civil ventures which are being built in the targeted region; however the residential area keeps growing. The residential area will eventually raise the organization and will assist to start the $2,500,000 required to launch the company. One of the greatest rivals will be Super Mix of Wisconsin that is a big concrete organization which has continued to expand during the last 7 years. Super Mix of Wisconsin has demonstrated other concrete shareholders that its easy to begin small as we will be doing due to a shortage of investment and continue to expand into a big organization opening a variety of factory areas. To get over the fiscal requirements to launch the company, the financial institution has consented to lend us $1,086,742.30 to start up the factory at a 5.50% rate of interest for the following 5 years. It has additionally been agreed to fund all of the trucks that has been authorized for $310,000  having a 6.15% rate of interest for 5 years. Development Concept The market provides extensive possibility to concrete organizations to develop and to grow into big effective companies. Super Mix of Wisconsin is just about the ruler of the industry expanding to have 2 factories, a gravel pit, and 52 vehicles. This organization has expanded to achieve success during the last 7 years, however due to the economic climate has carried a 20% loss with the market fall. With the downturn, the price of the material has risen regularly which makes it difficult to earn profits. After this information from the downturn effect, this is the growth in economy witnessed, that we think boost the construction work for residential and commercial work. This increase in the construction would let us seize the biggest share of the market in a competitive industry. There are lots of small concrete producers working in exactly the same market while Super Mix of Wisconsin also joined exactly the same small concrete producers market with 2 factories and 52 vehicles and trying hard to grab the market share once again for the recoveries lost during the last downturn. Theres already a competitive market, therefore we need to contest with all of them to seize a great share of the market and also to have a successful company later on. Management Biographies In the beginning we made a decision to start the company with 15 workers composed of 10 truck drivers and remainder of the supportive workers, details are as below. 1.General Manager We hired a general manager who is a certified graduate from a regional university and experts in company administration, earlier worked for the similar concrete production field for 6 years and have got the capability to act as leader overseeing all of the functions even in the absence of a  proprietor. My partner and I will also be keeping track of the general manager responsibilities and assisting in all means to operate the organization correctly. 2.Quality Controller We employed a quality controller that has been employed in exactly the same plant for 7 years and has good abilities to look at the caliber of concrete manufactured and the experience to deal with and fix the malfunctioning problems if happened during manufacturing by his experienced suggestions. 3.Sales Manager Presently, a sales administrator that has the capability to sell the civil constructions product in the local market and has got a reliable selling blocks with our rival. He consented to work with us since we offered him much more of an amount of compensation. Moreover, he has a great individual relation in the market therefore the sale of our organization is going to be steady to satisfy the budgeted sales jobs because of the sales manager. 4.Administration Manager An earlier worker that worked for the old proprietors has been hired to work for our organization. He has his master’s degree from a fine respectable university and has been controlling all of the operations of this factory for several years. He has excellent social and administration skills to keep the decorum among workers. Competitive Product or Service Statement Concrete and gravel are the basically required items to construct anything from residential to commercial ventures. We are starting this company on a small basis despite the fact that, there are practically 10 to 12 concrete producers providing their goods for consumers’ fulfillment in the same targeted market. A few of the large producers also developing an excellent  share of the market whereas the remainder of the share of the market is also distributed among small producers. There are 3 organizations within the location which will be competing with the existing organization. Presently there are 2 of them which are inside 10 miles and also the other one is roughly 20 minutes away. We need to strive and apply the best suitable consumer’s effective advertisement marketing ways to seize the market share and compete with the competitors. In marketing promotions we would also offer the reductions or purchase and get free offers for preliminary attention of shoppers and having the presence in market. The advertising campaign would assist to make consideration for users and rivals and the presence of our organization in the same market. We would try our best to triumph the competition among all the rivals in a short time. Moreover, to generate the income, that will help to repay the installments of the banks against the rents we made against the land and vehicles and the required expenditures of the company operations just like wages of workers, maintenance of factory, vehicles, along with other operations. In the mean time Super Mix of Wisconsin is attempting hard to restore the position back in the market; however we need to compete it first. The marketplace is restricted however sellers are struggling to obtain good market shares. Our marketing plan will be more effective for the users mind. We have a very good sales manager that has excellent interaction skills and connection with clients to increase the quantity of sales to operate our company. We would further help our clients with gift hampers and purchase to receive totally free schemes and extra consultancy service to every worker through an expert advisor. Discount offers according to market rates and the special package for purchasing more quantity of concrete certainly would enhance sales and eventually the profits. Market capabilities of the company will enhance 5  times high to contest with all of those other sellers in the market of same services and products. The accounting services of the company will be followed up by me and other partner. The very best people who will be marketed to while selling concrete to all the regional clients. Clients who have been in the region for a lot of years will desire to continue with the organization they think at ease with, but thats what sales have to be marketed and proved to the most. Construction and Preopening Budget We require $2,500,000 to start this plan of action. We cant contest with our largest rival meanwhile because of lack of investment. To get over the preopening fiscal requirements, the bank is assigning us the funding facility against the factory of $1,086,742.30 having a 5.50% rate of interest for next 5 years. Moreover, we made a decision to fund all 10 vehicles to satisfy the fiscal requirements which are approved for $310,000 having a 6.15% rate of interest for 5 years. By getting the above mentioned financial loans, we would have the ability to satisfy the starting of the company. The funding against the vehicles is so low because of the old type of dumpers while the remaining 8 vehicles funded against just $240,000. The repayment of the loan that we lent against the area of operation for the company is $20,758.04 per month and $6,014.81 per month for repayment of financial loan, which withdrew against vehicles funding. We have to strive to earn a minimum of the financial institution repayments as well as for making payment on essential expenditures of operations just like wages of workers, buying of raw material, fuel, and repair of factory and vehicles in addition to earn income. By confronting the rivalry of existing sellers in a big volume, we would also require income to satisfy the fiscal expenditures. We have thought about these expenses too when planning the plans for discount offers for capturing  the market shares we have to spend the money for monthly expenditures. Plant Rate Payment $1,086,742.30 5.50% $20,758.04 Trucks Rate Payment $310,000 6.15% $6,014.81 Operating Pro-Forma We approximated through research on this industry and earning of this sector that the income from the sales would be 45.6% as well as the price of cement along with other related production materials would be 17.71%, which would provide nearly 27.89% gross profit on sales. The income from the sales would be the amount left for profit after the sales along with other expenditures. The wages of the 15 workers will be between $48,000 annually to $92,500 annually. The 8 truck drivers would work against the per hour rate of $17.98 to $25.68 and on the other hand the bulker and dumper driver would be paid depending on the tonnage and distances of each load. We approximated that the Return on Investment would be approximately 35% after paying all the loans installments, wear and tear, and medical care insurance of workers as well as their loved ones, along with other expenses. The increase in construction business would enhance eventually the appeal for partners. The income will easily repay all of the financial loans over the following 5 years, which would be most suitable to earn capital. The  initial investment might be paid by fully repaying the financial loans of banks as well as the remainder of the cash would be considered income after paying all other operating expenditures. This is also shown that after passing the past downturn, the construction throughout the country as well as in this area would reinforce our company as well as the whole industry. Therefore I think this is the ideal time to start this plan of action as soon as possible because of the start of the construction work once again as well as the economy is on an growth phase where joblessness and inflation is often recovering. Samples of Financial Statements to be Incorporated We will use the below mentioned reports of fund to work clear and thoroughly, that shows each dealing of operation conspicuously. The Stock report reveals the balances of cement along with other substances. The quantity of finished products as well as the raw material, the dealings in this account, indicates, the inward, and outward in this type of product would be clearly described with a date, delivery challan number, as well as dealing number. The ledger maintenance for borrowers and lenders will be maintenance of ledger that unveils the outstanding balances and dealings with borrowers and lenders with the note, document number, and date. It would control the gapless system for payments and recoveries. The income report is a universal report which demonstrates the earning of the company, where the revenue deducts from the cost of sales to have the gross profit, consequently the admin and operational costs also less to show the net income. After withdrawing the taxes and interests on financial loans, the precise profitability is known. The balance sheet is a report shown about the fiscal value of the company by demonstrating the total assets, bifurcating with existing and fix in one side while the debts and shares of partners on other side and lastly both sides equalize with each other. In the concrete business there isnt a particular thing to inform exactly  what the return on investments is going to be. It depends upon the quantity of concrete which is being sold. The 2 actual shareholders will be myself as well as partner together with the financial institution in order to assist me fund the factories. There will be expenses involved for example concrete pricing and operating expenditures. In the concrete organization it has been observed many do not begin to make money for a minimum of 2 years and thats going to be depended on the economic climate. The banking institutions will have to explore the suggestion to demonstrate them that theres certainly intention to begin earning money; however it might not be for the first couple of years. My partner as well as I will also put our own belongings up for security so that the financial institution may use that against the loans. There are numerous different factors to bear in mind while opening up a concrete organization. The one thing to remember is that theres rivalry in this sector and it is not necessarily easy to keep up with the rivals, however every small attempt might have the possibility to be big. To begin a small concrete organization there will have to be sufficient trucks to service the client requirements along with a factory thats always completely operating. With everybody in the organization having the same mentality for the organization to develop several solid as well as effective ideas may be put into place.

Gender Bias in Nursing

Gender Bias in Nursing Gender Female Bias Gender bias is common in nursing. It is my own experience of facing gender bias in my own institution. When I was working as an Instructor in my institution, there was opportunity to for me to get promotion but was denied and it was given to a female colleague. As I was working there for last three years with an out standing performance for all those years in my opinion and that of many others, it was my right to promoted to that post. But the head of my institute had promoted a female who had less experience and lower level of performance although she had same qualification. I was in shock and she did not give me any reason for that. As cited in Rasch, Sherrod, Sherrod (2006)â€Å" the barriers confronted by men in nursing school are pervasive, consistent and have changed surprising little during the past few decades† ( pp 47). My view point is that, gender bias is occurring in nursing education as well as nursing practice. Gender bias in nursing is common in Pakistan. There are no male on higher position in nursing in Pakistan. There are few institutions in Pakistan you can find male but they are not in high position in nursing. Different literatures have shown that men experiences gender bias in nursing education and services, as according to BBC news only 10% of male are in nursing. It means that it is difficult for male who wants to do nursing. Nursing all over the world has always been female dominated profession. As cited in Rasch (2005) â€Å"a number of gender barriers for men in the nursing education process, mainly due to feminization of this process and the profession† (pp47). It should be acknowledged those females are in great numbers then male in nursing. But it does not mean that male should be suppressed in nursing and their rights should be violated. Moreover, another cause of gender bias is of social isolation and male are not acknowledged a vital part of nursing. This is supported by Rasch (2005) â€Å"no history of men in nursing was presented in texts or the classroom and textbooks and faculty referred to the nurse as â€Å"she rather than she/he† (pp-28). In history of nursing you will not find any history of male nurses who worked for nursing profession. These books always discuss about role of women in nursing and their work. Even other health care members are worried about their presence in nursing. When male joins nursing, they are facing problems like adjusting in a female dominated profession. They are worried as to whether they will be accepted in nursing and by other health care members. The doctors are also having problem with them and they feel that, female nurses should take care of their patients. Because they are afraid of being challenged and they will show resistance at any mistake done by them. According to Morgan, McMillian, Ament (2006) â€Å"the experience of male nurse as minority group seems to be that of encountering a lack of social approval, acceptance and adequate role models beginning in nursing school. Perceptions of threats to sexuality, role strain, social isolation and different performance expectations reported by male nursing students indicate that little has changed within nursing profession† (pp101).Male nurses are facing different problem in both government and private settings among which are, disrespect of male nurses and discrimination therefore, given less or denied opportunities for growth and development in the profession. Here in Pakistan in some provinces male nurses are not hired and administrations give preferences to female nurses. As all the major posts are held by the male doctors in hospitals and they don’t want any male nurse s. Even female nurses are not accepting and recognizing the role of male in nursing. They show disrespect to them and not consider them as nurses. There are many stereotypes regarding male in nursing like they are not caring and so they cannot give care to the patients. Different studies have shown that even female nurses are not accepting male into nursing. These problems are within nursing especially where female nurses in leadership positions tries to frustrate male nurses. As many male nurses have got more knowledge and having good communication skills. One might say that female nurse leaders feels threatened by presence of highly qualified male nurses in their institutions, as a result thus not accepting them readily. There is also reluctance in males who wants to join nursing as career. The social construction of nursing as female profession also inhibits males from entering to nursing profession. The male population in nursing is very low and they give preferences to other profession in medical field and nursing is their lost choice to do it. This affects nursing workforce at the hospitals and national levels, as many male nurses seek opportunities outside Pakistan. They go outside country because they earn more and they are respected outside. They get different opportunities they can achieve higher position in nursing. There are evidences that nursing shortages in this country have occurred throughout the professions history. It is not only Pakistan shortage of nurses occurs throughout worldwide. As result of these males is leaving nursing very quickly. According to study done in USAâ€Å"Recent graduates of the nations nursing schools are leaving the profession more quickly than their predecessors, with male nurses bolting at almost twice the rate of their female counterparts, according to a new study. About 7.5 percent of new male nurses left the profession within four years of graduating from nursing school, compared to 4.1 percent of new female nurses, (University of Pennsylvania researcher, 2002) reported. This is alarming sign for nursing profession as already there is nurses’ shortage in world. So it has further increase the shortage of nurses. On the other hand, lack of role modeling for male in nursing contributes to low numbers of males in nursing. As there are fewer male nurses in nursing profession and that the reason they are changing their profession after some time. Because they see no professional growth for their and lack of opportunities. They are different literatures shows that male are more resigning from the profession than women. Another study by Wynaden, Champan, Inoue (2006) â€Å"men are four times more likely than women to resign from nursing profession† (pp566). Males are not satisfied from their job and they are leaving the jobs. There are few hospitals in which you can see diversity of both genders in nursing. The behaviors and attitudes of male nurses in nursing have produced a bad image of male nurses. There are numbers of males who joins nursing only to get degree and go outside the country. They are interested in patient care and image of nursing. Even others male who are doing nursing, they want to change their profession after finishing the nursing course. Some male have got fake degrees of nursing to go to any foreign countries for job. They are destroying the image of Pakistan as they are doing the wrong practices. There are many incidents that occurred in last few years in U.K by male nurses as result the government of U.K has banned nurses of Pakistan to do job U.K. This is having bad consequences as there are many nurses who want to do further studies and work in U.K. But now they can, due to few members who have destroyed the image of nursing, hence causing others to suffer. So male nurses are also responsible and due to their behavior they are not accepted in nursing. Furthermore, it has been noted that male nurses have a tendencies of preferring teaching and administrative jobs only. This might be the reason why they change jobs after a short while in nursing. Kurt Lewin theorized a three-stage model of change that has come to be known as the unfreezing-change-refreeze model. There are three steps involved in this model. As cited in Heidenthal (2003) â€Å"unfreezing means, moving to new level and the current or old way of doing is thawed† (pp329). We need to create awareness regarding gender biasness and how it is affecting the nursing profession. We will remove negatives thinking about perceptions of males in nursing. It will difficult to change the behavior of people regarding male nurses. We need to motivate the nursing leaders to bring the solutions to this problem and its recognition. The second stage of change model is process of changing behavior. As cited in Heidenthal (2003) â€Å"in the next step intervention or change is introduced and explained. The benefits and disadvantages are discussed, and the move to a new level is implemented† (pp329). When need do implementation of strategies in this stage. When to need peruse people to support these changes. As it will be difficult because no role models are available for them. We will identify gap between this stage and the change we want to do it. The third stage is making changes permanent. We will need sustain with this change as cited in Heidenthal (2003 â€Å"refreezing means that the new way of doing is incorporated into the routines or habits of the affected people† (pp329). It will difficulty sustains this change of gender bias in nursing but reinforcement will be required to change these attitudes. There are few steps could be done to solve gender bias in nursing. The hospitals needs to make sure that group diversity should be present in hospitals. Male and female nurses should be given equal chances of recruiting. Male should be respected and their role should be considered as vital. Government needs to make sure about recruiting of male in different government hospital. More opportunities should be given to them for their growth and development. To ensure the delivery of quality patient care hospitals needs to include recruitments of men into nursing. Identify individual learning styles and needs during performance appraisals for both men and women. Provide educational programs that increase cultural sensitivity, decreasing stereotypes. (Rasch, Sherrod, Sherrod 2005). Male nurses should change their attitude which can change the perception of male in nursing. Awareness regarding nursing need to be done in school and colleges. Few male nurses who are sincere with their profession should be made role model to other male nurses. Male needs to be sensitized and ask them about their expectations. After graduation clinical practice should be given importance’s and necessary for the fresh graduates. References B, Sherrod, D, Sherrod, R, Rasch. (2005).Men at Work. Nursing management. 36(10). 46-51. J, Mcmillian, S, A, Morgan, P, Ament. (2006). Acceptance of male registered nurses by female registered nurses. Journal of advance nursing. Blackwell. 1(38), 100-105. M, I, Mnurs, R, Chapman, D, Wynaden. (2006). Male nurses experiences of providing intimate care of women clients. Journal of advance nursing. 5 (55), pp 559-567. Philadelphia. (2002). Is There a Male Nurse in the House? Men Quitting Nursing at Nearly Twice the Rate of Women. Retrieved, March 26, 2008 from http: www.cbsnews.com/ mht. P, K, Heidenthal. (2003). Nursing Leadership Management. Change the conflict resolutions. (pp 329-332). Thomson delimar Learning.

Heart of Darkness versus MacBeth Essay -- Joseph Conrad William Shakes

Heart of Darkness and MacBeth  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Joseph Conrad and William Shakespeare are not traditionally paired up for a critical analysis. However, the characters MacBeth and Kurtz in MacBeth and Heart of Darkness, respectively, prove to be worthy of comparison. MacBeth and Kurtz share many common characteristics: both have vaulting ambition that leads both to their success and their demise, a superiority complex, and both make similar sacrifices to achieve their goal. Despite their many similarities, MacBeth and Kurtz differ in many respects. The way the authors present each character varies greatly, and the way each interacts with his surroundings contrast a great deal. The circumstances that follow their actions also differ since the societies in which they live are not similar in any aspect. Through their many similarities and differences, MacBeth and Kurtz prove to be characters filled with evilness, and upon a closer examination, the differing degrees of that evilness are seen.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both MacBeth and Kurtz’s initial actions are dominated by ambition. MacBeth chooses to overthrow King Duncan for the sole purpose of his own political gain. He even admits that he "[has] no spur/ To prick the sides of [his] intent, but only/ Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself/ And falls on th’other" (Act I, sc. 7). Despite many other good reasons for overthrowing a king, such as for the good of the state or if the king is infringing on the people’s rights, MacBeth claims only selfish intentions. Like MacBeth, Kurtz, too, starts his road to evil with ambition. Kurtz, in order to earn his Intended’s hand, goes to Africa to make something of himself. Instead of going on a "heavenly mission to civilize"(Conrad, 70) the savages, Kurtz’s intentions, from the start, are to make money as quickly as possible. And he does. This "vaulting ambition" leads both met to climb the ladder of success at a quick pace. MacBeth is named "Thane of Cawdor" after one brave battle; Kurtz is given control of the Inner Station because of his success in bringing in ivory. Ambition, though traditionally looked at as a positive characteristic cause both men to perform evil deeds.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With ambition and success comes a feeling of superiority. Both MacBeth and Kurtz are portrayed as men who think themselves to be above God. MacBeth knows that the crime of killing a king goes a... ...compassed he has become by evil.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both MacBeth and Kurtz share the same qualities of ambition, superiority, and the sacrifice of their life because of the lives they have taken. These connections can be made because of the evil that is intertwined in both characters. The evil in them is brought forth through the evil deeds they commit. Where the two differ, though, is in their behavior after the murders have been committed. In MacBeth, an almost apologetic behavior is seen. His guilt, through the hallucinations, proves that he, at least subconsciously, is sorry for what he has done. In Kurtz, no sympathy or guilt is seen. Through this apathetic behavior, one must question whether Kurtz is really sound in mind. It is a natural human instinct to at least have some guilt after committing an offense against another human. The evil that is in both these characters ties them together, but their morals after the acts are committed sets them apart as MacBeth is seen as more of a human being; and Kurtz, mo re of an animal. Works Cited Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: NAL Penguin Inc., 1983. Shakespeare, William. MacBeth. New York: Washington Square Press, 1992.

Sherlock Holmes :: English Literature

Sherlock Holmes What qualities are there in Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories which have sustained their popularity for so many years? Conan Doyle was among the first writers of detective stories and novels in England. The first novel recognised as a detective story was written in 1868, by Wilkie Collins entitled "The Moonstone". Later in 1870, the popular novelist Charles Dickens also tried his hand at writing a detective novel called "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". These early detective stories have not become as famous as Doyle's creation for a number of reasons, one of which is that when Doyle began writing his novels there was a greater demand in general for stories, as more people were becoming educated and were taught how to read. Consequently, when the stories about Holmes were published, there was a growing readership in England, greater than there had been in Dickens' and Collins' time. Furthermore, the fact that dialect was rarely used in any of the Sherlock Holmes stories, unlike other works of the time, made it easier for people to read and understand the content, particularly those who had only recently acquired the basic skill of reading. In addition, as the stories were originally published in the "Strand" magazine, this made them fairly accessible, and therefore they enjoyed a wider social readership. The stories were often shorter than those of other writers, and thus avoided unnecessary detail. Generally, the stories have a distinct and succinct plot structure and were supported by illustrations, which I suggest, played a part in the general success. Because the popularity of his detective stories increased rapidly, yet at the same time Doyle was becoming more and more uncomfortable with his character. He wanted, out of personal preference to devote greater time to other forms of writing. He decided that the best way to do this was to end the life of Sherlock Holmes with a dramatic story involving Holmes' worst enemy, Professor Moriarty. Doyle sent his famous detective and his enemy plunging to their deaths at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland. Doyle, however, had underestimated the popularity of his character, because when his followers read "The Adventure of the Final Problem" there was a public outcry over his action. He received many letters from infuriated readers and some men actually marched through London, wearing black crepe bands around their hats, indicating their remorse for the death of their favourite detective. It has been suggested that it was the popularity of Sherlock Holmes, which kept the "The Strand" magazine in business, and when Doyle's stories did not appear in it, there were fewer copies sold, showing the tremendous popularity of the detective.

Trade Protectionism Put to the Test Essay -- Essays Papers

Trade Protectionism Put to the Test The idea behind trade protectionism as policy is that domestic industry cannot or should not have to compete with imports from foreign producers and that domestic workers’ jobs are at risk when trade is unrestricted. Most economists, and a large portion of the public would agree when looking at the big picture that free trade is positive for importers and exporters, as well as consumers. The very basic theories of comparative advantage, specialization and trade make a compelling argument for trade without barriers. Trade based on comparative advantage produces higher outputs for both importers and exporters, higher quality of goods, lower prices, greater varieties of goods from which to select, and an overall greater sense of economic well-being. The disadvantages of implementing quotas, tariffs, or other forms of barriers to trade far outweigh any perceived advantages. There are cases to prove that more jobs are actually lost under protectionism than saved. Historicall y, trade barriers result in higher prices to consumers, higher taxes (taxes on imported goods as well as those to cover additional bureaucratic infrastructure to force compliance with trade restrictions), developing counties that have no way to repay debt as their ability to export is squashed, and trade wars that have proven a deterrent to world peace. This paper will look at the evidence that trade protectionism has an overwhelmingly harmful effect on developing countries. It creates and rewards inefficiency in the marketplace. It benefits only special interest groups while the masses are forced to pay higher prices for lesser quality and choice. The costs (both monetary and non-monetary) far outweigh any benefi... ...some military conflicts. During the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, mercantilism led to nonstop wars in efforts to expand empires and build larger markets. The American Revolution and the Civil War can be said to have many issues at their core, not lease of which were tariffs and export restrictions. In 1930, the Smoot-Hawley Act, was signed by President Hoover and raised tariffs (some as much as 100%). What followed were similar trade restrictions implemented by other countries. This was followed immediately by the Great Depression and then by World War II. Obviously, these historical examples do not represent empirical data to connect trade protectionism to war and unrest. However, it is enough to give pause for thought to consider the possibility that trade restriction policies (and those created in retaliation) may create and feed hostility and ill will.

A Lesson Before Dying Essay

â€Å"A Lesson Before Dying† takes place in a small Louisiana Cajun community in the late 1940’s. In the novel, Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed; being the only survivor, he is convicted of a murder and sentenced to death. To portray this novel Gaines displays respectable literary devices like setting, tone, and characterization; therefore helping I as the reader feel the emotions of Jefferson from his point of view. In the initial setting of the novel, Jefferson sits in a courtroom located in rural Louisiana, which is filled with anger, tension, isolation, and quietness from the people in the room. This setting of the book supports Jefferson’s personality in chapter nine when Jefferson’s character is introduced. Jefferson’s cell could be considered the second setting or Jefferson’s setting in the book. Jefferson’s relationship to the courtroom (initial setting) supports Jefferson’s personality in the prison. He is isolated just like in the courtroom. â€Å"There was an empty cell between Jefferson and the rest of the prisoners† (Gaines 71). Jefferson’s cell was not only isolated like a courtroom in rural Louisiana, but quiet. â€Å"Jefferson’s been quiet . . . He didn’t answer† (Gaines 71). Due to Jefferson’s isolation and quietness, he has built anger inside. An anger which had been building up since the courtroom conviction. â€Å"Nothing don’t matter,† he said looking up at the ceiling. The first setting of the novel is similar to Jefferson’s cell setting. The three settings: The courtrooms, location and time era of the town, and prison all have similarities to Jefferson’s character traits. The court trial scene embodies everything that is contained within the novel. All events that occur throughout the entire novel are a repercussion of Jefferson’s court case. These circumstances set up the tone that is simply perceived throughout the novel. Gaines tone in the novel shifts as the novel progresses. Gaines made the novel begin with a pessimism view; everything seemed awful and negative especially the court trial. Gaines shows us this disgust tone by telling us the details of the jury members. The twelve â€Å"white† jury members of the case shows us that Jefferson felt dominated by the whites. As the novel goes on Gaines tone shifts and Jefferson seems more aware and confident, the anger and disgust diminishes the longer Jefferson sits in jail. The twelve white jury members were also Gaines way of showing the dominance, and power of the whites during this ime, only thinking that blacks are only good for working, and is incapable of thinking for themselves†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Do you see a modicum of intelligence? A trait inherited from his ancestors in the deepest jungle of blackest Africa†¦ What you see here is a thing that acts on command. â€Å"(Gaines7). Understanding this time era is important for the tone, and Gaines gives good examples representing the era to the tone. Gaines’s style is unique because the figurative language that he uses improves the reader’s mental picture. For example, when Gaines was describing Miss Emma at the beginning of the novel he says â€Å"she became as immobile as a great stone or as one of our oak cypress stumps†(Gaines 36). This allowed me as the reader to picture Miss Emma and the condition that she is in with a mental image throughout the entire novel. He also used figurative language while he describes in chapter fourteen the Louisiana Countryside. Gaines told in great detail the cemetery appearance as Grant walked through and then explain the smells and feelings he has while Grant explores the Sugar Cane Planation with Vivian. The literary devices were greatly put to use by Gaines to explain, and portray his novel to any reader. He has made a novel enjoyable for an audience that may not like reading due to his sarcasm (tone), and figurative language to set up numerous scenes. The settings are a main building block for this novel because the court room and the jail cell is when the story line is put together. Each trial, and everyday described by Gaines about Jefferson in jail puts the novel together into one amazing novel that I will be sure to recommend. A Lesson Before Dying Essay The economic downturn of the past several years has been devastating to local economies and, by extension, their local law enforcement agencies. According to a report by the National Institute of Justice, the United States is currently experiencing the 10th economic decline since World War II (Wiseman 2011). The impact of this downturn will result in a change of how law enforcement services are delivered. As has been discussed by the COPS Office Director, Bernard Melekian, in a series of recent articles published in the Community Policing Dispatch, expectations will not be lowered just because an agency now has fewer officers, or because the budget is limited. Simply doing less while waiting for local budgets to recover to pre-2008 levels is not a viable option. Law enforcement leaders are faced with budget contractions that are in need to identified in different ways to deliver police services and, perhaps more importantly, articulate what the new public safety models will look like to their communities (Melekian 2011a). The effects of the economic downturn on law enforcement agencies may be felt for the next 5–10 years, or worse, permanently. These changes could be permanently driven not just by the economy, but by local government officials who determined that allocating 30–50 percent of their general fund budgets for public safety costs is no longer a fiscal possibility (Melekian 2011b). While it appears that the economy is beginning to recover on the national level, most economists agree that local jurisdictions are still in decline and will continue to be so, at least in the short term. Due to the decline of tax revenues because of Foreclosures County and municipal budgets tend lagging behind the general economy, which is one of the main source of funding for local agencies. Agencies are also faced with the budget realities, the current model for service delivery—which has been with us for the last 50 years—is already starting to change, and will be forced to continue to change dramatically and rapidly in the next 3–5 years. Police departments have been one of the affected by the current economic climate. Restricting revenues nationwide have forced local governments to make cuts in spending across the board, which has affected everything to include public safety operating budgets. However, while these budget cuts are threatening law enforcement jobs the responsibility to serve and protect remain. There has been no methodical way of measuring the effect the economic downturn has had on police agencies across our nation. A good example is how Nigeria has been experiencing difficulties in Budget implementation. The objective of the article was to present alternative forms of budgeting and after exposition on them, to recommend one that could mitigate budget implementation problem for Nigeria. Two types of budgeting addressed are incremental and zero-base. Under incremental budgeting, a certain percentage is added or subtracted from previous period’s figures to arrive at new period’s budget. Under zero bases, every program is reevaluated for its merits, as if previous budgets never existed. The starting points are the results hoped to achieve, and every debate about budget implementation is done prior to passage. Zero base budgeting is analogous to marketing concept in terms of information requirement and zeroing in on customized needs. To the extent that zero base budgeting plans, executes and controls, it serves as a management tool. Nigeria’s budgeting has been incremental, overly politicized and not carried out by experts, but merely based on benchmark price and quota of daily oil production. Factors militating against proper budgeting in Nigeria are distortions in fiscal transparency. Budget implementation in Nigeria is a critical problem. Many have blamed our poor socio-economic and infrastructural development on low degree of budget implementation, which is a result of incremental budgeting process. The paper therefore recommends zero based budgeting to Nigeria at all levels (GJSS, 2012). Sometimes inefficiencies result due to poor integration of the finance and strategy. â€Å"Budgeting and performance are typically overseen by the finance department, whereas planning s coordinated by strategy department. Often, the two processes aren’t well integrated, resulting in strategies that are often dictated by the budget process instead of vice versa† (Gary 2003). The reason for this could be that everyone involved may be attempting to accomplish the same goals, but also trying to make sure that the outcome will be beneficial to them, such as a substantial bonus or a reward. A budget cycle refers to the whole process from the commencement of developing a budget to the execution of the final charge on the budget. Since the majority of the budgets are prepared for a one year period, budget cycles cover the costs and expenditures for a period of one year. However, there are budget cycles that run for more than one year period. Government budgets have a budget cycle of at least 18 months from the conception of the various departments’ budgets to the time the appropriation bills are signed into law (Hyde, 2001). The initial steps of the budget cycle take place in the various departments and agencies. The program officers in the various departments compile all information that is necessary in the preparation of the budget. The budget cycle culminates with the president’s budget application to the Congress. This often takes place in February (USDOJ, 2011). A budget refers to a list of premeditated revenues and expenses. It represents a tool for savings and expenditure. A budget can also be defined as an organizational plan that is stated in monetary terms. It is used as a road map for conducting the activities, objectives, assumptions, and strategies of an organization. A budget cycle is comprised of various stages. Budget planning for the new fiscal year marks the first step of the budget cycle, while closing and carry forward activities mark the end of a budget cycle (Hyde, 2001). The steps outlined below are steps of a sample government’s budget cycle: Budget submissions: this entails the submission of the budget plans to the respective Budget Offers in various government departments. The budgets are reviewed and approved. Budget approval: this entails the executive committee approving the budget. The Initial Budget Authorizations are then submitted to the respective supervisors who address the respective cost items. Global Changes: the salaries are adjusted so that they reflect salary increases that are permitted by the Salary Subcommittee and the Human Resources Department. Closing: this entails the closure of the budgets at the end of the fiscal year. Carry forwards: it entails carrying forward all the unspent money to the following fiscal year. This marks the last step in the budget cycle. In most instances, law enforcement management prepares master budget for the coming year. The master budget includes the projected expenses and maintenance which is incorporated in the master budget and other smaller budgets such as training, overtime, marketing, administrative, and departmental budgets. By establishing an operating and financial budget for a future period, management can identify problems in advance. This can be maintained by forecasting for future predictions. A forecast is a reflection of the future. When forecasting is taken into account, two key aspects to consider are cash budgets and expenditure forecast. In most instances, budgets are and should be prepared for a future period such as an oncoming accounting or financial year. They are detailed by quarters or months. Typically, annual budgets are not altered once the year begins. However, budgets should not be rigid so as to prevent timely actions if need arises. Instead, budgets should only act as a guide rather than a restriction. However, there are rare circumstances when an annual budget should be revised such as due to a radical change in the business environment. Budgets are also important for obtaining funding since they portray an organization’s capacity to the lending institutions and financiers. Additionally, budgets are important management tools, they aid in setting milestones that need accountability to achieve, and aid an organization in identifying risks and establishing benchmarks. Thus, budgets facilitate the process of making adjustments to avoid risks, and to measure the benchmarks. Understanding the significance of budgeting marks the first step towards successful financial planning. It plays a significant role in the strategic planning process by an organization. It outlines the future financial goals and needs of an organization such as technological needs, overhead needs, financial requirements, and capital improvements. I have a very strong opinion that budgeting should not be scrapped, rather be modified to meet the current business environment. Organizations would have to restructure compensation programs so that managers no longer have an incentive to favors short-term goals over the longer-term. Budgeting will have to be flexible to be able to be adjusted from time to time to reflect changes in organizational goals and the economic environment. Again, accounting department should be responsible for compiling only budget information; they should not determine the budgeting process. Management, through the planning process should determine the budget, and all departments should be included in the process. Budgeting should be both top down and bottom up; i. e. upper level management and middle level management will both work to finalize a budget. We can streamline the budgeting process by developing a financial model. Financial models can facilitate â€Å"what if† analysis so we can assess decisions before they are made. This can dramatically improve the budgeting process. One of the biggest challenges within financial planning and budgeting is how do we make it value-added. Budgeting requires clear channels of communication, support from upper-level management, participation from various personnel, and predictive characteristics. Budgeting should not strive for accuracy, but should strive to support the decision making process. If we focus too much on accuracy, we will end-up with a budgeting process that incurs time and costs in excess of the benefits derived. The challenge is to make financial planning a value-added activity that helps the organization achieve its strategic goals and objectives. In order for department to compensate for dwindling budget, many law enforcement officer have had to learn how to focus on what can they can sacrifice from their normal lifestyle in order to offset the reduction in available spending. Some of these sacrifices have included families foregoing summer vacations, or shopping in discount stores instead of department stores they are accustomed too. However, today law enforcement agencies are faced with the difficult task of maintaining the same service that their communities expect despite the extreme reduction in available resources. And, in order for them to deliver the same high level of protection and emergency responsiveness that the communities depend on, law enforcement agencies must find new and inventive techniques to address those needs in cost-effective and maintainable way. Agencies must have a good understanding of how budgeting marks the first step towards successful financial planning. Budgeting has a significant role in the strategic planning process by any organization. It provides the framework for future financial goals and the needs of an organization such as technical equipment like laptops, radios, and side arms. It also shows the overhead needs, and departmental financial requirements. It can also outline the costs involved in order to get the resources that are required to meet their financial goals. Developing a budget is an important tool for determining the department’s performance, in motivating the upper-management, other members of staff, and measuring the results towards accomplishing the organization’s financial goal. References Gary, L (2003) Breaking the Budget Impasse. Pg 3, Retrieved September 30, 2013, Idio, U. S. (2012). THE BUDGET AS A MANAGEMENT TOOL: ZERO BASE BUDGETING, PANACEA TO BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA. Global Journal of Social Sciences, 11(1), 1-7. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/1036581432? accountid=32521 http://www. cops. usdoj. gov/files/RIC/Publications/e101113406_Economic%20Impact. pdf Melekian, B. , (2011a). Director’s Message. Community Policing Dispatch vol. 4, no. 3. http://cops. usdoj. gov/html/dispatch/03-2011/DirectorMessage. asp. Melekian, B. , (2011b). Director’s Column: July 2011. Community Policing Dispatch vol. 4, no. 7. http://cops. usdoj. gov/html/dispatch/07-2011/DirectorMessage. asp. Wiseman, J. , (2011). Strategic Cutback Management: Law Enforcement Leadership for Lean Times. Research for Practice, Washington, D. C. : U. S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, NCJ 232077.