People today freely use The Internet Essay

People today freely use The Internet, E-mail, and Online Messaging to communicate with other people. It’s a great way to talk to loved ones who live far away, conduct business, and just have fun with friends, but there is a downside. People who we don’t know can obtain information about us by tracking e-mails and messages and unless these things are encrypted, everything we write can be pulled up and used against us. That is why people who use the Internet need to be much more aware of their online privacy and security. The Internet started in 1969 by the U. S. overnment. They wanted a communication system that couldn’t be destroyed in the event of an emergency. It consisted of four computers linked together called DARPANET. In the 1970’s people found that they could use this system to send messages between the computers to get to other people. More and more people started using this system and by the end of the 70’s, it was international. The earliest found company to use instant messaging was Mirabilis in November of 1996. Instant messaging is like a telephone conversation done between two people on the computer in real time. Popular companies that have instant messaging are AOL, Yahoo, and NET Messenger Service. E-mail or Electronic Mail is a way of composing, sending, and receiving messages over the computer. E-mail started in 1965, which means it actually began before the Internet and in fact helped start the Internet. First e-mail was used for multiple users to communicate through a mainframe computer. Now even though the government does not have control over the Internet in present day, they can still monitor what individuals are writing especially after September 11th. â€Å"The Sept. 1 terrorists relied heavily on the Internet, and the hijackers appear to have plotted their carnage using Yahoo e-mail. † The FBI believes they can now catch suspected terrorists by looking at suspicious email, but what constitutes suspicious? They have developed a program called Carnivore that looks through e-mail to find suspicious information. But, critics of this are not so sure of it’s benefits becau se it can be used to look for keywords such as â€Å"hijack† in mass amounts of e-mails, and whenever it finds an e-mail or message that has that word the FBI is entitled to read that message. If someone is just asking another person through e-mail about the current terrorist situation will that set off an alarm with the FBI and now that person’s e-mails will be tracked? Very possibly. The PATRIOT (Provide Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) Act provides investigators with more flexibility to pursue interception of e-mail messages, and monitoring of Web surfing and other PC-based communications. But does the general public believe that that government should have the right to look into private e-mails if they could catch a terrorist by doing it? According to a survey of PCWorld. m, â€Å"a total of 60 percent said they had serious concerns about giving the government more access to personal e-mail while 38 percent said they had little or no concern. † While the government and FBI feel that this is a completely legitimate way to weed out the terrorists in America, many others find it a complete invasion of privacy. This isn’t only a government vs. he people issue. As of 2004, â€Å"1 in 5 companies has had employees’ electronic messages subpoenaed in the course of a lawsuit or regulatory investigation† and â€Å"another 13 percent of 840 companies surveyed this year have battled workplace lawsuits triggered by employee e-mail. This means that private emails being sent while at work can be retrieved and used against a person in a court of law. The right to privacy is completely being revoked in these situations. That is why Americans need to be more aware of how to protect their privacy and there are ways to do this. First is by looking at the actual disclaimers that most people just sign without actually reading. American Online or AOL and Yahoo are two major providers of both e-mail and instant messaging. Looking into what their privacy policies are, you find this. Your AIM information consists of personally identifiable information collected or received about you when you register. Your AIM information may be shared within AOL and its business divisions. Your AIM information, including the contents of your online communications, may be accessed and disclosed in response to legal process (for example, a court order, search warrant or subpoena), or in other circumstances in which AOL has a good faith belief that AIM or AOL are being used for unlawful purposes. AOL may also access or disclose your AIM information when necessary to protect the rights or property of AIM or AOL, or in special cases such as a threat to your safety or that of others. (http://www. aol. com/info/p_privacy. adp. ) Yahoo’s disclaimer is similar saying that â€Å"Yahoo! collects personally identifiable information when you register for a Yahoo! account,† and â€Å"we reasonably believe it is necessary to share information in order to investigate, prevent, or take action regarding illegal activities. Basically both are stating that, for the most part, our privacies are protected unless there is a need to look at the e-mails or messages being sent. That is a big but though. People should read that and decipher that the government or business we work at could basically make up a story as to why they need to read an email and both of these e-mail companies would have to comply. That really isn’t protecting us. At least we should know ahead of time though that these are the company policies so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if our privacy was breached. This brings us to the concept of encryption. â€Å"Chances are that nobody is watching the data you send out, but unless the information is over a secure (encrypted) connection, you can’t be reasonably sure that it’s safe. † The definition of encryption is â€Å"the process of encoding information in such a way that only the person (or computer) with the key can decode it. † There are different encryption systems, but essentially two computers have secret codes that hold the key to decoding the messages sent between them. So if a message is encrypted, only your friend’s computer will be able to read what you sent to them. Does this type of security interest the common person? It definitely should and is quite easy to obtain. There are messenger services that provide e-mail and instant messaging. One is called Hushmail, which includes encryption enhancements. All you have to do is sign up for it just like you would Yahoo! or AOL and the only downside is that storage space is limited. But the option is out there for people to choose safety over unnecessary storage. Yahoo! nd AOL are the trusted and most used e-mail and instant message companies so most people just subscribe to these two, but really need to research what else is out there in regards to encrypted messaging companies like Hushmail. Customers of AOL though can upgrade to AIM 5. 2, which uses encrypted messages. Yahoo! on the other hand only has a form of encryption. The â€Å"system sends the message unprotected to Yahoo’s server. The recipient is given a URL to view the document on an SSL-protected web page. † Consumers feel this is a weak link because the message is still being sent without it being secure, but it is a step forward. There are other simple general steps that a consumer should do or at least think about before signing onto an e-mailing system. One is to always know the software that you are downloading onto your computer. Many programs appear to be legitimate, but they really just want to get your information and use it for bad reasons that veer into your personal privacy. Also, if a person shares a computer with many people, like a college library system, that person needs to make sure they clear their passwords and personal information before leaving their seat. And basically people just need to be more suspicious. Even though that’s a bad outlook, if you’re messages are not encrypted, then you need to be more aware of what you’re writing. If you think it could be construed in a negative way, then you shouldn’t send it over an unprotected system that could one-day work against you. In conclusion, â€Å"although companies and other entities operating in the online or electronic commerce environment have a responsibility to ensure the privacy of personally identifiable information online, the Online Privacy Alliance believes that consumers also have a role to play. Consumers should look for privacy policies on the web sites they visit as well as be aware of the various self-enforcement mechanisms currently available. †After the tragedy of September 11th, the government does need to do certain things in order to further protect our country against another attack, but this shouldn’t mean attacking American’s privacy and security. Americans shouldn’t have to live in constant fear of Big Brother looking into our personal letters and messages to loved ones and friends, and also shouldn’t be afraid that some things being said are going to be taken the wrong way. That is the opposite of making us feel more secure and safe because that basically means we’re being attacked from within our own government. Saying that, there are many things that we, as consumers, are responsible for knowing what is out there to give us more security. There is encryption and the big companies out there that provide e-mail and instant messaging are getting on board and providing encrypted programs for us to use. We should also be responsible enough to actually read all disclaimers that we usually don’t bother to read so that we are not shocked when we learn that the government just looked at our private message to someone. It’s hard as one person to fight something like Carnivore, but we can do simple things like read disclaimers, be smart about what e-mail programs we subscribe to and be safe and responsible when we are on the Internet.

Human Resources Management Team

Exhibits: Use of professionally prepared exhibits (such as charts and tables) may be necessary, not only to comply with the length requirement, but also to enhance the succinct presentation of your team's response. An exhibit must be â€Å"labeled† and briefly explained in the body of your team's response – what is its relevance? An exhibit is typically one (1) page. 3. References: Your team must include four (4) credible references (not including the textbook) err assignment to add validity to your answers. Your textbook does not count as a reference.You should avoid Internet sources, except certain government or association sites (e. G. , OSHA). Use the Troy library online to conduct your research. Identify references based on PAP Style. Endnotes and Web sites are included in your textbook. Supplementary Readings are posted in the Assignments area of Blackboard. Attachment 2: Preparation of TAB (continued) 4. Evaluation: TAB assignments will be evaluated based on the following criteria. Content (65%): Integration of appropriate, relevant course concepts; quality of analysis; focusing on specifics, not generalities; and thoroughness (pertains to scope and depth of coverage).Organization (20%): Use of these guidelines, applicable section headings, and relevant exhibits; inclusion of relevant research; and flow. Professionalism (1 5%): Demonstrated evidence of the 3 AS: Adequate preparation, pride of workmanship, and proficiency in the use of good communication skills – writing style and comprehensibility (grammar and punctuation). Reposes must be concise, incisive, and literate. Rubric: A Rubric, based on the above criteria, will be utilized to grade the TAB assignments. Attach

Design and construction of a prestressed concrete tank Literature review

Design and construction of a prestressed concrete tank - Literature review Example The principle behind the prestressed concrete tank is that the compressive stresses induced by the high-strength steel tendons inside a concrete member prior to the loads being applied will balance tensile stresses inflicted in the member during the service. It`s recognized that prestressing eliminates several design limitations and conventional concrete places on load and span and allows the building of roofs, bridges floors, and walls with elongated unsupported spans. With this in mind, architects and engineers design as well as build lighter concrete tanks without sacrificing strength. This principle behind prestressing in concrete tank can be illustrated in a row of books being moved from one place to another. Instead of vertically stacking the books and carrying them, they may perhaps be shifted in horizontal position by putting pressure to the books right at the end of row. Whenever sufficient pressure is applied, the compressive stresses are induced all over the entire row, an d so the whole row can always be carried and lifted horizontally at once. This principle has been applied to the design and construction of concrete tank. Concrete water tanks are broadly used in today’s society as a results of the endless need to have potable water easily accessible. Concrete water tanks are used for several purposes such as the storage of potable water, rain water harvesting and even for agriculture irrigation. They are comparatively easy to construct and they have numerous advantages compared to other tanks of different materials such as plastic or steel. Concrete tanks have bigger life spans, they can always be built bigger compared to their counterparts, they don’t taint water and besides, they can always be buried underground. Having a concrete tanks buried underground performs an aesthetic purpose and a practical one since it keeps the water cool. Consequently, the tank will have much less algae growth. A lesser algae growth implies fewer pump p roblems. Normally potable water tanks are built with prestressed concrete for purposes of durability and water tightness. Literature review As with all sorts of liquid-retaining constructions the fundamental problem of the design is not simply one of securely supporting the load, but is of creating a form that stays liquid-tight under service conditions. Consequently, leakage where it occurs happens more regularly from defects in detail and/or workmanship than from direct result of an inadequate design. In the prestressed cylindrical concrete tank, the enclosed liquid stimulates ring tension in horizontal section and also generally some bending in vertical section. Vertical and Horizontal stressing are applied as obligatory to offset these effects. In a form of this kind, they have the advantage that the central concrete shell is exposed to minimum situations of stress under complete load from the enclosed liquid. The base of the calculations for structures of this sort is simple. H owever, the application results, in practice, to possible disparity in interpretation. The provided degree of restraint at the wall foot possesses a controlling effect on the allocation of stress in the tank wall. The

The Response (film) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Response (film) - Essay Example The officers see classified evidence in the case; while on the other hand, the detainee does not make any head of the evidence. Further, while the judges have adequate information on the person behind the accusation of the individual, the individual is equally dismayed. According to the American government, releasing such information would undermine the national security of the United States. If through a miracle of science all the leaders and philosophers of the ancient and classical world have convened to advise the Judge Advocates General deciding on the status of their prisoner in the movie, The Response, various elements would play key in this judgement. The verdict would find the suspect innocent, if the evidence provided by the ancient and classical thinkers is anything to go by. While seeking for the verdict of the case, this essay will consider the thoughts of the ancient and classical thinkers, Augustine and Hammurabi. There is no exact distinction between power and law in the control of the society, argues Cheng (4). Differentiating between the two in essence makes little sense, if indeed there is any. If anything, power and law act simultaneously. While law comes through power, as the powerful play a big role in the development of the laws, the enactment of these laws is thus a sign of honor to the laws of the land. Whenever there is the mention of law, people associate it with justice and power. It is impossible to think about law without power. Subsequently, it would be unthinkable if people were to think of law that has no effect in the society. As power seeks to control and run the social world in a proper manner, any obedience of law in itself is a form of obedience to power (Cheng 4). In the past, law came from the powerful people, with adequate influence in the society. They had to be people worth of respect. People who developed law were of high integrity and of unquestionable character. People like Augustine, who came up with

The effects of peer-mediation on suspension of middle school students Dissertation

The effects of peer-mediation on suspension of middle school students - Dissertation Example The paper tells that since 2001, children in grades K-12 have become the focus of attention because of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This legislation made schools across the country focus on student achievement and standardized testing. This testing brought with it a set of problems that encouraged many schools to stop extracurricular activities like music and art, and many have also stopped recess. In the process of this focus, another focus also became apparent after the school shootings at Columbine High School in 1999. These school shootings created a mass apprehension in high schools across the country about bullying and school violence. Since the Columbine incident, many schools have noticed a rise in student aggression, conflict and school violence. Unfortunately, when students create this type of behavior, and it comes to the attention of the administration, the students are usually suspended. This trend to suspend has affected minority students more often than non-mi nority students and there is a larger prevalence of suspensions in urban school districts with large minority populations. In a study by the Southern Poverty Law Center that surveyed 9,000 middle schools, and which involved a national sample, the research found that 28.3% of black males were suspended four times as often as non-minority males. Hispanic males also had a 16.3% higher risk of suspension than their white peers. In the same study, 18 urban districts were examined and 175 middle schools in the districts suspended more than one third of their black male students. ... The most prevalent reasons were defying authority or not going to in-school suspensions. There is no doubt that there has been an increase in school suspensions over the last several years between 2003 through 2011. Sisco (2004) also speaks to this topic and states that these children are being suspended for breaking small school rules but also for behavior problems like fighting, bringing weapons to school, drug possession, bullying or other aggressive or disruptive actions. Many schools have a no tolerance policy which means that certain behaviors like bullying or violent behavior brings about automatic suspension. However, these measures do not seem to be working in most cases because the behaviors continue (Losen and Skiba, 2010; Sisco, 2004, Lane-Garon, Ybarra-Merlo, Zajac, J., & Vierra, 2005). Losen and Skiba (2010) pointed out that the middle school experience is important to a student’s future academic success. The challenge at this level is that suspensions can crea te repercussions that are long-term which means that students will lose aspects of instruction that may be important to their future success. Some of these children will who do not change their behaviors will go to prison where they may lose time in education while they are going through the process of problems with law enforcement (Losen and Skiba, 2010). Losen and Skiba also found that those suspended were generally black or Hispanic males along with a small number of female Hispanic or black females. The fact that these children are â€Å"being removed from the opportunity to learn at a much higher rate than their peers† (Losen and Skiba, 2010, p. 8) creates more problems for them academically as they move from

Group project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Group project - Essay Example The identity should mirror the business strategy and the organization’s will to advance programs that aim at ensuring the brand lives up to customer expectations. Consumer brand building involves creating a product’s value to consumers. It generally encompasses all things that consumers feel, know, and experience about the product and the business in its entirety (Gordon, 25). The Starbucks logo continues to feature the Starbucks siren although it no longer has the black background and the words â€Å"Starbucks coffee.† Starbuck’s customer base mainly consists of high-income people that have a taste for quality luxury coffee. Teen consumption is also on the upswing (Schultz, 16). After careful analysis and ascertaining that I am marketing in the correct category, I would introduce new changes to the logo to address all customer needs. I would add the words, â€Å"gratifying coffee, with a conscience,† which is significant to the target market. After establishing the brand identity, the focus will now shift to the brand meaning. Here, I analyze how Starbuck communicates the meaning of its products to customers. The performance of the coffee and related products is high. However, Starbucks operates 8078 stores in the United States (Schultz, 18), which results in saturation and self-cannibalization. I propose an international strategy that would ensure Starbuck makes inroads in many countries and seize new market share. After a critical analysis of response judgments, I realize that the perceived high quality coffee might be an issue. The coffee itself is high quality but the quantities are small than what prime competitors sell. Lowering the price could be an alternative to solving this issue. However, lowering the prices would affect customer’s assessment of quality. I therefore decide to increase the quantities of the coffee. Most of Starbucks’ customers care deeply about fair

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

NUTRITION - Essay Example During this time the lifespan of an individual could stretch to hundreds of years, according to science and history. The same fact conforms with the current reality, which shows a systematic reduction in the lifespan of individuals over the time. This reduction in lifespan has also corresponded on increasing shift from fresh vegetables to high-content proteins and junk food. The logical conclusion is that the increasing dependency of man on non-vegetarian foods is the one major cause of reduced span of living in the current civilizations. Fruits and vegetables fall under the food category of vitamins. The main purpose of vitamins is to protect the body. They build the body defenses by providing the immune system with the necessary nutritional support (Beezhold, Bonnie, Carol Johnston and Deanna 14). A consistent reliance by an individual on this kind of support will naturally produce positive results in terms of longevity and good health. In my opinion, the logic behind the long spans of life for the vegetarians revolves around the elimination of diseases from the body. Diseases have an attrition effect to the body. A person who does not consume fruits and vegetables regularly is more susceptible to diseases. On this account, it follows that the more a person, an individual, or a group relies on fruits and vegetables, the more they are likely to lead healthier lives. Vegetarians fall within this category. Fruits and vegetables are known to be oxidants. They eliminate poisonous substances from the body leaving it free from disease-causing pathogens. The natural defense bodies require consistent external support in order to provide the necessary support for the body. In this perspective, it becomes important to consider vitamins in terms of their capacity to shield the body from harmful substances that are resident in the various places, which meet the body. As such vegetarians have their body systems maintained at the highest levels in ways that protect them

Literature Search Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Literature Search - Assignment Example Totman J; You only have one chance to get it right’: A quantitative study of relatives’ experiences of caring at home for a family member with terminal cancer; Palliative Medicine – 2015,; SAGE Publications Ltd, Oliver’s Yard, 55 City Road, London EC1Y 1SP, United Kingdom. This is a framework approach quantitative study utilizing semi-structured interview, exploring the emotional challenges home caregivers faces in the provision of palliative care. It examines the challenges the relatives undergoes as they manage the pain of the terminally ill patients in London city. The study analyzes care slips systematically with emphasis on the pain scale rating of the patients change throughout the home care period. Either the research approaches the study from the patient perspective rather than the care provider perspective. Based on the research done in Ontario provides insight to pain management as an ethical obligation for palliative care providers. The focus of the study is the patients with HIV and AIDS. It incorporates 126 patients and strictly focuses the care from the patient view of the quality of life at the end of care issues. It also explores to the receiving adequate pain management as a measure to prolongation of life. The researcher utilizes the knowledge that old people form the largest pool of people receiving palliative care then looks at the dosages of various drugs that comfortable relieves pain among the older people. He uses quantitative research to evaluate the prescription criteria of the medicines that patients receive attributed in the palliative care. In this, the researcher concentrates on both experimental and non-experimental research to assess the usage of morphine as a main drug in geriatric pain control. Focusing the research on the people from three geriatric homes, he explores the risk of over dosage and under

Performance Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Performance Management - Assignment Example Job description is a statement of the overall purpose and scope of a job together with its details of a task and duties. It is a written statement of what the employee does how he does it and what the job working conditions are. In general, a job description sets out the purpose of the job where it fits into the organization structure, the context in which the job holds a function and the principles of the job accountability of the jobholder. The content includes Job identification, job summary, responsibilities, standard of performance and job specification (Said & Munap, 2010). The retail staff shall achieve optimum sales profitability, business growth and accounts penetration within a market segment or territory by selling the products of the retail shop effectively. The retail sale staff shall secure as well as contact customers and new business accounts in the market. The organizational behaviour management (OBM) involves the application of the science of human behaviour. OBM relates to the behaviour of people in a workplace, in addition, OBM is guided by a theory of human behaviour that is emphasised on identification and modification of environmental factors that affect employees performance. OBM is anchored in the work of B.F Skinner who postulated that an employee’s behaviour is inferred by his needs. In that, an employee may perform poorly in work because of poor job satisfaction or reduced rewards when he makes much profit to a company. Therefore, the OBM process identifies behaviours related to performance, study their instances and occurrences, identifies the major triggers, come up with interventions strategy, applies the postulated strategy and maintains the optimal performance through appropriate rewards to the employees. OBM embraces a three contingency model that is antecedent-behaviour-consequence. An antecedent is the stimulus that precedes behaviour and encourages the practice of that behaviour.

Are Asains Becoming White Essay Example for Free

Are Asains Becoming White Essay 1) Asian Americans have been stereotyped under the image of being a model minority from the mid-1960s to our present day (Macionis 2010:278). Being a model minority means â€Å"overcoming extreme hardships and discrimination to achieve success (Macionis 2010:278). † Success â€Å"economically, socially, and educationally†¦without resorting to confrontation with Whites (Schaefer 2009: 252). † Asian Americans have done this and the public has â€Å"attributed their winning wealth and respect in American society to hard work, family solidarity, discipline, delayed gratification, non-confrontation, and eschewing welfare (Macionis 2010:278). † Being labeled a model minority might appear to bring only prestige but in fact it brings consequences as well. One such consequence is that being a â€Å"model-minority holds Asian Americans to higher standards (Macionis 2010:279). † Situations that may be accepted for some aren’t accepted from them. They are â€Å"judged by standards different from average Americans (Macionis 2010:279). † Also because of the expectations placed upon them they are channeled to â€Å"specific avenues of success, such as science and engineering (Macionis 2010:279). † This leads up to another consequence of parents â€Å"often discouraging their children from entering fields they regard as unlikely to offer financial security, such as the arts (Schaefer 2009:252). † A child may have a gift as an astounding writer, yet the parents will still discourage it due to worries about job outlook and income in the future (Macionis 2010:279). Another consequence the label causes is that it â€Å"reinforces the myth that the United States is devoid of racism and accords equal opportunity to all (Macionis 2010:279). † This implies that â€Å"those minorities that do not succeed are somehow responsible for their failure†¦this attitude is yet another instance of blaming the victims (Schaefer 2009:252). † Although, not all bad, an advantage of the stereotype is that Asian Americans are more likely to attain a high-paying job. It is common to see â€Å"Asian Americans are concentrated near the top in professional and managerial positions†¦(Schaefer 2009:251). † Simply due to what they are known for Asian Americans are allowed more opportunity and they prove themselves over and over again; with the highest median household income of all racial groups, and the lowest poverty rate of all racial groups (Macionis 2010:278). 2) Min Zhou asks the question, â€Å"Are Asian Americans becoming white? † First off, what does it mean to be White? â€Å"White is an arbitrary label having more to do with privilege than biology (Macionis 2010:276). † Being white means different things to different people. To some becoming white â€Å"can mean distancing oneself from â€Å"people of color† or disowning one’s ethnicity (Macionis 2010:276). † To others becoming white is something to strive for because it means attaining a privileged status (Macionis 2010:280). The most common view accepted by Asian Americans is â€Å"that â€Å"white† is mainstream, average, and normal, and they look to whites as a frame of reference for attaining higher social positions (Macionis 2010:279). † Asian Americans are becoming white as I see it. They are gaining prestige, they working hard and they strive for something greater. Especially since being white is commonly associated with being an American (Macionis 2010:280). â€Å"Asian immigrants tend to believe in the American Dream and measure their achievements materially (Macionis 2010:279). † They share common interests with most Americans such as, â€Å"to own a home, to be my own boss, and to send my children to the Ivy League (Macionis 2010:279)†, as one Chinese immigrant stated. Of course, being an American is more than just these items, but it is a generalized American mentality that shows common ground. If Asian Americans choose to marry a partner of a different racial background, 87 percent of those marry whites (Macionis 2010:280). There are thoughts that some Asian Americans hold, such as, â€Å"You can certainly be as good as or even better than whites, but you will never become accepted as white (Macionis 2010:280). † I believe this to be incorrect. â€Å"According to a new Purdue University study, more than 94 percent would say that having United States citizenship makes someone truly American. http://phys. org/news64938913. html: 3)† If we were to relate being white to being American, most Asian Americans are already there. With the mentality, dedication and perseverance that Asian Americans display, I would say, Yes, Asian Americans are becoming white. 3) The Jews and Asian Americans had two different experiences that could be seen to relate in certain aspects despite the large difference in events. The Jews were intelligent and successful though looked down upon in the United States and they were seen as â€Å"members of an inferior race (Macionis 2010: 266). † It wasn’t until after World War II those things drastically changed. â€Å"Before the war, most Jews, like most other Americans, were working class. Already upwardly mobile before the war relative to other immigrants, Jews floated high on this rising economic tide, and most of them entered the middle class (Macionis 2010:272). † Like Asian Americans, Jews were always ahead of the other races. They were given difficult roads to face and large obstacles to climb, yet they achieved success, following the definition of the model minority. Similarly they struggled with the dilemma of being considered white. Before the war, â€Å"Columbia University took steps to decrease the number of entering Jews by a set of practices†¦(Macionis 2010:269). † It wasn’t until the war that there were â€Å"changes set in motion during the war against fascism that led to a more inclusive version of whiteness (Macionis 2010:270). † Though the struggle was different, it was still there for both groups. The Jews compared to Asian Americans benefited most from government programs that spurred upward mobility because after the war the government was in need of a rise in the economy and they created great programs to assist in that matter (Macionis 2010:270). The â€Å"Jews’ and other white ethnics’ upward mobility was the result of programs that allowed us to float on a rising economic tide (Macionis 2010:273). † Asian Americans on the other hand, upward mobility wasn’t based off of programs as much, as their heritage and culture. Instead, â€Å"In spite of these obstacles, Asian Americans students soldier on with strong support from their parents (Schaefer 2009:252). † As for comparison with African Americans and Asian Americans they are in two completely different categories. Both are minority groups, though they are on opposite sides of the court. Asian Americans have higher income rates than Whites, African Americans on the other hand, have their â€Å"household income of Blacks is still 60 percent that of Whites, and the unemployment rate among Blacks is more than twice that of Whites (Schaefer 2009:250). † Still to this day Blacks â€Å"remain significantly underrepresented, despite Senator Barack Obama†¦(Schaefer 2009:520). † Asian Americans are well represented due to being the model minority. Asian Americans are a very diverse group of people. â€Å"Their diverse origins include drastic differences in languages and dialects, religions, cuisines, and customs (Macionis 2010:278). † Because of this â€Å"all of these differences create obstacles to fostering a cohesive pan-Asian solidarity (Macionis 2010:278). †

Investigating General Motors Chevy Volt Project

Investigating General Motors Chevy Volt Project What does the Chevy Volt case tell you about the nature of strategic decision making at a large complex organization like GM? In a complex organization such as GM, it appears that decisions concerning Chevy Volt project were reached without giving thorough plan outlay to the planning groups in the company. There was a lot of thing that put the company at stakes from the wrong strategic decision undertaken. All aspects of the project were done at the individual and subjective level. Take for example the proposal presented by Larry Burns and Bob Lutz concerning Chevy Volt to the top management presents a missing link of strategic leadership that should have been a transformational force. Yet the sad state of affairs is that strategic formulation and its implementation also were all compromised upon, which happened when the Chevy Volt concept car was launched. This shows that managerial level function, their involvement and leadership were not collaborative in a sense as far as implementation processes goes. Together with it, shareholder values and business plan also were not emphasized upon when decisions were made, which appears that the responsibility attached with managerial role and their expertise were all taken for granted that put the company in the threshold of a gamble and a joke. Explain briefly the changes in the external environment that made it favorable to undertake the Chevy Volt Project? As we relate to the given case, rising fuel prices, new environmental regulations, new entrant for green concepts cars and stiff competitors give abundant evidence to the changes in the external environment. There is some relevancy that microenvironments also were emphasized upon in context of Porter five forces model and SWOT analysis. Thus, the Chevy Volt project can significantly foster the CSR of GM, which is favorable. As a green concept car, the Chevy Volt scores a point as far as cost saving for users goes in context of rising oil prices then. However, what is crucial also can be exemplified in context of sustainable development process that the Chevy Volt can impact, let say limiting carbon gas emission in the backdrop of global warming and greenhouse effect and most importantly presents a wider socio-economic relevancy and impact. What internal obstacles do you think existed within GM that were unfavorable to the pursuit of the Chevy Volt project? Cost factor also is one unfavorable point that existed, given that GM have already invested billion of dollars for the development of Lithium-Ion batteries, which did not registers with the top management. The relevant cause for that also can be emphasized in context of the internal obstacles at GM as can be observed in respect of top management who were skeptical of Chevy Volt project, especially when the EV1 Hybrid model, a green concept electric car that run on conventional fuel cell introduced by the company way back in the 90s did not succeed and was a sheer loss in term of resource and brand image. Besides leadership in the company also have it flaws, and were not wholly involved. That is to say, strategy planning, its formulation and lifecycles that guaranteed the outcome of project was a missing links, which are the internal obstacles that are unfavorable for the pursuit of Chevy Volt project. The plan for the Chevy Volt seems to be based partly on the assumption that oil prices would remain high, and yet in late 2008, oil prices collapsed in the wake of a sharp global economic slowdown: What does this tell you about the nature of strategic plans? Chevy Volt project which is partly based on the assumption of fuels prices is rather skeptical. Plan outlay in context of rising oil prices, and environment sustainability only does not in a sense constitute total business plan layout. External environment analysis such as the macro and micro-economic factors also should have been focused, so that an alternative plan layout to develop new innovation for its benchmark cars model that run on fuel and that which should meet the tighter regulation in the future. Yet that was not the case, which we feel posit the flaws in the nature of strategic plan concerning Chevy Volt, and presents the uncertainty of such development course, which in the other case economic factor should have been given more emphasis for strategy, wherein economic theory of demand and supply also should have been brought in contention in regard of decision and strategy. How do falling oil prices affect the Chevy Volt project? The Chevy Volt project strategic plan was based on factor that kept rising oil prices in contention to market its electric car model for profitability. That is true to some extent. Yet, buying a car is long-term investment for buyers. That factor also should have been given due importance. Besides, investment made by GM in the Chevy Volt project also posed huge cost factor. In business context, Chevy Volt is less competitive and cost already incurred for the project means that the company has to compromise with its benchmark to foster a profitable outcome from situation of spiraling oil prices. Thus, falling oil prices can affect Chevy Volt project in terms of profitability directly from the sale of electric cars. However, such marketing concepts pose many risks and uncertainty, which in simple economic sense can be justified in context of supply and demand rule applicable to economics, be it for oil prices or the Chevy Volt car models and its demands in situations when oil prices would remain high. Do you think oil prices will remain low? There is no reason to think that oil prices will remain low, because it happened in a situation when demand for the product was low in the market. Rising oil prices defines the simple economic basis of the law of demand, which depends on market equilibrium for a product in influencing the inflation and deflation of particular product. Thus, it is very likely and in simple economic sense that once the demand for oil increases, prices also is also likely to surge accordingly. Besides there are no substitute product as far as fuel goes and in the case of Chevy Volt cars the case is otherwise, wherein substitute product can be emphasis in context of internal combustion engine cars which pouts competitors in a favorable situation as far as car model goes. a) What are the external conditions that need to be present for the Chevy Volt to be a successful car? For the success of the Chevy Volt Project effective marketing strategy has to be formulated. Marketing aspects also should capitalize on the internal and external forces that influence the products within the industry and against its rival for the competitive factor. From our understanding, the Chevy Volt is a high-tech car. Hence, external analysis from operational and business perspective should focus on the competitive structure of the industry and factors such as; innovations, socio-economic, and environmental impact that defines value added product, and the opportunistic cost that comes with it. Thus, a lot of innovation in the development process of the car should be fostered as one factor to benchmark against rivals and competitors in the industry, which is critical for success for a profitable outcome and goals achievements. Part of it also should focus on the strategic marketing aspects that give the car and its salient feature to reach the people through advertisement and awareness created in that regard are interrelated and need to be present for the Chevy Volt to be a successful car. Given its long presence in the market GM may not lack competency and skills, however, its strategic planning and decision making is stifled by strong resistance from its managers. This may be due to the complexity of the organization and resulting problems associated with strategic decision making. What would you suggest for GM to make its strategic planning and decision making effective and relevant? To facilitate effective strategic, it is advised that GM managers should take into account the following:- Response to the competition that the market posed and demands. Management Responsibility in decision undertaken. Knowledge sharing as a basis for project formulation and effectiveness. Cost factor analysis. Collaborative leadership as a means to negotiate against redundant formulation process. Do away with subjective and unreasonable reasoning and decisions. Transformational change has to be initiated. Management and supervisors involvements in any given projects. Business plan and layout should be effectively defined for any major outcome and long-term effects. Apart from these point and list of suggestion, we feel that strategic group in the company should be given ample hand to empanel for strategic plan layout, given that there are huge stakes for any given undertaking. After all, strategic group are expert panel. Yet, decision being reached is more or less subjective. Hence, a collaborative approach to management thinking, leadership and strategy formulation should be the core cultural basis in the company, which can effectively and relevantly drive the strategic planning and decision making in the course of goals achievements. In light of your analysis, what are the costs of failure in this project for GM? The cost of failure as far as Chevy Volt car concerns is huge and tremendous, as far as operation and economic consequences goes. Less involvement from the managers also brought to fore the cost and its effect to directly hit the company that brought it to the stage of total shutdown of its operations. Since the company is already in the threshold of bankruptcy, the Chevy Volt project that failed to impact the company strategic goals and its achievements posed the total effect of bankruptcy of GM and huge economic consequences as an aftermath, because the company is already on the process of huge public debt facilitated by the government to save itself from bankruptcy. Thus, it is suggested that either the plan have to be charted out to bring into effect the following:- Capitalize on the capability and expertise the company posits. Effective strategic management of operational process and procedures. Top Management involvement. Responsibility. Collaborative approaches to leadership. Cultural and structural upgrade of the corporate echelon and strategic management panel and groups. Standardization of managerial role, decisions and business plan layout. Capitalizing on the opportunities and threat. Facilitate a dynamic leadership culture. What are the costs for GM of not pursuing the project? There are tremendous and direct effects as far as Chevy Volt project concerns, since it is not pursued at all. Take for example the following cost factors:- The huge opportunistic cost lost in between. Operational and business capability that went for a toss. Marketing research that has not been capitalized effectively and efficiently for result outcome. Change factor and organizational learning. Cost factor in term of direct financial investments to investors, and stakeholders. Resource accumulation. Brand image and identity. Corporation competencies that have not been capitalized Sustainable development plans Corporate Social Responsibility Economic consequences. Bankruptcy. Business process and procedures.

Physics of Skydiving :: physics skydive

Acceleration..... Galileo demonstrated that an object falling only under the influence of gravity will experience a constant acceleration, i.e.., it gains the same amount of velocity for every additional second that it falls. (5) On earth this amounts to 32.14 ft/sec/sec, meaning that it increases its downward velocity by 32.14 ft/sec for each second that it falls. If acceleration is constant, then it follows that the downward velocity V an object experiences at any time t after the start of the fall is given by: V=g t where V=velocity (m/sec) t=time (sec) g=acceleration due to gravity One can also show that the distance d fallen after time t is: d= 1/2 gt^2 where d=distance fallen (ft) g=12.54 ft/sec/sec for Mars t=time (sec) Furthermore, Galileo discovered that this acceleration is independent of the body's mass, but dependent only on the strength of gravity on the planet. So, in the absence of an atmosphere, heavy things don't fall faster than light things, but at moderate to large velocities even a thin atmosphere can have a significant effect on a falling body's motion due to the effects of aerodynamic drag. (5) Freefall... When in freefall, a skydiver with arms and legs outstretched falls at about 120 mi/hr, with the arms in and the body in more of a diving position, the skydiver can reach speeds of up to 200 mi/hr. At this speed, many people believe that it is impossible to breath. Well, it is not impossible, but the truth is, you don't even need to breath because enough oxygen is absorbed through your skin to provide the blood cells with the required oxygen. This is also why jumpers do not jump on cloudy days or when they might risk going through clouds. The moisture in the clouds can condense on their exposed skin surfaces preventing the absorption of the necessary oxygen resulting in suffocation. (2) How fast do you fall? When you leave the aircraft, you are moving horizontally at the same speed as the aircraft, typically 90-110MPH. During the first 10 seconds, a skydiver accelerates up to about 115-130MPH straight down. (A tandem pair uses a drouge chute to keep them from falling much faster than this). It is possible to change your body position to vary your rate of fall.

The Rising Cost of Health Care Essay -- essays research papers

Rising medical costs are a worldwide problem, but nowhere are they higher than in the U.S. Although Americans with good health insurance coverage may get the best medical treatment in the world, the health of the average American, as measured by life expectancy and infant mortality, is below the average of other major industrial countries. Inefficiency, fraud and the expense of malpractice suits are often blamed for high U.S. costs, but the major reason is overinvestment in technology and personnel. There are three issues when it comes to the health care cost rising. The first is the rising cost in prescription drugs. The second area of rising cost is the increased technologies when it comes to the medical industry. The third problem is the aging population. Prescription drugs are the area of the fastest growing health care expense, and it is projected to grow at 20 to 30 percent each year over the next several years. There are many newer, more expensive drugs on the market, and the use of these prescriptions is exploding. In addition, with so much television advertising, many consumers ask their doctors for expensive, brand name drugs when there may actually be a generic drug that works just as well. Over the past decade, scientists have made significant advancements in the treatment of certain diseases. Unfortunately, just like any new product, the cost of developing these new technologies and treatments is extremely high. Plus, unlike other technology, heath technolo...

Rehabilitation, Not Capital Punishment Essay -- Argumentative Persuasi

Rehabilitation, Not Capital Punishment The death penalty is the punishment used in 38 states, and many other countries, as a way of disposing the people in society who are mentally or emotionally disturbed, love their families very much, have a bad temper, or just plain made a mistake. These reasons account for many homicides that take place each year. Capitol Punishment is just not humane and should not be legal. The argument most often used to support the death penalty in former-Soviet republics is the necessity of having a particularly efficacious deterrent against murders and other common crimes. However, none of the many studies about the matter have been able to show that death penalty is more of a deterrent than other punishments. It's completely wrong to think that most of those who commit serious crimes such as murders consider the consequences of their actions. Murders are often committed when the criminal is blinded with passion, when emotions prevail over reason. They are sometimes committed under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or in panic moments, when the culprit is discovered while he steals, as I mentioned already. Some murderers have very serious psychiatric problems or are mental patients. In none of these cases is it possible that the fear to be sentenced to death could act as an effective deterrent. There is another heavy limit. One who plans a crime rationally can choose to go on, although he knows the risk he's running, thinking that he won't be discovered. Most of the criminologists assert that the best way to ... ...cases. There was many times in my own childhood where I took the last cupcake, or spilled my milk. Not all of these times was I held accountable for my misdeed. The younger brother usually received the punishment that I deserved. This can also happen with murder, only death is permanent and "time out" is not. What do we say to the families of the innocently punished when such evidence comes forward to prove that their loved one was wrongly executed? There is nothing we can do or say to excuse ourselves. In conclusion, the death penalty is not right because it does not serve the purposes that it is intended to serve. I have proved that it is not an effective deterrent, but it also removes people from the world who can be rehabilitated in a proper institution.

Strategic Management of Agribank

ABSTRACT In the present age, big cities in Viet Nam are growing at a rapid pace, especially in the economics, as a result many banks are established including Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam.Founded on 26/03/1988, Agribank has always played the leading role in Vietnam’s economic development with 1034 correspondent banks in 95 countries and territories (since 12/2009). In the new period, Agribank constantly improve their competitiveness to maintain the number one position of commercial banks and the dominant role in agricultural and rural financial market, serving farmers, agriculture and rural areas. To become the member of Group Finance and Banking in the country, Agribank’s strategy is associated with the sustainable development of customers, banking, partners and communities.Based on the data obtained from a small-scale interview carried out within Agribank’s employees and reviewed literature, our project’s team analyze Agribankâ₠¬â„¢s strategic management. Another key point of this report is providing recommendations to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. It is hoped that this empirical report can bring the readers with a more detailed look at the Agribank’s strategic Management. TABLE OF CONTENT Abstract†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦1 I. Executive summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3 II. Introduction of the company†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3 III. Managerial function†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 4 IV.Literature review†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 V. Strategic management†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 6 1. Step 1: identifying the bank’s goal†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 7 2. External Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 3. Internal Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦9 VI. Conclusion and recommendation†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 12 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 14 I. Executive summary This report was commissioned to analyze, evaluate and also to give recommendation about the Strategic management of Bank of Agricultural and Rural Development of Vietnam. The research draws attraction to AgriBank’s current missions and goals: focusing on renovating and developing banking technology in a modernization manner.Further investigations give a SWOT analysis about AgriBank and conclusions about their status are made: Internally, Agribank has quite a lot of strengths such as large number of gross capital, high prestige, modern facilities, as well as some weaknesses like bad financial capability and low operation effectiveness. Besides, externally, Agribank also has many opportunities: peaceful political status, economy recovery, the freshness of the domestic market, and has to deal with lots of threats from competitors, loss of well-qualified employees, or governmental policies. After carefully evaluated, Recommendations are given: AgriBank should penetrate the market strategies to get higher performance by focusing its sources of human and facilities on Main market. †¢ AgriBank should also expand the market strategy, which is to take advantage of its available products and services to enter a new market in order to expand market share, get more output and approach new potential customers. II. Introduction of th e company Agribank is the largest bank in terms of fund resources, number of employees, assets, operation network and customer bases with reputation not only in local market but also international market.Agribank has always focused on the innovation and application of banking technology in favour of business administration and the development of an advanced banking service network. As the report of Agribank. com. vn – â€Å"As of November 2011, Agribank had the total asset of VND 5240,000 billion, total equity of VND 22,176 billion, total outstanding loans of VND 414,464 billion, total fund resource of VND 478,000 billion, total staff of 35,000 people, 2,300 branches and transaction offices†.Agribank is one of the leading bank in Viet Nam in terms of receipt and implementation of foreign projects, especially from World Bank, Asia Development Bank, European Investment Bank and French Development Agency. At present, Agribank is serving 10 million household and 30,000 ent erprises. With the position of a leading commercial bank in Viet Nam, Agribank has shown its great efforts and contribution greatly to the nation’s industrialization and modernization as well as economic development. Due to its location and market share, Agribank’s target market is Vietnam, especially in rural areas.About target customer, in the first period, its target was people who did the agricultural work. However, nowadays, Agribank has no target customer as it welcome everyone who provide capital and invest in many fields other than agriculture. III. Managerial function In the context of a profound and comprehensive integration, to make a difference in how well Agribank performs as well as to cope with this uncertain situation, Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet Nam need strategic management.Hoang Thu Hien – one of the staffs of Agribank – pointed out that: â€Å"One of Agribank’s strategies is making great efforts in fund mo bilization from both local and foreign sources and maintain the credit growth at a reasonable level†. Another way is giving priority in investment in agriculture, farmers especially to farm households with agricultural, forestry, fishery and salt production. She also reveals that those strategies is built in the period 2000 – 2010 by a group of financial experts hired by Agribank. They are still used today and other details of the strategic management are kept as secret database of the bank.The general strategy of Agribank this period is it will put forth a number of solutions which are following the policy of the Government and the State Bank of Viet Nam on monetary policy in 2011 and for coming years (n. d. ). First of all is speeding up the fund mobilization from different sources for serving agriculture, farmers and rural areas then setting up the progress on implementing the Circulation 13, 19 of SBV on safe index for credit institutions or following the SBVâ€℠¢s Governor and relative agencies for adding fund in 2011 and developing strategy on international cooperation and foreign fund projects for 2010-2015.Secondly, Agribank has completely changed into Ltd Company with 100% capital of State and pushing up the modern banking technology based on IPCAS II which is used to develop the new products and services with high quality to better serve the customers. Thirdly, Agribank is trying to train the staff about the core cultural values including honesty, discipline, creativity, quality and efficiency. Finally, Agribank plans to carry out the project on business development strategy for 2011-2015 towards 2020 †¦ to prove the prestige of the largest commercial bank-financial institution in Viet Nam.IV. Literature review Regarding Strategic management, many scholars have researched about it so as to find out the best way to establish strategy and manage it. Stephen P. Robbins   and Mary Coulter with â€Å"Management tenth edition† have drawn the most detailed and comprehensive picture of Strategic Management. According to their theory, strategy is â€Å"plans for how an organization will do what it’s in business to do, how it will compete successfully, and how it will attract and satisfy its customers in order to achieve its goals† (Stephen amp; Mary 2009, p. 163). And then strategic management is defined as what managers do to develop an organization’s strategies. There are three reasons why strategic management is important which are stated that it makes a difference in how well an organization performs, it is necessary to cope with uncertain situation and to provide organizational goals for each part of the organization to work toward. After clarifying the importance of strategic management, those two authors draw a big picture of the strategic management process.There are all 6 steps in the process which the first 3 are most important. The first step is to identify the organizationâ €™s current mission, goals and strategies. Mission is defined as a statement of the purpose of an organization and goals are understood as measurable performance targets. Identifying those concepts will help the organization draw a general path to follow. The next two steps can be combined as SWOT analysis which analyze 4 main factors: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.It can also be defined as doing external analysis – environment around the organization and its effect- and internal analysis – the organization’s specific resources and capabilities. The next step namely Formulating strategies is done after all the analysis and is to establish a detailed path for the organization to follow. The last 2 steps are about implementing and evaluating the strategies that have been built up in the last step. Agreeing with those two authors’ theory, we have conducted interview and done some research and analysis about Agribank Vietnam. V. Strateg ic ManagementTo research about the company’s strategic management, we are required to conduct the first three steps of Agribank’s strategic management process. Our project team will identify the Agribank’s missions and goals and do the internal (SW) along with the external (OT) analysis. Furthermore, the recommendations will be set up to uphold the strengths, overcome weaknesses, maximize opportunities and eliminate any threats or turn them into opportunities. 1. STEP 1: IDENTIFYING THE ORGANIZATION’S CURRENT MISSION AND GOALS To maintain the leading bank, provide the modern and high quality products nd services, meet the demand of customers and increase the non-credit income, Agribank is focusing on renovating and developing banking technology in a modernization manner. That is its mission in 2011 and for the coming years The Agribank An Phu pointed out that Agribank expects to reach the goals for 2012 as follows: the fund resource increases by 15-17% co mpared with 2011, outstanding loans rises by 11-12%, the rate of loans to agricultural and rural areas is 70%, NPLs below 3%, non-credit income goes up by 10%, CAR complies with international standard.In general, Agribank’s goal is bringing prosperity to the customer. 2. EXTERNAL ANALYSIS After deciding the mission and goals of Agribank, the important thing is to conduct an external analysis, which includes the two components: the general and the specific environment. Each factors in the components maybe an opportunity or a threat to Agribank, basing on how they can affect Agribank’s market. A. Opportunities As to mention about the general environment, it is reported that the world’s and Vietnam’s economy are recovering from the crisis and are predicted to be growing in the near future.A recent article from the famous BBC (9 October 2012) has reported: â€Å"What is happening is a re-balancing of our economy. We have created a million net new jobs [and] we are now a net exporter of cars, but it is a slow process. † With the economy flourishing, Agribank has an opportunity to expand the market size and provide more services to the customers. In addition to the country’s economy recovery, Agribank also benefits from the fact that Vietnam has officially entered the WTO. By joining the world’s economic flow, Agribank has more chances to meet big partners and to develop itself.For example, the bank can learn from the foreigners about the new technology and inquire their way of working and technical skills. And, as to mention the political conditions, Vietnam is a peaceful country with no terrorists or civil wars; which encourages the development of law and economy, and Agribank can make use of this to complete their working system. The opportunity for Agribank does not only come from the general environment but also the specific environment, especially from the customers.According to the Standard Charter Bank’ s CEO, saying to baomoi online newspaper (Phuong 2009), Vietnam has a young and fresh banking market, which is not fully exploited. He also points out that in the recent years, the number of banking service users rises gradually and it will continue to rise in the next 5 years. Furthermore, according to the vietnamplus. vn (Son 2009), Vietnam’s average age tends to become higher, consequently, many people will begin to consider saving for their pension plan.Agribank can take advantage of this opportunity to reach more to the customers’ need. B. Threats Besides the opportunities, there are also threats that Agribank has to deal with. The fact that Vietnam has entered the WTO also brings along the trouble of the market share being downsized because Vietnam banks and companies are now freely get investments from foreign companies. It will also increase the competition between Vietnam and other WTO countries, creating great tension to Agribank. In addition to this, the Gov ernment policies are also putting Agribank under pressure.The current ceiling interest rate is kept really low at 9% – started from 11th June, but it’s also predicted to be lower, according to Dr. Vu Dinh Anh’s analysis (Thanh 2012). This policy makes it hard for Agribank and other banks to mobilize capital from people, and so on earn less profit on lending other companies money. In addition to the general environment’s influences, the specific environment, too, holds some menaces. The number of competitors growing rapidly in today’s time of high-technology, following with the decrease in number of high-quality employees is current problems that Agribank have to face.Nowadays, joint-stock company banks such as Vietcombank, Vietinbank or ACB bank are playing their leading roles in banking industry in Vietnam, alluring a large number of users comparing to AgriBank. Not as powerful as JSC Banks, but the banks with foreign investments like the Standard Charter Bank being equipped with higher quality and credit funds and non-bank credit organizations are acting as the harbingers to Agribank. According to Vietnam Credit Information and Rating Company’s report (Thanh 2012), 32 banks are rated to be highly competitive.Unfortunately, Agribank is not listed. Adding to the threats from competitors, the upcoming workforce in banking being estimated to be really large but cannot be so sure about the quality is also a trouble for Agribank. The best workers tend to chase for high position with high salary in foreign countries or other bank rather than Agribank; while the rests are not really well-trained. In general, the threats to Agribank are surpassing the opportunities that the bank can get, but its whole banking business is predicted to be growing. 3. INTERNAL ANALYSISBeside external analysis, it is also very important to explore and assess the internal factors of Agribank which are its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding ab out those internal elements will give us the knowledge of Agribank’s ability to take benefit from the opportunities and to face the threats. A. Strengths The first and the most powerful strength of Agribank is that it has the largest total capital, the biggest operation network and the hugest source of labors and customers in Vietnam. According to the article â€Å"3 ngan hang thuong m? i nha nu? c co v? n di? u l? tren 1 t? USD† on gafin. n (23 March 2012), a familiar website for investors, Agribank is the commercial bank that has the greatest amount of total capital in Vietnam which is over 29. 606 billion VND. It is an advantage for Agribank as it can invest in a lot of fields and activities with its huge capital. About its operation network and source of labors and customers, Agribank has over 2. 300 branches and office and 37. 500 staffs all over the country. Moreover, according to the official website of Agribank (n. d. ), it also signs contract with other foreig n banks from Laos, Cambodia and China to expand its market.Another strength is that it is the unique and main bank that focuses on the field of agriculture and rural areas. In Vietnam, only Agribank is the commercial bank that is nurtured and controlled by the government to develop agriculture and support agricultural workers. Vietnam is the country that has the main focus on agriculture and producing food so that this market share would be a big benefit for Agribank. Moreover, Agribank is considered as having the lowest rank of risk due to its support from the government and it also has the prestige of a governmental bank with tradition and experience.This advantage can gain the customers’ trust that not all other rivals can do. Last but not least, one more strength of Agribank is that its high technology applying in its infrastructure. To approve this point, the article â€Å"Viettel va Agribank ky k? t th? a thu? n h? p tac toan di? n† on danviet. vn (D? c 2011) sta tes that from November 20th, 2011, Viettel would coordinate with Agribank totally with its telecommunication infrastruction. The combination of those two giants will be an extreme advantage for Agribank to upgrade its system and bring better products to its customers. B. WeaknessesIt is undeniable that Agribank is one of the strongest banks in Vietnam at this time; however, it still has its own weaknesses that need improving to get the highest performance. The first alarming weakness is its bad financial capability. Although its system is modern and successful in Vietnam, Agribank’s financial control is still weak compared to the global standard. Stockbiz. vn reported that Fitch Ratings has affirmed Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development’s (Agribank) Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’ (12 July 2012). The Outlook is Stable.At the same time, the agency has affirmed Agribank’s Viability Rating (VR) at ‘cccâ €™ and Support Rating Floor at ‘B’. A full rating breakdown is provided at the end of this release. Also according to this rating agency, Agribank has low rank of risk thanks to the support from the government, not from its own ability. The bank’s reported non-performing loans (NPLs) are the highest among domestic peers. Its low level of reserves, together with a high level of special mentioned loans (SMLs) and a slower economic backdrop, is likely to keep credit costs elevated in the near- to medium-term.As a result, Fitch expects the bank’s profitability to remain low, given also potential margin squeeze from a regulatory cap on lending rates on the agriculture sector. Therefore this weakness may not affect Agribank immediately in the domestic market, but if it wants to expand to the oversea market, it has to improve its financial capability a lot. Another clear weakness of Agribank is that its operation effectiveness is not high enough. Although the bank was established in 1988, it still hasn’t made huge impact on Vietnam’s agriculture.Farmers still do the farming work with traditional methods and do not use much technology in working. The rate of poor households in rural areas is still high after years. This weakness could be very dangerous as it would lose the customers’ and government’s trust, which can reduce its total capital. One last weakness of Agribank is that its human resource is huge but not qualified enough. There is a sad truth in Vietnam that people who have social relationship with some â€Å"big men† inside the company are likely to get the job. And Agribank is not an exception.Due to this terrible truth, many people who are not educated well enough still have good job and decide the destiny of the bank. Therefore, its human resource can not satisfy the requirement of the global standard, which would be a disadvantage for it when expanding to the bigger world. VI. Conclusion and Recommendations  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‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, like other corporations and organizations, Agribank has its all strengths such as large number of gross capital, high prestige, modern facilities, and weaknesses namely bad financial capability and low operation effectiveness.Beside these internal factors, Agribank also faces up with opportunities: peaceful political status, economy recovery, the freshness of the domestic market, and threats from competitors, loss of well-qualified employees, or governmental policies. Therefore, based on the analysis of SWOT and the wholesome interview of sole employee, we have drawn up the strategies for Agribank to achieve more success in the next five years. 1. Penetrating market strategies In this strategy, we would focus our resources of human and facilities on Main market to get higher performance.To get the strategy accomplished effecti vely, some methods must be applied such as: Improving the mobilization capital – by allowing wide range of maturities, or periods, interests rate or accumulated interests. Furthermore, the bank can also try to attain   sponsored -agricultural projects or projects of supporting small and average-scale business. Another method is improving the quality of credit service by using up the qualification of the staff to do   research on reducing some steps of procedures so that the transaction duration will be minimized which makes it faster and more convenient to deposit.Another effective   solution is diversifying and developing the quality of the services because at the moment most of Agribank   products are traditional ones, so it is less competitive. Therefore, the bank should introduce new advanced and convenient services and products to ensure the ability of serving customer efficiently. This method also heightens the administrative status of the management. 2. Expandi ng market strategy This is the strategy in which Agibank would take advantage of its available products and services to enter a new market in order to expand market share, get more output and approach new potential customers.There are some methods that can be applied, the first one could be intensifying the process of constructing material facilities or, in detail, purchasing necessary assets especially IT equipments, strongboxes, electric generators. Secondly, it could develop the network by establishing more   transaction posts which help popularize brand name. Thirdly, Agribank can enhance the quality of the staff by focusing on recruiting, introducing new reserving reward policies, retraining the current staff to get higher qualification and ability.Furthermore, in the period of expanding to new market, Agibank may appoint the most important and experienced cadres (skillful employees) to new brands in order to make sure that new brands can operate effectively. Beside those, Ag ribank   should speed up marketing operations/ activities   because marketing plays an important role in popularizing and giving products to the public. Some methods for developing marketing performance are : for products, improving traditional products and services, shortening procedure of transaction, and bringing new benefits to customer.For location, it can choose the most convenient location so that customers can easily make transactions. For advertisement, it is advisable to use radio, television, newspaper and the internet as the important way to advertise the bank. Furthermore, it is the way we serve that is one of the most means of advertisement to customers. Last but not least, we recommend to reinforce the control of internal activities which means that does not merely   check the account or the asset of the bank but verify the quality of credit, the efficiency, safety so that administrator can easily find out and re-correct defects and mistakes.References Agribank An Phu official website n. d. , â€Å"D? nh hu? ng phat tri? n c? a Agribank Vi? t nam†, viewed 17 November 2012, http://agribankanphu. com. vn/vn/company/details/dinh-huong-phat-trien-cua-agribank-viet-nam6. html Agribank Vietnam official website n. d. , â€Å"Agribank phat tri? n b? n v? ng vi s? th? nh vu? ng c? a c? ng d? ng†, viewed 17 November 2012, http://www. agribank. com. vn/101/786/gioi-thieu/dinh-huong-phat-trien. aspx Agribank Vietnam official website n. d. , M? ng lu? i ho? t d? ng Agribank – hon 2300 Chi nhanh, Phong giao d? ch tr? dai cung hinh ch? S, viewed 21 November 2012, http://www. agribank. com. vn/101/790/gioi-thieu/mang-luoi-hoat-dong. aspx BBC 9 October 2012, viewed 18 November 2012, http://www. bbc. co. uk/news/business-19876587 D? c Hi? u, Viettel va Agribank ky k? t th? a thu? n h? p tac toan di? n, 21 October 2011, viewed 21 November 2012, http://danviet. vn/62504p25c50/viettel-va-agribank-ky-ket-thoa-thuan-hop-tac-toan-dien. htm Ga fin 23 March 2012, viewed 23 November 2012, http://gafin. vn/20120323104832101p0c34/3-ngan-hang-thuong-mai-nha-nuoc-co-von-dieu-le-tren-1-ty-usd. tm Phuong Nhi 2009, â€Å"Th? tru? ng ngan hang Vi? t Nam r? t tr? †, Baomoi, April 2009, viewed 20 November 2012, http://www. baomoi. com/Thi-truong-ngan-hang-Viet-Nam-rat-tre/126/2960677. epi Thanh Thanh Lan 2012, â€Å"L? n d? u tien x? p h? ng nang l? c c? nh tranh ngan hang†, Vnexpress, 8 September, viewed 19 November 2012, http://ebank. vnexpress. net/gl/ebank/tin-tuc/2012/09/lan-dau-tien-xep-hang-nang-luc-canh-tranh-ngan-hang/ Thanh Thanh Lan 2012, ‘Tr? n lai su? t huy d? ng co th? v? 8% m? t nam', Vnexpress, 29 August, viewed 18 November 2012, http://ebank. nexpress. net/gl/ebank/tin-tuc/2012/08/tran-lai-suat-huy-dong-co-the-ve-8-mot-nam/ Son Bach 2009, â€Å"Vi? t Nam co co c? u dan s? vang, tu? i th? tang†, Vietnamplus, 31 December, viewed 19 November 2012, http://www. vietnamplus. vn/Home/Viet-Nam-co-c o-cau-dan-so-vang-tuoi-tho-tang/200912/29400. vnplus Stockbiz 12 July 2012, viewed 23 November 2012, http://en. stockbiz. vn/News/2012/7/12/309322/text-fitch-affirms-vietnam-s-agribank-at-b-outlook-stable. aspx *** Group tasks No| ID| Name| Task| Report|

Destin Brass Products Co. Essay

The estimated costs calculated using the activity-based costing method is very different from the existing standard unit costs and the revised unit costs. Exhibit 3 uses the traditional cost allocation system, which allocates all costs based on measures of volume. In the standard unit costs, Destin Brass uses direct labor as the only cost driver, which rarely meets the cause-effect standard wanted in cost allocation. Exhibit 4 is similar to exhibit 3, but instead, 4 uses materials and machine hours as the cost driver instead of just direct labor. The new costs are calculated by using the ABC system, which allocates costs that are caused by non-volume-based cost drivers. After recognizing the overhead activities, costs of overhead resources used for the activities are allocated to the activities using cost drivers. Then pooled costs of each activity are allocated to products, using the cost drivers. It takes one large overhead cost pool and breaks it down into several pools, which for this company are: receiving and materials handling, machine usage and maintenance, packing and shipping, and engineering. These have a cause-effect relationship with activities and resources that are used. So unlike exhibit 3 and 4, the new system breaks down the overhead costs a lot more. The new estimated costs are more accurate because the amount allocated to each of the overhead activities for each product is more detailed. It shows the percentage of how much each activity is performed on each product. All 3 products’ unit costs in the new system are different from exhibit 3 and 4. Unit price for valves has a slight change compare to the standard unit price, but for pumps and flow controllers, there is a dramatic change. Destin Brass are well under their 35% gross margin goal for pumps, and wondering how other companies can sell their pumps for such a low price. They thought the unit costs for pumps is $63.12, when in fact, the more accurate system shows that it’s only $48.81, $14.31 less than the standard unit cost. This inaccuracy is the reason why Destin Brass is having trouble staying competitive with their price on pumps while other companies are able to sell it for a lower price. The flow controllers have never been a problem for Destin Brass. It seemed to them that they had no competition in that market. Even after raising the prices by 12.5%, demand did not decrease. This is because the more accurate unit cost for flow controllers is actually $100.48, and not $56.50, $43.98 more than what they thought. They have been selling their flow controller at $97.07 each, which is below the unit cost, and that is why no other companies are able to compete in that market. I think Destin Brass should definitely adjust their selling price for all 3 products. For valves, $58.16 should be their new target-selling price if they want to keep the 35% GM goal, but I think they should make the actual selling price to be a little lower than that. That way they can stay/be more competitive in the valves market while having a GM% that is slightly lower, but still close to the goal. Selling price for pumps will have to be lowered for them to become competitive in the pumps market, unlike before. $75.09 would be the price they want to sell it at if they want the 35% GM, but the selling could still be slightly lower then that, allowing them to be competitive while still very close to their goal. Flow controller prices will have to be higher if they want to make a profit from this product. Right now they are making a loss of 4% for each flow controller they sell. If they want to reach the 35% GM mark, they will have to up their cost from $97.07 to $154.58. Just like pumps and valves, price could be a little lower than that, and of course for the same reasons. Yes, this means they will go from having no competition to many competitions in the flow controller market now, but at least they won’t be making a loss every time they sell a flow controller. In the following month, assuming quantities produced and sold, activities, and costs were all at standard, the profit reported under the new system would be $540,260.00, and under the present system would be $539,180.00. There is only a difference of $1,080. Destin Brass will not see any major difference in profit in the short run; in this case it’s over a period of one month. But in the long run, they will definitely see major changes in their profits.

Accounting Hw

House of Organs, Inc. , purchases organs from a well-known manufacturer and sells them at the retail level. The organs sell, on the average, for $2,500 each. The average cost of an organ from the manufacturer is $1,500. House of Organs, Inc. , has always kept careful records of its costs. The costs that the company incurs in a typical month are presented below in the form of a spreadsheet: Costs Cost Formula Selling: Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $950 per month Delivery of organs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60 per organ sold Sales salaries and commissions . . . . . . . . . $4,800 per month, plus 4% of sales Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $650 per month Depreciation of sales facilities . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 per month Administrative: Executive salaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,500 per month Depreciation of office equipment . . . . . . . $900 per month Clerical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,500 per month, plus $40 per organ sold Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $700 per month During November, the company sold and delivered 60 organs. Required: 1. Prepare an income statement for November using the traditional format with costs organized by function. 2. Redo (1) above, this time using the contribution format with costs organized by behavior. Show costs and revenues on both a total and a per unit basis down through contribution margin. 3. Refer to the income statement you prepared in (2) above.Why might it be misleading to show the fixed costs on a per unit basis? SOLUTION 1. | |House Of Organs, Inc. | | |Income Statement | | |For the Month Ended November 30 | | | | | | | |Sales (60 organs ? 2,500 per organ) | |$150,000 | | |Cost of goods sold | |  Ã‚  Ã‚  90,000 | | |(60 organs ? 1,500 per organ) | | | | |Gross margin | |60,000 | | |Selling and administrative expenses: | | | | |Selling expenses: | | | | |Adv ertising |$  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  950 | | | |Delivery of organs |3,600 | | | |(60 organs ? $60 per organ) | | | | |Sales salaries and commissions |10,800 | | | |[$4,800 + (4% ? 150,000)] | | | | |Utilities |650 | | | |Depreciation of sales facilities |  Ã‚  Ã‚  5,000 | | | |Total selling expenses |  21,000 | | | |Administrative expenses: | | | | |Executive salaries |13,500 | | | |Depreciation of office equipment |900 | | | |Clerical |4,900 | | | |[$2,500 + (60 organs ? 40 per organ)] | | | | |Insurance |  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  700 | | | |Total administrative expenses |  20,000 | | | |Total selling and administrative expenses | |  Ã‚  Ã‚  41,000 | | |Net operating income | |$? 19,000 | |2. | | | |House Of Organs, Inc. | |Income Statement | | |For the Month Ended November 30 | | | | | | | | |Total |Per Unit | | |Sales (60 organs ? $2,500 per organ) |$150,000 |$2,500 | | |Variable expenses: | | | | |Cost of goods sold |90,000 |1,500 | | |(60 organs ? 1,500 per organ) | | | | |D elivery of organs |3,600 |60 | | |(60 organs ? $60 per organ) | | | | |Sales commissions (4% ? $150,000) |6,000 |100 | | |Clerical (60 organs ? $40 per organ) |  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2,400 |  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  40 | |Total variable expenses |  102,000 |  1,700 | | |Contribution margin |  Ã‚  48,000 |$  Ã‚  800 | | |Fixed expenses: | | | | |Advertising |950 | | | |Sales salaries |4,800 | | | |Utilities |650 | | | |Depreciation of sales facilities |5,000 | | | |Executive salaries |13,500 | | | |Depreciation of office equipment |900 | | | |Clerical |2,500 | | | |Insurance |  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  700 | | | |Total fixed expenses |  Ã‚  Ã‚  29,000 | | | |Net operating income |$  19,000 | | 3. Fixed costs remain constant in total but vary on a per unit basis with changes in the activity level. For example, as the activity level increases, fixed costs decrease on a per unit basis. Showing fixed costs on a per unit basis on the income statement make them appear to be variable costs. That is, management might be misled into thinking that the per unit fixed costs would be the same regardless of how many organs were sold during the month. For this reason, fixed costs should be shown only in totals on a contribution-type income statement.

Ways of KNowing

WHEN Is a focus on the primary medical management of women's health throughout the phases of a man's life. Many aspects of a woman's life are variables that will affect her general health and wellness. For example, relationships, children, career, family, finances, environmental factors, spirituality, and other influences collectively impact a woman's health and wellness. In my own nursing experience, I recall a difficult client care situation that perplexed me with serious ethical questions and allowed me to unfold a â€Å"bigger picture† of the woman's life.This woman contracted HIVE during her first sexual encounter at the age on nineteen. I had the privilege of knowing her when she was the age of thirty-three which for her was the end of her life due to the disease processes. I spent a good deal of time with her In clinical practice and came to a full understanding and appreciation of her life story but not at first. I created many barriers for myself and for her with resp ect to vast commodities and clinical needs beyond comparison to many other patients I had encountered.The barriers were created because of my intolerance and objectivity I had created against the WAITED population. I learned later that she was the loving mother of a child that she could not physically see because she had lost her eyesight. She was alone. She was abandoned by the father of the child who was the carrier of the HIVE she had contracted. She was angry. She was scared. She was mistreated and abused by her family and the system. My moment of knowing myself finally came when I was able to see myself as being this person.She could have been anybody life story. During this time I was able to re-evaluate my personal feelings and biases and this particular tuition brought to fruitful a nurse that was less Judgmental, more understanding, more tolerant, and most Importantly more knowing. This happened long before I knew there was Integrated Theory and Knowledge Development in Nur sing. All the while, we nurses have been developing ways of knowing and like many of my fellow undergraduate nurses, I did not acknowledge the term â€Å"Knowing† in the sense of an art.Former clinical experiences have influenced how I acquire knowledge in my latter clinical practice. I use an integrated approach to the collection and analysis of ATA from personal, ethical, and empirical perspectives. Personally, I am aware that I am human and can easily become consumed in opinions and prejudices. I understand that ownership of a prejudice in nursing creates barriers that will not allow the nurse patient relationship to flourish. The nurse's failure in realizing the self as a potential barrier Is also the nurse's failure In delivering the most therapeutic and holistic care possible.I consider psychosocial, demographic, ethnic, cultural, and/ or religious factors that may bear weight on a therapeutic plan of care. I pay attention to facial expressions, educational level, langu age, and family members. Is religious practices that prevent certain treatments? Is the patient in pain? These are important questions that I ask or observe for gathering information and formulating a specific plan of care. What can I do as the primary nurse to be part of a therapeutic clinical plan of care? What can I say to add words of comfort in times of fear?How can I be proactive in the community to raise a level of awareness concerning senseless acts of violence or the spread of disease and infection? Am I using the best possible aseptic techniques to facilitate the most optimal outcomes during wound care and other invasive procedures? A combination of clinical objectivity, personal knowing, and ethical/disciplinary knowing are utilized during clinical practice to ensure I deliver the best care I can to the patients that I serve. The Phenomenon of Interest that I would like to further examine is as follows: Investigating the quality of life and health in infertility. Ways of Knowing I choose to talk on this essay about how they have an Impact on my process of acquiring knowledge are: 1) Emotion 2) Memory 3) Reason I will start with emotion. I believe emotion has a great role on all individuals' process of acquiring knowledge. That's because emotion Is Interfering in our choices at all moments.For example: When I started writing this essay I had to choose three from seven ways of knowing, and my emotions play a key role in this choice because I ended up choosing the ones I like the best, and now I will write a completely different say from which I would if I had chosen any other of the seven ways of knowing and this will have an impact on my process of acquiring knowledge. Another daily example of when emotion comes into its defining role is when we come into the position of having to choose where we are going to eat, at which restaurant.Emotion might lead us to choose our favorite restaurant other than trying out a new restaurant and this is avoiding us to try o ut new experiences, learn new food tastes and therefore emotion again has an impact on my/everybody process of acquiring knowledge. However emotion might also have a positive impact on ones process of acquiring knowledge. For example, I once traveled to New Zealand and had the chance to bungee Jump. My parents told me not to jump, they were scared that I could hurt myself Jumping, but my emotions told me that I should Jump, that It would be a good experience, something new.And so I did. Exposed myself to something new and therefore learned something, acquired knowledge. And all this positive acquiring of knowledge was only possible because my emotion told me to jump, to try something new. I believe memory has a very negative role on an individual's process of acquiring knowledge. That's due to the fact the many times people try something out and have a negative experience and this first negative experience stays in their memory and blocks them from trying this actively again and pos sibly having a positive second experience.I myself have many example of a blocking first negative experience. For example: When I was a kid, I tried this Russian food called â€Å"standoff' once and didn't like it, because of this experience I have never tried it again and this has avoided me from possibly having a positive second experience and possibly liking the dish very much, but the memory from the first negative experience has blocked me from ever having the second try. However memory can have some positive effects on an Individual's process of aqualung knowledge.For example: You might not have seen a friend for a long time, and you pass by him on the street. If it wasn't for your memory you might not recognize him and call his attention so that you two could meet each other after so many years and chat. If it wasn't for your memory (which allowed you to recognize your friend) you would not be able to meet him and chat with him, therefore you would not learn what he has been up too In the last few years.This recognition allowed an encounter which opens has been up too in the last few years). Reason is very similar to emotion, they are linked in a way, some say they are opposites. Reason is present in every decision we make. Using the example from emotion about the restaurants, reason might be present. For example: You might chose between restaurant A and restaurant B because restaurant A serves a type of food you like the best, that's reason involved in your Judgment.But how can reason affect your process of acquiring knowledge? Well, when studying for a test, you might be undecided whether to study from a book or study from the internet. When taking this decision you will (maybe even unconsciously) use reason to decide whether to study from a book or from the internet, and when you do so you will then have effectively affected your process of acquiring knowledge, as you will now be acquiring knowledge for your test from a different source.One personal example of how reason has affected my process of acquiring knowledge was when I was undecided whether to buy a book called â€Å"How to rap† or a book called â€Å"The www-tang manual†. I used reason on deciding which book to buy, Judging the pros and the cons of each book. And I finally decided to buy â€Å"How to rap†. This truly had an impact on my process of acquiring knowledge because I am now acquiring knowledge from the book â€Å"How to rap† but if my reason process had decided that â€Å"The www-tang manual† was a better book then I would be acquiring knowledge from â€Å"The www-tang manual†.Therefore reason helped me choose between two different sources of knowledge and now I am acquiring knowledge from one of them and not the other, therefore my process of acquiring knowledge has be affected. Reason might not always make you make the best decisions, it all depends on how you're reasoning process is made, but it surely happens in every decision we cake, Just like emotion. As a conclusion, I believe that all seven ways of knowing has an impact on an individual's process of acquiring knowledge.Some might be positive sometimes and some might be negative sometimes, but they are always taking a role, no matter if positively or negatively in or decisions and in or process of acquiring knowledge. The seven ways of knowing are present in or day to day lives (as seen in the examples given) and therefore it this important to understand how these impact our process of acquiring knowledge so that we can have better control of the effect these take in our life.