Biography of an African Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Biography of an African - Essay Example These facts, combined with continued political struggles in Ethiopia, make bringing books to children rather difficult, to say the least. Yohannes Gebregeorgis fell in love with books at the age of 19 when someone loaned him a romance novel. While his childhood in Ethiopia was happy, books were rare, and reading a romance novel simply for the pleasure of it sparked his later commitment to sharing that experience with as many of his fellow countrymen as possible (Coeyman, 2002). Gebregeorgis fled his native country and emigrated to the United States in 1982, where he earned a master’s degree in library science. He found his calling when he joined the San Francisco Public Library’s children’s department. He worked there for more than a decade before a good idea took his life down a different path. A colleague asked Gebregeorgis to make a list of Ethiopian children’s books so the library could add them to the collection. When he found none after months of searching, Gebregeorgis used his disappointment in a positive way by setting up a publishing group and the Ethiopian Books for Children and Educational Foundation in 1998 (Coeyman, 2002; EthiopiaReads.org, 2008; Reading Today, 2008). As with almost all grass-roots non-profits dedicated to such a specific task, no matter how worthy the endeavor money was hard to raise. Gebregeorgis did what all grass-roots fundraisers do: he didn’t wait for the big donors to come through; he developed a fundraising vehicle of his own. â€Å"Kilu Mammo† (â€Å"Silly Mammo†) grew out of this dream, for both its literary value and its fundraising appeal. The EBCEF made this simple story its first imprint in 1998 (Reading Today, 2008). The publishing group has since published books written in Amharic as well as Oromo and Tigrignya (Tigrigna), three of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia, in

Im Bored- What your Child Is Really Telling You Essay Example for Free

Im Bored- What your Child Is Really Telling You Essay In the short essay, I’m Bored: What Your Child is Really Telling You, by Linda Morgan, children everywhere are having issues with saying what they really mean when they say they are bored. Whether at home or in school, when a child says those two words, â€Å"I’m bored†, he may be in need of parental attention, redirection of school work, and direction in completing projects and activities. In today’s world, technology takes over a child’s extra time. Instead of going outside to play with friends or having a specific hobby, adolescents find themselves caught in an Xbox or computer game. Yet after they have beaten the game or moved on to something else they still complain that they are â€Å"bored†. But what does that really mean? According to Dr. Danielle Kassow, when a child states that they are uninterested in whatever they are doing or working on, it could mean that they simply want their parents, teachers, and daycare provider’s attention. It’s common for a child to want the attentiveness of an adult. Being a kid in society today, direction is still needed by the parent; whether in school or not. Adolescents need that extra push in order to make up their own mind about what they want to do next or what they are interested in. In order to help a child make up their mind, it could help to ask them questions like â€Å"what’s your favorite hobby† or give the child educational projects to do. These questions and projects will stimulate their minds and allow them to actually pay attention to something. Unlike a project that is hands on, games on any kind of technological device will allow them the chance to put their attention on something. If a child comes home from school and starts their homework, says he is bored in the middle of the assignment, it could mean that he needs a redirection of school work. His assignments may not be as challenging as they need to be for him. He is not becoming engaged in his school work, therefore he gets bored while doing or listening to his lessons. Also, it could mean that he needs a clearer pathway as to what he should start on or how he should start the homework. Children need a coach, whether it’s the parent or the teacher. Help him become motivated and less confused as to how or where he should start. Make his understanding grow a little clearer when pushing him in the direction to where he needs to start. This â€Å"coach† persona will help to child pick up an understanding about how to layout or outline his projects or assignments. It will not only give him a head start it will help him with all the assignments he may have some trouble with in the future. At times, a child saying they are bored could mean that they are independent and wants to organize their own activities. When adolescents get caught up in the technological world, they lose sight of how to rely on themselves to create their next activity. This causes them to want the guidance from the parent or teacher. While there are still children that find themselves independent, they may get bored because they don’t know how to entertain themselves. Kids need to find activities that they are able to do on their own. Things like drawing, simple building, or going outside to socialize or play with friends. Children need the time to be allowed to decide what they want to do, something that they are able to do. Giving them this time will help them reconnect with physical activities and not so much mental activities. When kids are doing their homework, and they seem to rely on their parents or teachers too much, you could give them a little time to themselves. In order to get them to think on their own without their parent saying â€Å"you aren’t doing this right† or â€Å"this is wrong do it again, let them work the assignment without any interruptions and eventually they will understand why they didn’t get the right answer at first and how they got the correct answer in the end. After they are done the parent or teacher could check their work and then tell them what they got wrong or right. This is important for the child so they can be able to learn on their own without needing the help from the teacher or parent all the time. These little techniques will come to the guardian as an advantage. Not only is the child engaging in the activity, but he or she is enjoying the process. It’s important to know what a child means when they say they are bored so they can be helped. Whether it’s tough to figure out or there is a very easy solution, in the end there will be a drastic change in the child attention skills. Boredom is a concurring epidemic in today’s society because of all the technology we rely on. Kids do not need to be exposed to all these advantages we have at a young age. Being able to rely on themselves is important in the early stages of life. Although sometimes kids say those words some parents hate to hear â€Å"I’m Bored†, it could have a complex meaning to it. Children may need attention from the parent or teacher, redirection of their school work, and some direction in completing projects and assignments. There are many ways to help children fall away from spending too much times playing computer games, or PlayStation games and allowing them to have the responsibility of choosing their own activities. Helping them move in the right direction in school work, whether they are not getting the challenge they need or simply needing that extra help starting an assignment will ultimately have a positive effect on their progress. Independent children will need the time to figure out the correct answer on their own. The guardian will also get a positive result from giving them that time to correct their issues. Children are all different, when they say they are bored, it could be something drastic or something ve ry simple. It’s up to the parent or teacher to decide what the next move is for the child.

Case Studies: Corporate Social Responsibility across world

Case Studies: Corporate Social Responsibility across world Introduction Over the past decade, Malaysia has witnessed tremendous economic and social changes. Hence, the business world is becoming more complex and demanding. Corporate social responsibility has emerged as one of the major issues in the modern-day businesses. However, developing countries are slower in reacting to this issue as the studies in this area are still scarce. Even though there is some increase in research and studies in corporate social responsibility (Abu-Baker Naser, 2000; Belal, 2001; Imam, 2000; Tsang, 1998), the results of these studies are not satisfying due to the scarcity of studies in the developing countries. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming more important for national and international businesses. Large corporations discovered and recognized the benefits of providing CSR programs in various locations, these multinational companies are serving as global providers. Now, CSR activities are being performed around the world. Customers nowadays believe that modern businesses have the obligations to serve them better or in a more responsible manner instead of just focusing on maximizing profits for its organizations stakeholders or shareholders. However, only large firms apply this concept compared to those small or middle-sized enterprises due to the power which large firms have. We also refer CSR as corporate or business responsibility, corporate or business citizenship or community relations. The environment that business organizations operate in is filled with dynamism, complexity and uncertainty. Thus, managers must take into consideration the interests of stakeholders and public in performing their respective duties. According to Wartick and Cochran (1985), the concept corporate social responsibility (CSR) has a philosophical orientation. Jones (1996) described CSR as an ideology which has been enhanced and advanced during the past 50 years with the business and research. CSR refers to corporate performance that is normatively correct with respect to all constituents of the firm (Epstein, 1987). How do we clarified the actions that certain firms took are related to corporate social responsibility? According to Carroll (1991), social expectations can be translated into four different stages of corporate social responsibility, viz: economic, legal, ethical and philanthropy. The first stage is economic responsibility. This stage is where the public and society expect corporate organizations to generate profit and at the same time producing goods and services that meet the customers needs. A firms prime social responsibility must be economic involving the production of goods and services at a reasonable profit. Second stage is legal responsibility. Businesses are expected to run within the legal boundaries in order to achieve their goals. However, not all ethical behaviour are codified, businesses should act in the manner that serve the society while meeting economic objectives. Hence, this is categorized as ethical responsibility. Last but not least, the philanthropy responsibi lity. A corporate organization should actively involve in programs promoting human welfare and goodwill. One common difference between philanthropy and ethical responsibilities is that the former are not expected in moral sense. Community expect firms to contribute their resources to social activities. However, they do not hold those firms unethical if they do not practice these social activities. Hence, philanthropy is more to voluntary part of business in conducting social activities. According to Palazzi (2006), there are an increasing number of companies in Western Europe, Japan and North America discovered that by fully integrate the self-interest and needs of customers, employees, communities and their beloved planet, they can make good business. Therefore, corporate social responsibility includes 6 elements where management of each organization should implement in order to enhance growth and profitability. CSR is about how to manage these 6 responsibilities: customers, employees, business partners, environment, communities and investors (Palazzi et al., 2006). Providing goods and services in a fair price so that the customers will get to enjoy the added value of the products provided by the firm and at the same time the firm will earn profits. By adopting CSR, a firms image is strong and well recognised; it provides good welfare for its employees. Business partners such as suppliers, suppliers will only build long term relationship with firms that are well-re spected and trusted. Firm must never conduct any operations that will harm the environment such as toxic dispersion; it will only bring damage to the environment and also the society. Health, stability and prosperity of the communities are the success factors of any businesses nowadays; businesses must involve themselves in social activities such as charity or donations. Practicing CSR in daily operations no doubt maximize profit in long-run which will benefit the investors. In contrast of co-founder of Hewlett Packard Company in 1939, Dave Packard, he thinks many people assume, wrongly, that a company exists simply to make money. While this is an important result of a companys existence, we have to go deeper and find the real reasons for our being. As we investigate this, we inevitably come to the conclusion that a group of people get together and exist as an institution that we call a company so that they are able to accomplish something collectively that they could not accomplish separately they make a contribution to society, a phrase which sounds trite but is fundamental. No doubt that people assume the purpose of a company is to generate profit, primary objective of a company is to continue its existence or to survive, followed by maintaining growth and development and then make a profit. Company is a structure of people where these people wish to achieve objectives that could not be achieved by the efforts of individuals on their own. CSR involves the responsibilities corporations have to the societies within which they are based and operate. CSR is about the organizations and businesses taking actions beyond their boundaries which will impact the environment and society even though doing so incur higher cost. Several concepts that are closely related to CSR: social and environmental auditing, stakeholder theory, business ethics, environmental sustainability, strategic philanthropy and corporate governance. Definition The issues of corporate social responsibility has been debated and argued since 1950s, latest analyses by Secchi (2007) and Lee (2008) reported that the definition has been changing in meaning and practice. In both corporate and academic world there is uncertainty as how to defined. According to Jackson and Hawker (2001), we have looked for a definition and basically there isnt one. However, this is not quite accurate because the truth is there is an abundance of definitions, which are, according to Van Marrewijk (2003), often biased toward specific interests and thus prevent the development and implementation of the concept. Five dimensions of CSR were identified through a content analysis of the definitions; these five dimensions are environmental dimension, social dimension, economic dimension, stakeholder dimension and voluntaries dimension. Jones (1980) defined CSR as the notion that corporations have an obligation to constituent groups in society other than stockholders and beyond that prescribed by law or union contract, indicating that a stake may go beyond mere ownership. Corporate social responsibility is defined as a principle stating that corporations should be accountable for the effects of any of their actions on their community and environment by Frederick (1992). CSR is defined as the degree of moral obligation that may be ascribed to corporations beyond simple obedience to the laws of the state by Kilcullen and Kooistra (1999). According to Foran (2001), CSR can be defined as the set of practices and behaviours that firms adopt towards their labour force, towards the environment in which their operations are embedded, towards authority and towards civil society. CSR is also defined as the integration of social and environmental concerns in business operations, including dealings with stakeholders (Lea, 2002) . According to Andersen (2003), he defined corporate social responsibility broadly to be about extending the immediate interest from oneself to include ones fellow citizens and the society one is living in and is a part of today, acting with respect for the future generation and nature. There are many available definitions of CSR and they are consistently linking to the five dimensions. From 1980s to 20th century, definitions of CSR must include the 5 dimensions, it is not a must to include all 5 but it is best to do so. Importance of CSR CSR has become increasingly important, now it is considered as a business strategy. Consumers prefer to purchase products or services from companies which they trust; suppliers want to form business partnerships with companies they can rely on; employees wish to work for companies they respect and being respected in return; and NGOs want to cooperate with companies seeking feasible solutions and innovations in areas of common interests. According to Carly Fiorina, Chairman and CEO of Hewlett Packard Company, winning companies of this century will be those who prove their actions that they can earn profit and increase social value at the same time. Shareowners, customers, partners and employees are going to vote with their feet in order to reward those companies that fuel social change through business. This has become the new reality of business, one that everyone should embrace and adopt. Arguments and debates about the importance of CSR, the main topic is why CSR became more import ant? Many factors and influences have led to increasing attention being devoted to the role of companies and CSR. These include: Sustainable development Paul Hawken has defined sustainability as an economic state where the demands placed upon the environment by people and commerce can be met without reducing the capacity of the environment to provide for future generations. Leave the world a little better than you found it, take no more than you need, try not to harm life or the environment, make amends if you do. According to Hohnen (2007), United Nations studies showed that humankind is using natural resources at an excessive rate, a rate where the used resources failed to be replaced in time. If this scenario continues, future generations will not have the resources they need for their development. According to Maurice Strong, Chairman of the Earth Council (1992), he said as we enter the next century, industry will be the most important engine for change in the drive for sustainable solutions to the worlds environmental problems. These issues alerted the world and required immediate actions. Organizations must play their parts in aiding the environmental problems. Corporate social responsibility is one of the solutions and organizations are advised to practice and implement social responsibility in their daily operations. Globalization Globalization is a complex process because it involves rapid social change that is occurring simultaneously across a number of dimensions in the world economy, in politics, in communications, in the physical environment and in culture and each other these transformations interact with the others (Tomlinson, 1999). Growing concerns on human resource management, environmental protection, health and safety due to the economic globalization, CSR can play a vital role in locating the impacts and effects that a business might have on labour, society and economy. CSR also provide certain steps that can assist the business to build and maintain the public welfare. Governance According to Hohnen (2007), governments and intergovernmental bodies such as the UN, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have developed several guidelines and declarations which companies can follow and apply in their future business conduct. Example, government in Penang restricted food sellers from using polystyrene for food packing every Monday. Finance Consumers and investors are more interested in supporting responsible business practices; they are seeking more information on how organizations going to react accordingly after defining risks and opportunities which related to social issues. What actions can the organization take so that it will best serve the society and meet the economic objectives? In the CSR context, a sound CSR approach can help build share and market value for an organization, lower the cost of capital and improve the responsiveness to markets (Hohnen, 2007) Protect the environment Some of the worlds largest companies have showed their commitment to CSR by showing initiatives at reducing their environmental footprint. These companies believe that financial and environmental performance can work together to drive company growth and social reputation. We green the earth slogan made by some multinational companies in Malaysia who own large golf courses within residential area is one of the CSR initiatives seems to protect the environment. According to Hohnen (2007), a CSR approach can improve corporate governance, transparency, accountability and ethical standards. Environment stewardship helps build and retain a companys value. In addition, undergraduates and postgraduates will expose to the importance of taking care of the environment through studying corporate social responsibility. Potential Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility Being socially responsible is increasingly important for modern organizations. This is due to the public becoming more demanding towards firms in terms of being socially responsible. Einer Elhauge, a professor of law at the Harvard Law School, as part of his contribution on the Environmental Protection and the Social Responsibility of Firms, quoted that Corporate managers have the operational discretion to sacrifice corporate profits in the interest of the public. Lower Operating Cost Companies must view this as an opportunity and see the benefit it can obtain from giving back to the communities and employees (McKee, 2005). Lower operating cost may be the most immediate and dependable benefit for a corporation committed to high ethical standards and social responsibility (Ashforth, 1989). On environmental issues, a company who is striving to minimize its emission of greenhouse gasses will be looking at ways of minimizing fuel consumption. Initial investment in more energy efficient vehicles and appliances may incurred very high cost, it will eventually lead to cost saving. If a company is using less energy, then its energy bills will be lower. If a company is minimizing water usage, then its water bills will be lower. The same is true for maximizing the use of recycled materials. Recycled materials are much lower priced compared to raw materials. Employees: Recruitment, Retention and Productivity According to Ivy (2005), the other benefits of adopting corporate social responsibility practices include attracting the most talented and loyal workers. Their employees are more committed to their work because they are proud to be part of that organization. Employees value a corporation that is able to improve the life of the community. A Socially Responsible Corporation considers a workers dignity and offers good health care and retirement plan. Therefore, these employees are not keen to take lifts when opportunity is at hand. Bloemer (1992) found out that the corporation benefits from a stable workforce and reduced training costs. Evidence for this view are clearly stated in the Kelly survey in Crains Detroit Business report found that corporations that behave in socially and environmentally responsible manners attract the top talent and ninety percent of those interviewed would prefer to work for organizations are ethically and socially responsible. Brand Image and Customer Loyalty McKee (2005) suggested that the most significant business benefit of corporate social responsibility is the positive effect it can have on brand image and customer loyalty. If a company is known to be responsible and ethical, and if it markets itself as such, then it will be well positioned in a competitive market. Consumers, weary of the tales of ruthless corporations doing everything in their power to maximize profits, are becoming more and more interested in supporting companies who are socially responsible. Many firms which have such practices include Body Shop that uses all natural, non chemical substances to make their products. They emphasis on no animal testing and many customers are proud to be using their products that support the humanity values that the company share. Differentiated Products According to Klein and Dawar (2004), differentiated product is one of the benefits that enable an organization in order to remain competitive in todays marketplace. Through product differentiation, organizations aim at achieving a competitive advantage by increasing the perceived value of their products relative to the perceived value of the products of their competitors. Particularly, for organizations that implement socially responsible policies, product differentiation can satisfy the unmet needs of consumers offering both financial and business benefits to the firm. Firms that offer environmentally friendly products experience higher sales growth than firms that sell conventional products (Ramasamy Ting, 2004). Besides, firms that offer unique value propositions to consumers differentiate their products in consumers minds and contribute to building customer loyalty based solely on ethical values. Therefore, in the context of corporate social responsibility, organizations develop new products aiming, not only to become more competitive, but also to make a greater impact on society through their ethical practices. A CSR Europe MORI study in 2000 showed that 70 percent of European consumers say that a companys commitment to corporate social responsibility is important when buying a product and one in five would be willing to pay more for products that are socially and environmentally responsible. On the other hand, one in six shoppers frequently boycott or buy products because of the manufacturers reputation. Improved Risk Management Improved and proper management is one of the benefits gained when a corporation embarked in corporate social activities. Modern organizations implement risk management strategies to decrease or even eliminate the risk posed on the organization by a variety of practices associated to several potential threats (Porter Kramer, 2002). Organizations that have made countless efforts over the years to build a good reputation and have spent a lot of money to maintain it through product development and customer loyalty strategies. However it could be ruined is seconds (Tencati, Perrini, Pogutz, 2004). Such incidents include scandals, environmental accidents, foreign labour transgressions and internal corruptions draw the attention of the media and may cause irreversible damage to a firms reputation. The only way to anticipate such events are to embed social responsibility into organizational culture that contributes to a stable reputation for a form and in order to offset such risks. This c ould save cost and time in repairing and building firms reputation using the usual ways. Access to capital Financial institutions such as banks and private loan companies are increasingly incorporating social and environmental criteria into their assessment of projects. When making decisions about where to place their money, investors are looking for indicators of effective CSR management. Maignan, Tomas and Hult (1999) argued that a business plan incorporating a good CSR approach is often seen as a must for good management. When a company engage in corporate social activities shows that they care about their planet and it give a good impression towards to the investors. Hence both private and public investors are more willing to invest in such ventures because it will gain support from many parties and corporate social responsibility based companies tend to last longer. Arguments underpinning CSR Today many persons are discussing the social responsibilities of business; there are various reasons both for and against businesss assumption of social responsibilities. People in the business world argue and debate about social responsibility, some supporting this concept and some do not see it that way. Arguments for corporate social responsibility Long-run self interest Long-run self interest is one of the arguments which favour corporate social responsibility, this ideology makes the society expects the businesses to accomplish and conduct various social goods and actions. According to Davis (2001), a business must conduct social practices if it expects to achieve objectives and earn profits in long-run. The firm that responds fastest to the needs of the society hence will have a better community in for the firm to run its business. Recruiting employees will be easier, the employees hired are better in quality. Besides that, absenteeism and turnover will decrease. As the social of one society improved, crime rate will definitely go down and money can be saved up as the properties are well protected. The dispute can lead to several directions, for example a better society provides a better environment for business. It is hard to believe that incurring higher cost for social activities will result in higher profit for the business. However, it is the normal outcome that business can perform better when it runs in a better environment. Recent surveys confirm that the correlation between social and financial performance is their positive or neutral (Margolis Walsh, 2003). Public Image A firms main objective is to attain and retain more customers, desirable employees and various benefits through enhancing its public image. According to Davis (2001), it is easy to extend this public-image concept through the accomplishment of a variety of social goods. Public holds social goals as top priority, firms which has intention of achieving a benevolent public image must reinforce and prioritize these social goals. CSR has become a vital tool in promoting and improving the public image of some worlds largest corporations (Christian, 2004). Let Business Try Many institutions tried and failed in handling social issues, why not give business a chance to do so. Many comments were made due to the failures of other institutions, people are turning to business. Comments like the following: Give business a try. Maybe they can come up with some new ideas. Let business have a role. They couldnt do any worse! These comments were made out of frustration and desperation instead of reasoning; many people are expecting that business institution will fail in handling the social issues. The truth is that there is no evidence showing that we perform badly in handling and solving the social problems using businesss capabilities (Davis, 2001). Business Has the Resources Business is believed to have valuable resources which can be used in handling social problems; hence society should put the resources into good use. Sadly, many people wrongly assumed that business has all the money where the society need to do is to tap the till of business and the social problems will just fades away. In most cases, there is a reasoned assumption that business has a pool of management talent, functional expertise and capital resources (Davis et al., 2001). With this pool, business definitely has the requirements to solve social problems in the society. In addition, business is well known for its innovative ability. In some social problems, innovation is needed badly for application. Problems can be Profits While the creativity of business can contribute to social problems, it can also be an advantage at times when apply conventional business theories to these social problems. Although this idea cannot be applied to all of the social problems, it is encouraged that business should involve in social areas more effectively. According to Davis (2001), many problems can be solved and settled profitably according to traditional business concepts. Prevention is better than Curing It is argued that business should resolve social problems once encountered. This supports the idea of saving resources and the managements time and also preventing the social problem from developing into a disastrous situation to the business. Furthermore, the progress of producing goods and services can be affected when business is busy dealing with serious social problems that have yet to be resolved. Argument against Social responsibility Profit Maximization The most prevailing argument against business assumption of social responsibility is the classical that it challenges the traditional mindset of the companies is to focus on profit maximization (Friedman, 1971). According to the industrys point of view, the companys desire is to think in the best interest of the shareholder and satisfy them by maximizing profit and find all means to increase profit. One common practice in most industries to maximize profit is to minimize cost. Friedman (1971) mentioned that in a free enterprising firm system, employees responsibility is do what their superiors command them to do as long they do what their are told, they would survive in the economy provided their actions are abiding to the laws and ethical customs of the society. The employees desire is accord with the shareholders interest that is to maximize profit. However imposing a new concept of corporate social responsibility, the company dilutes the aim of profit maximization and makes the sh areholders unhappy. This is due to the managers spending their money on something that has no direct impact on their cash flow. Besides that, Friedman argued that the concept of corporate social responsibility may overthrow the old doctrine of the economy to maximize profit. Cost of Social Involvement Friedman (1962) found out that imposing the culture of corporate social responsibility in a firm takes away a lot of the firms financial resources though the outcome may not be as rewarding as predicted. The company must make wise decision to allocate their resources in the right causes for it is scarce. Most companies commit small resource to corporate social activities due to social pressure and obligation. However, the public tend to forget the firms effort towards corporate social activities after a period of time. Therefore it is very tiring for a company to keep renewing their commitment towards social acts since the customers cannot remember the organizations contribution towards society even it was just last month ago. When the business is pushed into social obligations, many additional costs will drive out marginal firms in all the industries (Friedman et al., 1971). In the chemical industry, many chemical firms shut down because they are unable to meet the requirement of pu rchasing the new pollution equipment that is highly priced. Lack of Social Skills Traditional companies do not have the skills to handle the social matters regarding the publics concern towards the companys effort in corporate social goals. As mentioned Friedman (1971), it is insane for a firm to give social related duty to technicians or accountants. They are unfit for the job because they are not trained to work in such way. The firm may need to hire sophisticated people which are public relation officers to create an image for the company and handle all the social matters. This may require the organization to create a new department just to achieve these goals. Problems may arise since the firm needs to incur new costs to the company. Dilution of Businesss Primary Purpose Friedman (1962) suggested that a firms involvement in social goals might hinder businesss emphasis on economic productivity, divert the interest if its leaders, and weaken business in the market places, with the result of the firm achieving poorly in both economic and social aspects. The effect of social goals in corporations is confusing the societys perception in the economic role of the business. If a company is inadequate to achieve its social goals, the society would suffer socially and economically (Friedman et al., 1962). Weakened International Balance of Payment Argument against business assumption social responsibility requires the international balance of payments thought it is frequently ignored. In normal practices, social programs are counted in business costs. In order to recover these costs, the business would usually add the cost into the price of the product. If social activities dilute businesss capacity for high productivity, then this lower efficiency is likely to lead to higher product cost (Friedman et al., 1962). A company would lose its competitive advantage in the international market if they comply with the social obligation. In the international market especially regarding raw material, the price is an essential criterion to consider. When a product is priced higher than its competitor due to social obligation, the clients will choose cheaper choices and outcome is the company loses out a lot of customers. Lack of Accountability From economic point of view, entrepreneurs have no accountability towards the public. Friedman quoted that Accountability always go with responsibility. A firm which embarks into social activities must be responsible towards the people. Until the firm is ready to be establish a proper line of social accountability from business to public, the business is preferable just focus on maximizing profit and not engage in any social activities. Lack of Broad Support One final point is that social involvement may lack a broad range of support from all groups of the society. Although many people support the idea of corporate social responsibility, many parties opposes it (Henderson Hazel, 2001). Unlike China, there are a lot of countries that does not give full support to firms that has social goals. The lack of agreements is among the general public, in government, even among the businessmen themselves. Many reasons are mentioned in the above statements. Such hostile oppositions will create disastrous effects on the company if it fails its social mission. Case Summary Burgerville USA is a family owned fast-food restaurant, founded by George Propstra in Vancouver, Washington 1922. Burgerville applies this mentality made fresh from local ingredients, this concept still stand strong up till today. Burgerville had never used frozen patties, used only the freshest ingredients. Besides that, onions rings sold in Burgerville are made from onions grown in nearby Walla Walla. Burgerville has expanded up to 39 locations in the northwest United States, currently run by Propstras son in law, Tom Mears. The key element in the companys strategy remains unchanged which is the fresh, local concept. Company is using fresh, local products in order to offer higher quality food. This strategy moves Burgerville out from the fast-food industry into fast-casual dining sector, a niche in the restaurant industry. Mears decided that the company will not play the chea

Essay on Everyday Use, Daffodils, and The Glass Menagerie

Lessons From Everyday Use, Daffodils, and The Glass Menagerie Literature plays a major role in civilization. Even societies without a written language have literature. Stories, poems and songs are pasted down orally from one generation to another. This term we have study three forms of literature; short stories, poems, and drama. The study of these three forms has affected me in different ways and I have taken different lessons out of each form. The three literary work witch had the greatest impact on me are "Everyday Use" written by Alice Walker, "Daffodils" written by William Wordsworth, and "The Glass Menagerie" written by Tennessee Williams. Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" tells of a mother and her two daughters, Dee, who is polished, poise, educated and stylish, and Maggie who is not bright and scarred from a fire. Dee and Maggie are opposites. Dee has tried to make something of her self but in doing so forgot what it was that she came from. Maggie has lived her life in the same way her mother has lived her life and in the same way her grandmother lived her life. Maggie knows where she came from and does not feel the need to better her self. Dee collects objects from her mother's house to display around her own. Maggie, being use to the idea of Dee getting her way, sits dumb founded while items are gathered by Dee. Dee finally tries to take two quilts handcrafted by her grandmother. The mother tries to convince her to take two different quilts but Dee refuses saying that they were made by machines and not worth as "priceless" as the others.&nbs... ...he horn breaks off, now it is just like the rest of the horses. She starts to feel comfortable with him when he tells her of his engagement to a woman named Betty. This makes her loose her self-confidence. Despite of this a seed is planned with in her that she is just like all the other girls and does not need to be so withdrawn. The lesson in this play is that it is better to face your problems then run away from them. The three works of literature, "Everyday Use" written by Alice Walker, "Daffodils" written by William Wordsworth, and "The Glass Menagerie" written by Tennessee Williams have each showed me something different. Whether reading a short story or poem or watching a play there is always a lesson or idea to be gathered from literature.

The Things They Carried

Tim O’Brien’s novel, The Things They Carried, provides an incredible realization of what life was like for an American soldier who fought in Vietnam from perspectives before, during, and after the war. The story’s power draws you in. It makes the events in the story seem real and provides the reader with a sense of what it feels like to be one of the soldiers. O’Brien’s talent as a writer made a fictional story more than believable to the reader. When reading this book, the reader struggles with depicting what is factual and what is fictional. O’Brien provides this effect by blurring the line between reality and fantasy. The book recollects many stories from O’Brien’s own experiences as a soldier and includes fictional aspects to enhance the story and to help O’Brien get his point across. O’Brien teaches us in all of these stories that there is no difference between what is factual and what is fictional in war. By doing this, the reader experiences the feelings that O’Brien and his comrades felt. The Things They Carried describes what those men carried to battle and back home, both tangible and intangible. The novel questions what war is and what the individual soldiers received out of it. This novel is an eye opener. Any person’s perspectives on the war and its soldiers are most certainly to change after reading this book. The Things They Carried brings the Vietnam War to life like no civilian could have ever imagined. The things the soldiers carried in Vietnam were both tangible and intangible. The tangible items include the usual equipment that soldiers carry, but most important is the intangibles. This book emphasizes that the intangibles the soldiers carried influenced everything about their lives, before, during and after the war. These things included the mental and psychological weight carried by the soldiers. This weight included shame, horrid memories, death and destruction. It included relationships and personal trials and temptations. It also included the soldiers’ way of handling the war. Many soldiers described in the novel used things such as drugs, pain, or fantastical illusions to deal with the war. The author, who is the narrator, was against the war. The book displays the weight of the personal struggle that he felt as someone against what he was doing over there. Another aspect that the book describes is the inexperience that the soldiers carried. This came from their age. Most, including the author, were of 21 years of age or younger. They carried the weight of large futures being destroyed by their involvement in the war. All of these aspects put extreme emotional stress on the lives of these soldiers during and after the war. The author deals with his emotional dilemmas by wiring about the tragedies and emotions he and his comrades felt. The book is entirely based off of these things. Its purpose is to help those who were not there to understand what it felt like to be them and for us to never forget the things they carried. The Things They Carried is about death. It questions death. It asks what death feels like. It also answers these questions by pulling death up and bringing it back to life. It brings it back to life and tells its stories. These stories share with the reader what death feels like. They show the reader what death is like for you and those who care about you. The author includes this topic, because it relates to something important to him that he â€Å"carried† over there. He carried his first experience of feeling what death is like. This was the story he wrote at the end of the novel about his first love, Linda, as a nine year old dying of a brain tumor. He took this story and related it to the death of his comrades and the people he killed. It provides the reader with the experience of not just knowing about death, but living it. This book impacted United States history greatly. It provides a perspective of not just the Vietnam War, but all war. It is a testament to Americans of what life is like defending freedom, whether or not you agree with the cause. This book impacted United States history by helping finishing the story. It helps write the last few pages of what this war was about; not by filling it with more facts, but by filling it with questions, experiences, and life. This book demonstrates to Americans why views and opinions were made and also the purpose for many controversial decisions in our history. This book impacted our country’s history by giving the Vietnam War a personal touch. Without this book, Americans would be left with only facts, information, and brief explanations for what life was like for the soldiers. The Things They Carried continues to impact readers and helps give understanding of current events. Because of this, it will continue to impact United States history for generations and its importance to our nation and its history will only grow. The Things They Carried also greatly impacted history in general. It did this especially for those living in Vietnam who were impacted by the war. It shares with them the trials and tribulations that Americans encountered. The book shares with these people an emotional side to the war and helps them understand our soldiers’ many motives. On an international scale, the book helps those who question American tactics and procedures to understand our nation’s motives, principles, and character. Many mistakes were made on our country’s part during the war and this book helps those who question those mistakes and or were impacted by them a sense of understanding and mercy. This book also helps people to understand what life was like for all those who fought in wars throughout the Earth’s history. It provides a sense of understanding of what all soldiers are impacted by in war starting from the beginning of time. I have been greatly impacted by this book in both a positive and negative way. I have been positively impacted by the new sense of understanding and compassion for the Vietnam War Veterans. I can now see clearly what experiences they faced during the war. I can also understand the feelings of those who were against the war and attempted to avoid fighting in it, much like the author. Another aspect I understand better now is their lives after the war. The emotional turmoil that veterans go through once they arrive home from war can be greatly understood by reading this book. Even though it is disturbing and I find it more than sinful, I have a greater sense of understanding for those like Norman Bowker from the novel who took his own life. Even though I am highly against his action, I understand why he felt lost, empty, and purposeless on Earth after the war. Norman felt like he died in Vietnam and he struggled to find his place and purpose in life. This led to his suicide. Because O’Brien included this story, it is much easier to find compassion for someone who would do what Bowker did. After reading this book, I have a new found respect for Veterans. I have felt their emotions and their tragedies, because of the power and realism of this book and now my compassion and respect for them has heightened greatly. The book also impacted me in a negative way. I hate to ever imagine that the things described in the book ever happened, but this book made these things a reality for me. Many of the tales told in this book are very disturbing and horrifying. Though without the truthfulness and realism of this book and its stories, we would never be able to truly understand what happened to those who served in the Vietnam War. I am forever grateful for reading this book. All Americans need to read it. Without it, they will never be able to understand what the Vietnam War Veterans truly went through in Vietnam and what horrible memories they are faced with remembering today. Tim O’Briens talent as a writer is what makes this novel such a compelling and eye opening experience. The Things They Carried is truly an American timepiece and a pivotal piece of American and historical literature. The Things They Carried OutlineLiterature Summary: â€Å"The Things They Carried†, published in 1990 tells a true story of Tim O’Brian, author and main character, who is drafted for the Vietnam war. He tells about the different items that him and his fellow soldiers carried with them to help cope with the traumatic environment that they were placed in.Thesis Statement: com/tim-obrien-the-things-they-carried-and-his-writing-style/">The Things They Carried is a perfect example that shows that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an issue as old as war, only recently have we discovered its true effects on our servicemen and women, and we have yet to find a truly effective remedy. I. What are the causes of PTSD?A. Tony Dokoupil claims â€Å"moral injury† is the leading cause of PTSD. B. Robert Burns says army suicides are way to high. II. How current treatment for PTSD is failing? A. Lindsey Tanner reveals that dangerous painkillers are given to vulnerable veterans. B. Tony Dokoupil exa mines the changes in a group of veterans once they return from battle. III. How could treatment be better?A. William Becker shares his belief on the ideal treatment. B. What is our job as civilians for our veterans? PTSD: An Epidemic Does America Need to Improve Treatment?Most Americans know that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is something that effects veterans when they come back from war. However, most Americans don’t know the full extent of PTSD in a veteran’s life. There are some very serious effects of war that change the lives of veterans and those close to them. Most soldiers want to protect their country and still make it home alive. This sometimes forces an innocent man to do things that he is ashamed of.Also, just the trauma and risk of being in a war can cause a man to be changed drastically when he returns from war. The treatment for this common disorder is lacking effectiveness. In some cases veterans end up being worse after finishing treatment and others just cover up their guilt and sadness with prescription drugs. Being one of the most advanced countries in the world it is only reasonable that America could find a better way to treat this devastating syndrome. It is the least American citizens can do for sending thousands of troops into a traumatic situation.The Things They Carried is a perfect example that shows that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an issue as old as war, only recently have we discovered its true effects on our servicemen and women, and we have yet to find a truly effective remedy. In the book The Things They Carried Lieutenant Jimmy Cross feels guilty because he believes that he is not the leader that the men in his company need (1990). Tony Dokoupil also discusses this in his article, â€Å"Moral Injury†, by stating that recent studies have discovered that guilt may be a major factor of PTSD.Dokoupil talks about a group of marine preservatives, the Saints and the Sinners. He explains how Fox Company, members of The Saints and the Sinners, were walking through the streets of Baghdad when their radio operator was shot in the head. Fox Company began taking heavy fire, so they started shooting at everything that moved. Instantly bullets rained down and a grenade even bounced behind their cover. However it was a dud. Tony claims that â€Å"moral injury† is the leading cause of PTSD. Most marines talk about guilt, shame, or regret, not about being scared.Dokoupil continues to write about Lu Lobello who was a machine gunner in Fox Company. When Lobello talked to a group of people about his experience, he revealed that they had killed about 20 civilians that particular day in Baghdad. Lobello describes the many cars holding families in them that were lifeless after the firefight. His most disturbing image of that day was a fellow marine who turned to Lobello and screamed, â€Å"We shot a baby† (as cited in Dokoupil, 2012)! Dokoupil explains that marines arenà ¢â‚¬â„¢t scared, they feel guilty and regretful (2012).In Robert Burns article, â€Å"Military Suicides are at a Record High†, he stresses â€Å"Suicides in the U. S. Military surged to a record 349 last year. † Burns explains that not only is this number way too high, but is 48 suicides more than the year before (2012). Warren Kinghorn, a psychiatrist at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), stresses that in 2012, suicide was a greater cause of death than combat for Army soldiers. â€Å"An estimated 10%-20% of returning combat veterans meet criteria for PTSD,† says Kinghorn.She explains that when a veteran  walks into the VA, the treatment often involves a short-term talk therapy course and medication. â€Å"That is far from enough†, Kinghorn expresses. The definition of PTSD is having â€Å"experienced, witnessed, or (have) been confronted with death or serious injury in oneself or others. † This is very misleading because most veterans suffe r due to taking the life of other human beings. Shira Maguen, a psychologist at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, has documented that PTSD is worse and thoughts of suicide are higher among veterans who have killed someone (as cited in Kinghorn, 2012).  (2012)According to an article by Lindsey Tanner, a government study claims that pain killers such as morphine are being prescribed to veterans who suffer from physical pain along with PTSD, and the results are often dangerous. The same study mentions that not only are these veterans prone to drug and alcohol abuse but they are twice as likely to be prescribed addictive pain killers over veterans with only physical pain. Along with addiction, suicides, and other self inflicted injuries, are more common for veterans with PTSD who received those drugs.Michael Von Korff, a chronic illness researcher, stresses that the emotional problems involved in PTSD are often made worse by these opioids (as cited in Tanner, 2012). Tanner goes on to say, â€Å"These prescriptions went to almost 18 percent of vets with PTSD and 12 percent of those with other mental health problems, compared to about 7 percent of vets without these problems. † Dr. William Becker, a Yale university instructor, says â€Å"The study brings much needed attention to the complexity of this problem (2012). † Tony Dokoupil’s article points out that even though Fox Company made it home alive they were changed forever.One in four of them had PTSD. The men of Fox Company tried to hide it, but careers crumbled and marriages fell apart. Dokoupil adds, â€Å"Self harm is now the leading cause of death for members of the army†¦ Every month 1,000 of them attempt to take their own lives (2012). † This is similar in the novel The Things They Carried. Tim introduces us to his daughter Kathleen, he tries to tell her the meaning of war and why we participate in it but he just cannot tell her the whole truth. Just like Fox Company T im had done things that he was ashamed of and he could not talk about them openly to his family.Which is why treatment is such an important foundation for veterans (1990). In Lindsey Tanner’s article â€Å"Vets Prone to Drug Addiction Get Risky Painkillers†, William Becker says â€Å"The ideal treatment includes behavioral counseling therapy for war wounds and management of chronic pain† (as cited in Tanner, 2012) (2012). â€Å"On Guard Against PTSD† is an article that explains that security professionals who get assigned to dangerous, stressful situations will also experience post-traumatic stress. This is normal says the article, but when this occurs continuously and intensely is when it gets dangerous.The article continues by stating that sooner or later the human body runs out of ways to cope and is overwhelmed mentally and physically, leading to PTSD (2013). Warren Kinghorn also explains in his article, â€Å"The Moral Dimensions of PTSD†, tha t as civilians it is our job to take care of the veterans and have patience with their recovery, we sent them to war in the first place, it’s the least we can do (2012). PTSD going untreated is still a current epidemic. â€Å"Gunman killed by police was Iraq vet who spoke of PTSD† is an article explaining the story of Santiago A. Cisneros III.He lived in Multnomah county and on Monday, March 4th, 2013 he opened fire on two police officers. The officers had no choice to shoot back and kill Cisneros. This Oregonian veteran had frequently talked about PTSD and how he may have it, but he never got treatment. This just shows how these men and women are expected to be tough and strong and how they can feel ashamed to ask for help (2013). â€Å"Take heart; Post-traumatic stress disorder† says that the death and suicide of too many veterans has prompted the Army to promise that seeking treatment will not affect a soldiers job.This article also says that the idea of givi ng PTSD sufferers a Purple Heart award has been tossed around among government officials. This only seems fair due to the life-changing risk that they took to end up with this dramatic disorder (2009). America should take Ted Lavender into account when they think of how not to treat PTSD. He is another character that O’Brian writes about in The Things They Carried. Sadly he dies shortly after the novel begins but up until that point he is popping tranquilizer pills to calm himself down. This illustrates the type of addiction that could occur in a veterans life (1990).Post-traumatic stress disorder is extensively described in the book The Things They Carried. It shows that PTSD is an injury that hasn’t changed in decades. The only thing that has changed is America’s knowledge of it. It has been called shell shock, battle fatigue, accident neurosis, PTSD, and even more recently it is known as â€Å"moral injury. † Even though America cannot precisely pinpoi nt what causes this disorder, the doctors who treat veterans can narrow it down by using examples of previous patients, examples such as guilt and taking another man’s life.Currently the system for treating veterans with PTSD is failing, and in some situations making patients worse, like supplying addicted veterans with drugs. Short amounts of therapy and large amounts of painkillers are not what they need. Veterans need time and support with years of talk therapy to work through the moral dimensions of PTSD. For veterans who have this disorder it is a scary and helpless situation. They deserve good quality medical care, but if America cannot find a way to better treat this dilemma then future veterans will be faced with the same trauma that previous veterans have faced for years. The Things They Carried Tim O’Brien’s novel, The Things They Carried, provides an incredible realization of what life was like for an American soldier who fought in Vietnam from perspectives before, during, and after the war. The story’s power draws you in. It makes the events in the story seem real and provides the reader with a sense of what it feels like to be one of the soldiers. O’Brien’s talent as a writer made a fictional story more than believable to the reader. When reading this book, the reader struggles with depicting what is factual and what is fictional. O’Brien provides this effect by blurring the line between reality and fantasy. The book recollects many stories from O’Brien’s own experiences as a soldier and includes fictional aspects to enhance the story and to help O’Brien get his point across. O’Brien teaches us in all of these stories that there is no difference between what is factual and what is fictional in war. By doing this, the reader experiences the feelings that O’Brien and his comrades felt. The Things They Carried describes what those men carried to battle and back home, both tangible and intangible. The novel questions what war is and what the individual soldiers received out of it. This novel is an eye opener. Any person’s perspectives on the war and its soldiers are most certainly to change after reading this book. The Things They Carried brings the Vietnam War to life like no civilian could have ever imagined. The things the soldiers carried in Vietnam were both tangible and intangible. The tangible items include the usual equipment that soldiers carry, but most important is the intangibles. This book emphasizes that the intangibles the soldiers carried influenced everything about their lives, before, during and after the war. These things included the mental and psychological weight carried by the soldiers. This weight included shame, horrid memories, death and destruction. It included relationships and personal trials and temptations. It also included the soldiers’ way of handling the war. Many soldiers described in the novel used things such as drugs, pain, or fantastical illusions to deal with the war. The author, who is the narrator, was against the war. The book displays the weight of the personal struggle that he felt as someone against what he was doing over there. Another aspect that the book describes is the inexperience that the soldiers carried. This came from their age. Most, including the author, were of 21 years of age or younger. They carried the weight of large futures being destroyed by their involvement in the war. All of these aspects put extreme emotional stress on the lives of these soldiers during and after the war. The author deals with his emotional dilemmas by wiring about the tragedies and emotions he and his comrades felt. The book is entirely based off of these things. Its purpose is to help those who were not there to understand what it felt like to be them and for us to never forget the things they carried. The Things They Carried is about death. It questions death. It asks what death feels like. It also answers these questions by pulling death up and bringing it back to life. It brings it back to life and tells its stories. These stories share with the reader what death feels like. They show the reader what death is like for you and those who care about you. The author includes this topic, because it relates to something important to him that he â€Å"carried† over there. He carried his first experience of feeling what death is like. This was the story he wrote at the end of the novel about his first love, Linda, as a nine year old dying of a brain tumor. He took this story and related it to the death of his comrades and the people he killed. It provides the reader with the experience of not just knowing about death, but living it. This book impacted United States history greatly. It provides a perspective of not just the Vietnam War, but all war. It is a testament to Americans of what life is like defending freedom, whether or not you agree with the cause. This book impacted United States history by helping finishing the story. It helps write the last few pages of what this war was about; not by filling it with more facts, but by filling it with questions, experiences, and life. This book demonstrates to Americans why views and opinions were made and also the purpose for many controversial decisions in our history. This book impacted our country’s history by giving the Vietnam War a personal touch. Without this book, Americans would be left with only facts, information, and brief explanations for what life was like for the soldiers. The Things They Carried continues to impact readers and helps give understanding of current events. Because of this, it will continue to impact United States history for generations and its importance to our nation and its history will only grow. The Things They Carried also greatly impacted history in general. It did this especially for those living in Vietnam who were impacted by the war. It shares with them the trials and tribulations that Americans encountered. The book shares with these people an emotional side to the war and helps them understand our soldiers’ many motives. On an international scale, the book helps those who question American tactics and procedures to understand our nation’s motives, principles, and character. Many mistakes were made on our country’s part during the war and this book helps those who question those mistakes and or were impacted by them a sense of understanding and mercy. This book also helps people to understand what life was like for all those who fought in wars throughout the Earth’s history. It provides a sense of understanding of what all soldiers are impacted by in war starting from the beginning of time. I have been greatly impacted by this book in both a positive and negative way. I have been positively impacted by the new sense of understanding and compassion for the Vietnam War Veterans. I can now see clearly what experiences they faced during the war. I can also understand the feelings of those who were against the war and attempted to avoid fighting in it, much like the author. Another aspect I understand better now is their lives after the war. The emotional turmoil that veterans go through once they arrive home from war can be greatly understood by reading this book. Even though it is disturbing and I find it more than sinful, I have a greater sense of understanding for those like Norman Bowker from the novel who took his own life. Even though I am highly against his action, I understand why he felt lost, empty, and purposeless on Earth after the war. Norman felt like he died in Vietnam and he struggled to find his place and purpose in life. This led to his suicide. Because O’Brien included this story, it is much easier to find compassion for someone who would do what Bowker did. After reading this book, I have a new found respect for Veterans. I have felt their emotions and their tragedies, because of the power and realism of this book and now my compassion and respect for them has heightened greatly. The book also impacted me in a negative way. I hate to ever imagine that the things described in the book ever happened, but this book made these things a reality for me. Many of the tales told in this book are very disturbing and horrifying. Though without the truthfulness and realism of this book and its stories, we would never be able to truly understand what happened to those who served in the Vietnam War. I am forever grateful for reading this book. All Americans need to read it. Without it, they will never be able to understand what the Vietnam War Veterans truly went through in Vietnam and what horrible memories they are faced with remembering today. Tim O’Briens talent as a writer is what makes this novel such a compelling and eye opening experience. The Things They Carried is truly an American timepiece and a pivotal piece of American and historical literature.

Military Support Eases the Reality of War for Military Families

The military offers a lifetime of opportunities to young Americans and there families.  Ã‚   Many young people see joining the military as a great escape to a better life, an education that is vital yet paid for, and security for their families.   The military offer great incentives and benefits, but there is also the risk of being sent to war.The immediate effects of war on family members of military personal are psychological including separation anxiety and the fear of losing a loved one.   Many people see the military as a tough system which sends people to work or war and does not offer any repercussions.   This is not the case.   Reviewing the effects of separation anxiety and the fear of losing a loved along with the programs the military has set up to help families through this transition will enable others to see this is not a one sided phenomenon.Separation anxiety occurs when families are separated effecting the spouse and children as well as the military persona l, causing heartache for all parties involved.   Spouses and children are often at the butt of separation anxiety especially during times of war.   Children often have many questions regarding war and the concept of terrorism. The military has great services available to help families cope during this difficult time including local support groups and psychological support.The military has also incorporated virtual help for deployed military personal.   The thinking behinds this being that a soldier knows â€Å"that if his comrades see him talking with one of the shrinks on base, they would lose trust in him, label him a head case. A medical file soon would contain records of the visit. If he ever wanted a promotion, he'd have to explain the weakness of his mind†(Berton, 2004).   So with virtual therapy nothing is displayed on the soldier’s record and the soldier receives the emotional support and help he needs to cope with this difficult time.Fear of losing a l oved one can lead to many types of psychological distress.   This fear may cause anxiety or depression in family members. Beth Sneller gave some insight about military families â€Å"In some ways, they almost feel guilty. When many military parents hear about the death of a local soldier they think at first how glad they are it isn't their child. But then, they say, that relief gives way to a deep feeling of sadness. ‘Every time you hear of a death, you can't help but feel emotional for those poor parents’ said Rod (A father whose son is an army captain)† (Sneller, 2004, p. 13).There fear of losing a loved one has many military families seeking support from local facilities or internet groups.   The internet groups support those who have lost a loved one â€Å"so almost weekly, they say, they're sending condolences to friends across the nation who have lost loved ones overseas. ‘Every single time a picture gets flashed across in the evening news, it's deeply personal,’ said Nancy Manzie of Naperville, whose son, Brent Lewis, is in the inactive Marine reserves. Even if they don't know the soldier (personally), they still feel a connection to his or her family† (Sneller, 2004, p. 13).When considering the military’s effect on society during our current war and wars of the past there has been a negative outlook among the public.   There are rumors of injured soldiers not receiving proper medical care when they return home to the states.   The tough and rigorous lifestyle causes people to shy away from seeking psychological help because of the way the will be viewed by their friends and peers. â€Å"Army Reserve Sgt. Mike Durant, 33, who fought in Al Doha, Iraq, about 20 miles south of Baghdad fromFebruary 2005 to January 2006, said the view toward therapy among the ranks was â€Å"comparable to what it was in the 1940s.† During his tour, Durant, who now lives in Sacramento, saw a friend blown up by an improvised explosive device. At the time, his wife at home was in the process of divorcing him. Durant admitted he had thought of killing himself. â€Å"I wanted the waiting to be over,† he said. â€Å"We'd do IED sweeps along the same roads, some days all day. You were just waiting for it to happen to you.You were waiting to get blown up.† His officers ordered him to visit a field Combat Stress Center for a mandatory 72-hour evaluation. Even before he returned to his battalion, he knew his commanders had lost faith in him. Anyone who was shipped to the shrinks, or sought treatment, was a liability. â€Å"In their eyes, I was no longer reliable,† Durant said. â€Å"I couldn't be trusted. I was unstable to them.† Even though he had been a member of the unit for 10 years and had served as an infantry team leader who was responsible for three men, Durant said that, while he was not officially demoted on paper, his duties dropped from one of leadership to tha t of a rifleman. â€Å"Before I was sent there, I was fairly respected and highly regarded,† he said. After his time at the Combat Stress Center, Durant said, â€Å"Peers and friends didn't want anything to do with me; it was like I had some sort of disease†(Burton, 2004).The military still has strict over the top views about many things.   It is important to keep in mind that the United States Military has been one of the strongest military forces in the world for hundreds of years.   We as a nation are kept safe, happy, and considerably wealthy, compared to other countries, because of the strength of our military.   The military is aware of the damage that can be done by separating a couple or a family and they take every step possible to ease the pain. There is compassion within the military, just not when it comes to warfare.Sneller, B. (2004, October 13). For Military Families, Every Death Hits Close to Home. Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), p. 13. Retr ieved March 19, 2007, from Questia database: https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-123950032/for-military-families-every-death-hits-close-to-home

How to Compare High Schools Using Average ACT Scores

How to Compare High Schools Using Average ACT Scores SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you’ve found this guide, you're probably looking for a good high school, or you want to see how your high school measures up compared to others. When comparing high schools, a helpful metric is average ACT Score. In this guide, I’ll tell you what average ACT score represents, why you should care about a school’s average ACT score, and where you can find information on average ACT scores by high school. What Does a High School’s Average ACT Score Represent? When thinking about what a high school’s average ACT score represents, you need to think about what the ACT measures in individual test-takers. While you may think that an ACT score simply measures the test-taker’s academic ability, the ACT, in fact, measures not only academic ability but also perseverance. What I mean by perseverance is a student’s desire to work hard in school and in pursuit of higher education. While a genius might be able to get 36 on the ACT with no prep, a test-taker with just slightly above-average intelligence can also get 36 with enough studying. Therefore, an ACT score reveals both a student’s academic ability and work ethic. A high school’s average ACT score represents these same qualities: academic ability and desire to work hard. However, in terms of an entire high school, its â€Å"academic ability† depends on the quality of education, and its â€Å"desire to work hard† depends on the quality of students. Do the students at that school care about their education? Do they care about attending a 4-year university? Why Should You Care About a High School’s Average ACT Score? The reason you should care about a high school’s average ACT score is because higher ACT scores can indicate a better quality of education and a better quality of student at that school. As I said before, the ACT measures your academic ability (to some degree). Your education is responsible for your academic ability, so the better the quality of education you receive, the better you’ll perform on the ACT. However, as I also mentioned, your ACT score is also affected by how much you prepare for the ACT. If a high school’s average ACT score is high, the students at that school most likely care more about their education and getting into a 4-year university than students at high schools with lower average ACT scores. Sending your kid to a high school with a higher average ACT score can help guarantee they’ll be surrounded by like-minded, hard working students and receive a higher quality of education. On the Other Hand, Why Shouldn’t You Rely Too Heavily On Average ACT Scores? While a school’s average ACT score can suggest the quality of its education and students, it may not give you the complete picture. Some public schools have magnet (or gifted) programs that are separated from the â€Å"regular† track at that high school. These programs often have a superior quality of students and teachers than the rest of the school. I attended a public high school with an International Baccalaureate magnet program. The admissions requirements for this program were tough, but there were no requirements for students on the â€Å"regular† high school track. Also, the IB program had better teachers who only taught IB classes. I’d venture a guess that the average ACT score for IB students was higher than the average ACT score for students on the â€Å"regular† track. However, the average ACT score for my high school does not separate IB and non-IB students. The average ACT score factors in the scores of all students at the school. As a result, you can’t figure out what the quality of education and students will be within a specific magnet program versus the quality of the â€Å"regular† track. Also, as I said before, your ACT score is also affected by your study effort. Therefore, if you attend a high school with a low average ACT score, that does not necessarily mean that you will have a low ACT score. On the other hand, attending a school with a high average ACT score doesn't mean you'll automatically get a high ACT score either. No matter where you attend high school, you can practice, learn the test format and strategies, and receive a high score on the ACT. However, you should still try to attend the high school with the best quality of students and teachers so that you’ll receive the best education you can, be challenged, and be well prepared for the ACT and college. How to Find Average ACT Scores by School There are four methods for finding a high school’s average ACT score: Search the Department of Education website (NOTE: This only works for PUBLIC high schools.) Search the school’s website (NOTE: not all schools publish this information on their websites) Email a school administrator Google Search â€Å"[High School Name] Average ACT Score† (NOTE: this can be unreliable) The best method is to use the Department of Education’s website for your state. NOTE: this will only work for some states. For a full explanation of how to find a district’s or specific public high school’s average ACT score using this method (and for a list of states that don't provide the data), read our article on ACT Scores by High School and District. Using this method will ensure you’re getting up-to-date, correct, unbiased information. For private high schools (or as another search option for public high schools), you can use the Google search method, look on the high school’s website, or send an email to an administrator at that high school. However, the websites and Google search can often have outdated information (i.e. ACT score averages from five years ago) or not post this information publicly. Administrators may also give you outdated information if they haven’t seen the most recent statistics. Also, it may take them a while to respond to your request with their busy schedules or if they’re on a school holiday. What Should You Look for in ACT Data? In the ACT data, you should be looking at the average composite ACT score. The higher this number is, the better. You can also look at the individual section scores (though some states may not publish this information). The Math section score may give you a sense of how strong or weak the school's math program is. The closer to 36 (the highest possible section score) the better. A high score most likely means a higher quality Math program. The Reading and Writing sections will give you a sense of the quality of English education at that school. Again, same as math, the closer to 36 (the highest possible section score) the better. A high score here most likely means a higher quality of English classes at that school. I would not read too much into the Science section score as the Science section does not rely on scientific knowledge but rather on reading graphs and charts. In the spreadsheet, you can also determine the fraction of students who took the ACT at that high school. NOTE: some states only list the total number of ACT test-takers and don't include the overall school enrollment, and you will not be able to figure out the fraction of students who took the ACT if they don't provide both numbers. If your state does provide you with total enrollment and the number of ACT test-takers such as California does, you can determine the fraction of students who took the ACT. For instance, here is a screenshot of the ACT data from the California Department of Education’s website: To figure out the fraction of students who took the ACT at a specific high school, take the number of test takers (listed under the NumTstTakr column) and divide it by the number of enrolled students (under Enroll912). If I was looking at Alameda Science and Technology Institute (the highlighted school), the fraction of students who took the ACT would be: 20 / 169 or about 12% WARNING: don't read too much into the fraction or percent of students who took the ACT because these numbers don't give you the full picture. The enrollment counts the TOTAL number of students, and you wouldn’t expect freshmen or sophomores to have taken the ACT yet. While 12% seems small, you need to factor in that: Alameda Science and Technology Institute has about 50 students per grade level. Typically, only juniors and seniors will take the ACT in a given year, and there are about 100 juniors and seniors at Alameda. Some students may opt to take the SAT instead (which in fact about 60 did). When accounting for all that, it appears that close to 100% of Alameda Science and Technology Institute students will take either SAT or ACT. Summary A high school's average ACT score can show the quality of education and caliber of students at that school, but average ACT score may not give you a full picture of certain schools. At high schools with magnet programs, magnet students' ACT scores are combined with the "regular" students' ACT scores to create the school's average ACT score. Although magnet students likely have a higher average ACT score (since they're likely receiving a higher quality education and are likely more studious), you wouldn't be able to see that from the overall average ACT score of that school. There are different methods for locating a high school's average ACT score. Not all methods will work in all states or for all high schools. Check out our other guide on ACT Scores by High School and District to find the best method for you. When you find the average ACT score data for the school you're interested in, you should look for the composite ACT score. The higher the score, the better that school likely is. What’s Next? Learn more about the ACT and the college application process: What is a good ACT score? A bad ACT score? An excellent ACT score? How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, by a Harvard Alum Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

Informative Speech Coconut Oil Essays

Informative Speech Coconut Oil Essays Informative Speech Coconut Oil Essay Informative Speech Coconut Oil Essay Essay Topic: Informative Intro Coconut oil had a bad reputation for a long time because of its high saturated fat content. Health experts have hammered into us that saturated fat is bad for your hear t health. According to the website, Gunners 201 3, Coconut oil contains a unique combo nation of fatty acids with powerful properties. The type of fat in coconut oil is called medium chain triglycerides, Which is a saturated fat that goes straight from your liver to you r digestive tract There it is used as a quick energy source and can even create ketene bodies which have a therapeutic effect on brain disorders such as epilepsy and alchemists accords Eng to Gunners 013. As far as health benefits goes,this seems pretty great right? Eat a little bi t of coconut oil,get a little bit of energy and fight off epilepsy and alchemies at the same it me. Well since it still has a high level of saturated its still not considered the best oil for your heart health. Another health benefit is a possibility of preventing infections. 2 char strictest of coconut oil make this possible. One, twelve carbon Laurie acids makes up alma cost 50% of fatty acids and Two, when it is digested it forms a monocotyledon called monolayer n. Both monocotyledon and immolation can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria,viruses tan fungi. This can be done of you take just coconut oil or if you just use it as a topical solution n as well. The last health benefit is weight loss! This benefit implements the Masts as well as the key tones from the benefits previously mentioned. According to Gunner 2013, 1 study f mound that 1530 grams of Masts per day increased 24 hour expenditure by 5%. Totaling about 120 calories per day. Stones have been shown to reduce your appetite. So increasing you r energy expenditure and decreasing your appetite equals weight loss. All thanks to co coconut Oil. So there you have it, quick energy source,brain disorder fighting stones,infection prevention,and weight loss. These are only a few of the many benefits of coconut oil. Now let s look at some of the ways we can use coconut oil. There are many resources online to find ways to use coconut oil. I have found one that has every use from all of the resources corn binned and then some. Wellnesss. Mom has a list of 101 uses for coconut oil and this where e first heard of the many uses from cooking,to personal hygiene, to baby care. Also on this w Bessie,including an addition to the 101 uses,there are comments from other users saying ha t they use their coconut oil for. So it is literally never ending. People are continually comments Eng on this page of what they use it for. Say I use my coconut oil for one thing while another us ere can say that they do the same thing but in a different way. So really its just endless in the different ways you can use coconut oil. Im going to discuss 3 of the many uses that I use my coconut oil for. First, I use to cook. I use it in everything from frying,to baking, you can even u SE it in pasta. You can use it in anything that you would use oil in your chokingly is ever hitting, you can use coconut oil. Its just going to have to go with your taste. Ive used it on my baby cousin before, she gets diaper rashes. All the chemicals in diapers and wipes can be very harsh on sensitive bottoms. Coconut oil is a great substitute for diaper cream because of the initiating properties. Also its obviously moisturizing. Finally I use it as an eye makeup re mover. It works like any other lotion but having the added benefits of the coconut oil makes it my #1 go to for any lotion applied to my skin. Again there are many more ways to use coconut oil.

People or Penguins Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

People or Penguins - Essay Example The surprising thing with all this talk on pollution is that it basically all boils down to control. Human beings have been in control of the environment for so long doing what they want with it and the pollution is a way the environment is retaliating back for it being misused. If people are to stop the pollution, it will definitely translate to a loss of control which not many would like to give up on. Are human beings willing to make any form of sacrifice of their lifestyle and what they have grown up getting used to in order to reduce pollution as well as saving the environment, the animal species as well as human beings from total extinction in the future? This is the million dollar question being indirectly asked in the article and whose answer lies within each individual. Taking care of the environment and wishing for its sustainability is an individual decision depending on how much a person loves the environment. People might try to be resistant to give up the control and cut back on some of the luxuries of life in order to trade it to living longer and in a clean and safe environment. It will mean a chance to contribute to the protection of the animal species as well as ensure their sustainability in the future. All that human beings need is a little push towards the right direction, a press of a few buttons and they will be on board with the ideas of how to completely end pollution. Is it truly possible for human beings to completely surrender their comfortable life such as having the convenience of a car among other things in life in order to save the environment? What can push people to the extent of them volunteering to end pollution and save the natural habitat which is the flora and

Head Collaborative Cultures and Organizational Competence Article

Head Collaborative Cultures and Organizational Competence - Article Example The informal coming allows teachers to improve teaching and learning. The author concludes that collaborative culture is based on close cooperation between all members of the group and team. Also, Sergiovanni underlines the importance of leadership and management in teaching practice. Teachers and administrators need to recognize where they fit in and what it takes to get along in this culture and the society (institutions, roles, relationships, structures) which has arisen from and in turn affects this culture. A special role played by division directors who control and manage all resources and teaching process.     Ã‚  Ã‚   The main principles of successful organizing are the principle of cooperation, the principles of empowerment, the principle of accountability and the principle of responsibility.  Ã‚   From this perspective, schooling is at heart a cultural-social event and only makes sense if the cultural circumstance, over time, including projections into the future, is taken into account. All this is to say that often what is going on in education is school people talking to one another with inadequate attention to what America is about or where America has come from. It is important to stress this commitment to freedom because we have grown up in a time in which there has been both political and social concern for issues of social justice and equity of treatment and outcome. Also important is the ability to take powerful action alone and in collaboration with others. Without efficacy, without the ability to make things happen, an individual is not free. Opportunity and capacity are important ingredients of successful performance. These factors are supported and related to such issues as trust among group members, group identity, and group efficiency. The author sums up that team approach is successful because it helps to maintain trust and cooperation atmosphere among all members.   Individualism, in sum, encourages one to be the one-of-a-kind person he or she is. But important to remember, in this culture individualism is more a matter of extending an invitation and granting of an opportunity than providing assurance that one will actually live out one's uniqueness. At best, education in this country is of a kind that encourages and contributes to the development of individual persons, not walking cliches or interchangeable cogs in a social/cultural machine.

Sexuality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sexuality - Research Paper Example But, it is impossible to correctly draw the margin that divides poor from the privileged class. People below a given line of income may be called poor. Many analysts have argued that it is impossible to adjust the poverty threshold over long periods of time using the inflation rate (Consumer Price Index) but that the poverty measure must be reformulated from scratch every so often since what is a necessity’ changes from period to period, from society to society (Hobjin, 2002). According to G. Duncan â€Å"economic conditions in early childhood clearly matter the most and that income effects are nonlinear, with the largest impact associated with increments to very low incomes†. He further states that complete schooling and no marital childbearing are related to parental income during early and middle childhood. This disadvantage suffered by the children of the poor can be overcome if they are given a compulsory education by concerning authorities. Moreover, education should be job oriented. A person could study in an elementary school and still get the right kind of education to help him with his job. The child’s potential should be evaluated and given the kind of education that is suitable to him. If the children of the poor people get the right kind of career oriented education then it will help them in the long run. The poor may not be able to support their kids for higher education. They would need them to help support the family. Hence, t he children of the poor should be given basic education that encompasses trade knowledge. This would benefit the students into becoming a better grade laborer who earns more than his peers. Every human has the right to basic education. It helps get an honest job that produces a decent income necessary to run a family.

BT CORN Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

BT CORN - Essay Example However, genetically modified foods are also produced from GMO crops. Genetically modified foods comprise of tortilla chips and corn syrup among others (Bessin, 2013). This paper intends to discuss on the transformation of corn plants with the assistance of Bacillus Thuringiensis gene along with the potential impacts of Bt corn particularly on the specific agricultural ecosystem and global ecosystem. Transformation of Corn Plants with Bacillus Thuringiensis Gene Bt- corn plants, as a donor organism emerges through soil bacterium known as Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt). It is fundamentally regarded as a gene that helps in the production of a protein named Delta Endotoxin. In relation to the transformation of corn plants with Bt gene, it has been apparently observed that the gene that is produced through certain genetic characteristics are to be recognized initially and then segregated from the remaining materials that are produced from donor organism (Bessin, 2013). The protein named BT Delta Endotoxin can be taken into concern while transforming corn plants as it very effective in managing as well as controlling Lepidoptera larvae or caterpillars. This protein can be evidently used in order to control the corn plants from the damages of insects and other flies existing in the environment. It has been viewed that with the advent of technology in the genetic engineering process, the transformation process of corn plants with the support of Bacillus Thuringiensis gene has been enhanced considerably (Plant and Soil Sciences eLibrary, 2013). In order to determine the transformation of corn plants with Bt gene, it has been noted that Bt genes manufacture various proteins that help in safeguarding the corn plants from insects along with other animals present in the environment. The transformation of corn plants can also be possible with the use of biotechnological process by implementing Cry1Ab gene that would eventually facilitate in providing a significant solution for protecting the corn plants from the attack of corn borer. It has been identified that conventional treatment are not effective in protecting the corn plants from any sort of damage or environmental hazard. Notably, Bt-corn plants can be protected with the application of pesticides along with the proteins that are helpful in mitigating the damages that are perceived from the insects. It has been evidently viewed that Bt acts as a controller for the prevention of corn plants from the damages of insects as well as generating greater productivity along with quality grains for the environment (Syngenta, 2013). Potential Impact of Bt Corn On Individual Agricultural Ecosystem After acquiring a brief idea about the transformation of corn plants with Bt gene, it has been apparently observed that Bt-corn impose considerable impact upon individual agricultural ecosystem. In this modern context, the impact of Bt-corn on the agricultural ecosystem can be identified on the basis of the study tha t was propounded by the scientists of various nations regarding assessment of risks on the population of monarch butterfly. According to the researches, it has been viewed that assessment of risks might be exposed leading towards the toxic impact of Bt -corn on milkweed along with the population of monarch butterflies. This toxic impact ultimately benefits the farmers as well as the agricultural ecosystem by a considerable level. The other significant impact of Bt-corn on individual agri

The Tay Bridge Disaster Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Tay Bridge Disaster - Essay Example Also, the paper will discuss how modern engineering project management should prevent these from occurring and how the construction safeguards could prevent accidents like this. The collapse of the bridge brought into the picture the failure to maintain, optimum Engineering standards or practices by Thomas Bouch and his team. The first standard that has been not followed is the lack of strong cross bracing and fastening. That is, there is an insufficiency in cross bracing and its fastenings through out the bridge, which is very insufficient to sustain the force of strong gale. The next standard that has been missed is not testing the bridge for wind pressure according to appropriate levels. That is, Bouch used a wind pressure of just 10 lbsf/sq ft to test the design of the Tay Bridge. On the other hand, the well known fact is, Bouch, after completing Tay Bridge worked on the Forth Bridge and while working on the design of a proposed Forth bridge, he had used wind pressure up to 30 lbsf/sq ft. Another standard that have been given a go by, is the practice of moulding lugs into the wrought iron, when lugs are attached to it. Because of this mistake, the lugs were proved to break at loads of only 20 tons, while it is expected to withstand loads up to 60 tonnes (taybridgedisaster.co.uk). From the ethical perspective, Bouch, being the person in-charge, seems to have not shown great interest in the successful and foolproof completion of the project. That is, Bouch as well as the contractor appears to have not regularly visited the on-site foundry, where the iron scrap retrieved from the previously half-built bridge was recycled and remade into new structures. Because of this lack of commitment and ethical responsibility from Bouch’s side, the cylindrical cast iron columns, which supported the bridge, were of bad quality. All these inefficiencies only contributed to the collapse of the bridge, leading to many repercussions. The main result is that, the