Baderman Island Expansion

Several methods of expanding a company exist. The Baderman Island resort is looking into different options to expand their operations. This paper will explore the subject of the three main options; acquiring another organization in the same industry, going public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), and merging with another organization. Additionally, it will provide analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of each option. Finally, it will provide a recommendation regarding which would be the best option for Baderman Island Resort to use to expand its operations. Acquisition Baderman Island Resort may expand its operations by acquiring Atlantis Resorts to increase growth and market share. Baderman Island would have to purchase Atlantis Resorts stock or assets. This expansion strategy has strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The strengths of an acquisition include the potential to acquire more revenue to lead to yet more growth. Other strengths include financial leverage, lower cost of operations, and increased market share. The weaknesses of acquiring Atlantis resorts include the high cost of acquisition, intangible costs, legal expenses, and possible devaluation of the organization. Opportunities created by the acquisition include the additional resources provided by the Atlantis. Expanded productivity also results from a successful acquisition. Threats also exist in an acquisition strategy. Management of the two companies often struggle over who will run the organizations and its departments. An acquisition also creates higher employee turnover because of employees unhappy with the new organization. This in turn creates hiring costs. IPO Offering To expand their resort operation, Baderman Island may explore various financial opportunities to achieve their strategic goal. The first option available is to issue an IPO. An IPO is a distribution of public stock to the open market for the first time (Keown, Martin, Petty, & Scott, Jr, 2005). Baderman Island would sell new shares to the public to generate the appropriate capital needed to meet their operational/financial goals. An IPO offering could finance the expansion plans for Baderman Island, but they must review both strengths and weaknesses that exist before making a clear decision. By selling shares in the organization, they can use the newly generated funds for research and development for the organization, to pay off an existing debt, or to bring public awareness to the organization, all of which are strengths gained from the IPO offering. By issuing an IPO and obtaining outside investors, it will force the organization to become financially transparent to their investors. Additional disclosures will need to be provided, and the organization will be forced to follow rules and regulations established by The Security and Exchange Act of 1934 and commit to periodic financial reporting (Keown, 2005). They must make this information available to investors, employees, and competitors. This additional work and required open disclosure of confidential information might be viewed as a weakness or intrusion to organizational privacy. Baderman Island management must look at the opportunities for each of the options for growth. Pursuing an IPO will provide the influx of money needed for expansion, a higher industry profile, and a greater opportunity for stock investors. The pursuit of an IPO has various results that could threaten Baderman Island’s organizational and financial goals. By issuing public stock, Baderman Island will have to comply with stringent reporting to the SEC that may reveal important company information to the competitors. Last, the addition of stockholders will restrict certain control of major managerial decisions. Merger A merger is yet another avenue Baderman Island has at its disposal to expand its business. Mergers create a number of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A SWOT analysis of using a merger to expand operations follows. A strength from performing a merger is the ability to acquire a company’s unused debt. â€Å"Some firms simply do not exhaust their debt capacity. If a firm with unused debt capacity is acquired, the new management can then increase debt financing, and reap the tax benefits associated with the increased leverage† (Keown, 2005, pp. 23-4). Another strength is enabling Baderman Island to remove an ineffective management strategy or team. Baderman Island has the option to decide who stays with the merged company, and who is out the door. Often times, a weak management leading team is the problem the organization has not evaluated for its mediocre success. â€Å"The merger of two firms can result in an increase in market or monopoly power. Although this can result in increased wealth, it may also be illegal. The Clayton Act, as amended by the Celler-Kefauver Amendment of 1950, makes any merger illegal that results in a monopoly or substantially reduces competition. The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission monitor all mergers to ensure that they do not result in a reduction of competition† (Keown, 2005, pp. 23-4). Weaknesses of a merger for Baderman Island are the many distractions that rise to the surface. Employees may show concern with the future of his or her employment, rather than concentrating on the job-at-hand, thus causing lower production and quality control. Baderman Island is vulnerable to losing customers during the merger. Consumers may question whether or not the previous company will conduct business in the same way in which he or she has become accustomed. Some opportunities for Baderman Island would be to reach customers where it may not have previously. New markets, cash, revenue, and capital are available to Baderman Island to complete its expansion. Finally, threats in an acquisition mainly take the form of other competition. Multiple resorts exist and are always on the lookout for new competition and what they are doing. Baderman Island must stay vigilant with maintaining a sound management team, to steer clear of a larger resort organization trying to merge with it. Recommendation The suggested option for Baderman Island Resort to take at this point is to merge with a larger chain of resorts. According to the several blogs available on the resort’s site, there is room to upgrade in virtually every aspect of the resort including service, amenities, and reservations. Upgrading these systems seems to be a necessity. Merging with a large resort would not only bring financial stability, but also the management skills present in such large chains would alleviate many of the issues found in the resort. Conclusion This paper explored the three main options for the Baderman Island Resort to expand; acquiring another organization in the same industry, going public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), and merging with another organization. Additionally, it provided analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of each option. Finally, it provided a recommendation regarding which would be the best option for Baderman Island Resort to use to expand its operations.

Online vs Traditional Education

There are options to those who chose to further their education, traditional and online education. Traditional education  gives students the tools to succeed in a more competitive environment, while online education  allows the student to learn at their own pace. Traditional education require students to be in classes on a schedule at a specify time and date. Online education gave students the convenience of accessing the classroom from the privacy of their home. Both type of education gives you the required degree to make progress in life.When people think of non-traditional they might think of unaccredited college or university, but that’s not what non- traditional is. Online students are considered non-traditional students because they get to do work from the comforts of their homes. Online education and traditional education are different approaches to a higher education. Online college requires students to learn time management with their education. Students have a gr eater responsibility because they have to manage their time wisely. Most students that do online education do it because they have jobs or a family to take care of.They will have to organize they time between jobs, family, and school. Students that chose the traditional way of education have to be on campus according to schedule. Planning around class schedule will be first option for students on campus especially if they work or have a family. For the most part, they have the advantage of experiencing the opportunity to socialize and work in groups. Even though working in groups at times can be very frustrating because of a group member not doing they part of an assignment.If assignment is not complete as a group then the grade average for the assignment will suffer because of one student not doing their part. Online schooling can be good for young adults and mature adults in many ways. They have a more direct and focused method of learning because the class size is not as large as a traditional school class. Students are able to have a more flexible schedule, because it is the responsibility of them to set a schedule that will work out for them time. Online education gives students that are parents an opportunity to be roll out of bed and not worry about the way you look to get your class work done.With the absence of diversions for online students, they tend to be more focused on the lessons taught and complete the work they are expected to do. Without having to meet the pace of other students, online students are allowed to work at their own pace, which can make students more successful. Online degrees require the same college level work and time commitment as traditional education. Students are exposed to more people from different socio-economic backgrounds. This teaches students how to get along with one another regardless of race or differences; it also can provide a more complete educational experience.Traditional education students will have a more d iverse social group interaction, allowing them to get a better school experience. Attending Traditional school is also a enormous plus for students, because they are more open to gain more college scholarship opportunities than a online schooled student. By being a great sports player, band member, art student, or even entering in numerous contests such as writing funded by the government or even private spectators enhances their chances of being notice is much higher than a online student. Student still take exams, attend classes, and write papers with online education.With online learning there is no teacher to monitor the students, which the students are solely responsible for listening and learning in class. Traditional classes have the teacher/professor in class to teach them. Whether, a student chooses to attend classes in a traditional physical setting, the student will be assigned homework to complete. Online and traditional courses are expected to do a series of reading and writing assignments. Online and traditional classes have due dates for all assignments. If assignments not complete you get points taking from your score.That is why all assignments should be complete on time. Traditional and online classes will require a student to take exams. Exams are used to test student’s retention and understanding of course material. These exams are giving from time to time on common intervals, such as weekly, monthly, or quarterly. All exams are checked by the teachers provided. All exams most be passed with a passing average in order to move on to the following course. If it happens that any exams are failed and class average is below passing average, student will have to repeat that course.Also, students may have the option to take exams online, or be required to visit the campus to complete the exam. Most likely when seeking help with an assignment, traditional and online classes provide teachers/professors that can clarify doubts, and have a disc ussion about a topic if needed. If any assignments are misunderstood the teacher/professor is also there to answer any question or worries students may have. In both the types of classes, students will have teachers available to help in any matte.Instructors make themselves available to students to help them learn the required material on a schedule. Also teachers/professors can be a very good amazing support system. Teachers/professors will be those to push you to strive for better academic work. Whenever any assistance is needed students have the advantage to get in contact with their teacher/professor. An alternative way to get in contact with your teacher is by e-mail or phone if it was provided. Through the years the means of getting an education has slowly changed. Many students today are deciding to do online schooling.Although most people think that traditional education is better, most statistics and facts tend to show that online education is beneficial in more ways. Stude nts will learn and get an education no matter what method they choose online or traditional education. Some may like a more competitive environment, and some may like a laid back environment. The option lies within them to choose what suits them best. With so many advantages and disadvantages between online and traditional education, the option lies within the student. Everyone is destined to be someone in life and it starts by getting an education.

New Product in Marketing Aspect Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

New Product in Marketing Aspect - Assignment Example This strategy aims at increasing membership rather than maximizing on profits. The company also emphasizes on expansion and acquiring of additional markets, with little focus on marketing strategies, such as, market prices, share prices and characteristic the target market (Yglesias, 2014). Although this leads to increased sales turnover, it is also accompanied with increased operation costs, which reduces the gross and net profit margin significantly. Therefore, there is need for the company to develop sound pricing strategies that focus on maximization of revenue and profits alongside its objective on growth and expansion. Dynamically continuous innovation refers to a technology that articulates effect on consumption practices and patterns, through incorporation of a new technology (Hoyer & Deborah, 2008). Recently, the Guardian Telecom Company has launched an extensive line of indoor industrial voice over internet protocol (VOIP) telephones, in an effort to provide versatile telephone products, designed for use in adverse areas. The technology requires a simple connection to Guardian’s VOIP, over the internet protocol address, and to the users’ phones. The new technology aims to enhance consumer support and communication, in industrial areas that are prone to moderately harmful environment. Compared to consumer phones, this technology is ideal for emergencies and direct assistance communication, since it enables the consumers to initiate calls from any locations with the availability of internet connection (Valdes & Dave, 2014). In addition to its intended use, this new product also pro vides additional services to include, call waiting, call transfer, and repeat dial features. Stewart, J. (2014). Is Amazon’s fairy retail story coming to an end? Retrieved on 7 May 2014 from

Bureaucracy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bureaucracy - Essay Example Proponents of bureaucracy claim that the elected officials including the President cannot monitor all affairs of the country and there is need of institutions to support the other three arms of government (Meier & O’Toole, 2006). In this case, the proponents assert that bureaucrats have technical expertise that is essential for smooth running of the country since the elected officials may not have the necessary knowledge and skills to manage certain aspects of the society such as technology development or defense of the county (Meier & O’Toole, 2006). The opponents of bureaucracy assert that public agencies assist in policy formulation and implementation since the Congress only passes the laws and allows the relevant agencies to implement such laws in terms of government policies (Stillman, 2004). The proponents are of the idea that the capacity of government to administer public policies depends on the ability and authority of appointed officials since politicians may have self-interests in certain policies thus jeopardizing the benefits that would have accrued from implementation of the public policy (Wilson, 1989). On the other hand, opponents of this type of administration claim that the legislature can pass the laws in terms of public policies and thus government agencies must not be equated with the other three arms of the government that are outline in the constitution (Meier & O’Toole, 2006). The opponents claim that the Congress is the representative of people voices and allowing bureaucrats to participate in crea ting the laws and regulations overrides the need of voting and having a representative government as guaranteed by the US constitution. Indeed, the opponents assert that bureaucrats are unreachable and this limits public participation is setting up public policies (Stillman, 2004). The opponents of bureaucracy argue that government agencies are wasteful and offer minimal services to the

Work Placement Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Work Placement Journal - Essay Example ‘Reflection-inaction occurs during the experience and involves making sense of the experience while it is happening.’ Beard & Wilson (2002:197). When being supervised how to distribute medication, I was shown the medication policy – used by the organization, which involved following the following; I realised that the medication policy where the distribution of medication is controlled was just a method or a way of cutting the budget to enhance the survival of the organization. This form of budget cut had adverse impacts on the organization. For example, the controlled medication ensures that less medication is used among the residents and this reduces the funding that the organization may receive. In most cases, when there is no use of resources, then no funding is done. Controlled medication also resuls to understaffing in the organization since the numbers of medications administered to the residents are very few. At this point, i was still a new member of staff therefore, I had to listen attentively to the director of the organization while he was giving me the instructions on medication policy. Through this i came to realise with time that my listening skills were developing. Attentive listening is an effective listening skill [Anderson 1993 page 108]. As the day went on, I was shown how to use the Alcohawk, which is used to breathalyze the residents, which needs to be carried out three times a day by a member of staff.The use of Alcohawk which is minimized to only three times a day by each member of staff was a form of budget cut in the ogarnization. To date, I have carried out five tests with the residents. Once each breathalyze had been done, it must be logged in the medication file so that other staff are aware of the results for next time. If the Alco hawk gave, a reading over 0.001 then that must be investigated and further questions must be asked as to whether the resident in

The way police use racial profiling is a big societal problem to how Essay

The way police use racial profiling is a big societal problem to how justice is administered - Essay Example What is even more interesting is the phenomenon related with giving jobs and amenities to a certain race or segment within the society, and this is in direct opposition to how normalcy can be understood within the domains of a society. The racial profiling measures, if undertaken by the police within a society bank on doing away with the norms that thus exist, however this is hardly the case (Greenleaf, 2007). It is important to define what racial profiling in entirety is. It is the employment of an individual’s race or ethnicity realms with the help of the law enforcement agencies or police and is indeed a vital element within the arrest of a person or to leave him as he is. The racial profiling decides if a particular individual is hailing from a distinct race or ethnicity and then to treat him in the same light. This is biased and deals with a lot of hatred for a singular race or ethnic division within the society. These decisions, when undertaken by the law enforcement age ncies and institutions or police become controversial because when one takes into consideration the element of race and ethnicity, the matter does not remain partial at all. In some countries of the world, this is contemplated as an illegal action, which many believe is a step in the right direction. The evidence that is available for the racial profiling regimes is such that it is an ineffective and futile strategy and should always be kept at a safe distance from the discussions which center on the premise of racial profiling. When one thinks of the society as a whole, the racial profiling discussions come out in the open. This is because racial profiling does not give significance to how things are dealt with, in a balanced way. The element of being partial goes out of the window, and thus this is such a nuisance that it hurts the cause of the society more than anything else. What can be done best is to keep away from the shores of racial profiling so that success amongst the jus tice domains is achieved without any hindrance whatsoever (Paxton, 2009). Therefore, there is a dire need to understand the nuances that revolve around the racial profiling debates, and much consideration should be paid towards removing the negativities that surround the systems which engulf the society in more ways than one. Justice is a much desired entity within any society of the world for quite obvious reasons. It is something that paves the way for the growth and development realms within a society and is always welcomed with a sense of purpose and achievement at the end. Justice is always appreciated by the people of the society as they know that the offenders would be taken to task, and their negative intent would be dealt with in a stern way. Peace within any society of the world could be best achieved if the offenders know that if they commit an act which is against the dictum of humanity and sanity, they would be held accountable for the same, and their acts will be banis hed in the strongest possible manner (Crystal, 2010). The deterrent to the justice debates is such an important element that one can think of the racial profiling to be totally against the very idea. The changing scenarios must therefore be understood from the angle of racial profiling as this is significant in the time and age of today. The causes for the racial pr

Consumer Proection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Consumer Proection - Essay Example First of all, according to the Consumer Credit Act, a credit organization is now allowed to come into repossession of the goods bought in credit in case all payments and installments are performed in due time. According to the latest amendments, included into the Consumer Credit Act 2006, all agreements higher than  £25,000 are now subject to the regulation by this act and thus the Act statements can be used in Dove’s attempt to protect its rights. The case is in fact connected with the fact that the seller has used the misleading trade descriptions when selling the goods to Duck, and the seller in this case is subject to penalties according to the Trade Descriptions Law 1968. - the clause 17, on the basis of which Chicken Credit Ltd demanded the payment of the sum of  £13,629 in addition to the arrears of installments of  £5,043 is not valid, as Dove Ltd didn’t initiate the termination of the agreement, and just wanted the changes of the agreement on the basis of the dysfunction of the goods (the lorries) he has bought. - the clause 17 may be subjected by Dove Ltd under the statements and regulations of the Unfair Contract Terms Act as the agreement terms, which break the consumer rights of Dove Ltd and thus demand too high arrears sums and installments in case he decides to terminate the agreement with Chicken Credit Ltd; - even in case the actions of Chicken Credit Ltd were partially right, they had to keep to the term of 14 days before repossessing the goods, according to the Consumer Credit Act 2006. As far as the 14 days term has not been followed by the Chicken Credit Ltd after having sent the notice to Dove Ltd, it may address the court in his request to recognize the credit company’s actions as illegal. The same actions may be performed in relation to the clause 17 of the credit agreement, though there are some notes, which should be taken into account by Dove Ltd. First of all, under

Advanced Accounting Theory & Practice Assignment

Advanced Accounting Theory & Practice - Assignment Example In addition, IAS also prescribes for leases within the financial statements of both the lessees and lessors (Barth et al., 2008). The prescriptions capture both financial leases and operating leases. The main characteristics of IAS 17 include the classification of leases, both the finance leases and operating leases, within financial statements of the lessor and the lessee. The scope section outlines the lease agreements for which IAS 17 is applicable. Additionally, the section also lists various agreements in which IAS 17 does not apply. According to paragraph three of the Standard, agreements transferring an asset’s right-of-use require application of IAS 17 (Selling, 2013). The need for the lessor to provide considerable value of services with regards to the operation and maintenance of the leased assets does not nullify the application of IAS 17. Paragraph two of IAS 17 lists four instances that the standard may not be applied (IFRS Foundation 2011). The agreements are contracts for services lacking a transfer of the asset’s right to use (Selling, 2013). In classifying leases, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) took into consideration of both the lessee and the lessor (Reinstein & Weirich, 2005). Similarly, IASB also took into account the extent to which the lessee or the lessor may accrue subsidiary rewards from the possession of a leased asset. The risks taken into account include the possibilities of losses arising out of technological obsolescence or idle capacity. In addition, the risks also include potential losses due to digression in return as a result of varying economic conditions. On the other hand, the rewards are characterised by the prospect of a profitable operation over the economic life of the leased asset (Kirsch, 2012). The rewards also comprise the gains arising from appreciation in value of the leased asset. Additionally, the rewards also include any realisation of some residual value. A lease is

Customer Insight for Competitive Advantage Essay

Customer Insight for Competitive Advantage - Essay Example Apple Inc. is a renowned multinational business corporation which deals with manufacturing, designing along with marketing broad assortment of products related to consumer electronics, personal computers and computer software among others. According to the present day context, the organisation is considerably regarded as one of the major global brands in terms of achieving higher customer value and brand loyalty through its offering of quality products (Apple Inc., 2011). In relation to identify the role of customer insight to an organisation, the paper intends to briefly discuss the major roles and significance of customer service within the organisation of Apple Inc. The paper will also highlight the major contribution of customer service that supports the organisation towards achieving competitive position. Moreover, the paper will further involve the impacts and consequences that could affect on organisational reputation of Apple while adopting poor customer service initiatives. Therefore, appropriate recommendations have also been discussed about how Apple might enhance its customer service for the motive of increasing its productivity as well as profitability, business reputation and most significantly sustainable competitive advantage. Main Findings Role of Customer Service Excellence Revealing insight about the consumers is incessantly becoming one of the major elements for the organisations in order to develop their different products as well as services that deliver superior value to the final customers and generate substantial profit. The idea of customer insight is typically viewed to be the collection as well as the interpretation of valuable information that ultimately facilitates a business to develop and most importantly to retain their valuable customers. It significantly involves certain major features such as gaining comprehensive knowledge about the customers’ requirements along with their behaviours that eventually raises the brand l oyalty and facilitates them to accomplish competitive advantage by a significant level (Michel, 2003). In relation to determine the role of customer service excellence, it has been apparently observed that the excellence related to customer service that adopted by Apple are significantly focused upon delivering superior value oriented services to each of its customer segment. In this regard, the organisation significantly considers the offering of superior quality products as customer service excellence initiatives towards its global standing. The organisation involves effective strategy of offering value-based service with its decent product lines through understanding customers’ requirements. The customer service excellence of the organisation is considered to be one of the prime aspects for the organisation to maintain its dominant position in the global technological business market (Arthur D. Little, 2011). With regard to the customer service excellence of Apple, it has been observed that the organisation took the initiative of AppleCare Service Excellence

Discuss the Character and Functions of Sandra Essay Example for Free

Discuss the Character and Functions of Sandra Essay Beautiful Thing is set in London this is used to illustrate what Sandras character is like. Sandra Gangle is a tough middle class woman, who lives in a tidy council flat in South London. Sandra is house proud she likes everything in it to be nice looking. An example of this is the hanging baskets hanging on the wall out side her house. Sandra also looks after her self we can tell this by the Body Shop products on the floor. Sandra has many roles in this play, which include being mother, neighbour, barmaid, single parent, workingwoman and a girlfriend. Sandra is a survivor in the sense that she is bringing up a son all on her own and she has to pay for every thing her self. When I had three pee in my purse I went robbing for that boy This Indicates Sandras loyalty towards to her son, and how much she cares for him and tries to provide for him. An alternative example of how deprived Sandra was that I couldnt afford a cot This proves that however much Sandra tried and robbed she still couldnt afford the basics. Sandra is also very abusive, using foul language to insult people. A good example of Sandras abusive language is the first word of the play, which is SLAG. This shows a major part of Sandras character and is used to set the scene for the rest of the story. Although Sandra uses foul language she prevents Jamie using it by saying Language, Jamie! when he tells Leah I dont need fuckin elp. This is because it is disrespectful to use to bad language and she wants to bring him up to the best of her ability. Foul language is mainly used to add tension to the story. Sandra character is harsh in the way that she talks to people. This can be demonstrated by the way she talks to Leah on several occasions Face facts Leah, no bugger wants you and shut up By saying this Sandra is being tactless and insensitive towards Leahs feelings. Sandra is most thoughtless towards Leah. Sandra is also harsh in the way she describes Steves father We all know his dad leathers him, Im only having a laugh. This is used to demonstrate how heartless and insensitive Sandra really is. Steves father was very aggressive towards him on numerous occasions. He punches him for know reason and even threw him out once for burning the toast. One time when Steve was thrown out he went round to see Sandra to explain what had happened to him. The type of caring person that Sandra is she took him in. After listening to Steve she told him he could stay the night. Then said this to Steves dad Your little Stevens round at our place tonight. Ive every mind to report you. This shows the sensitive and caring side that Sandra has. Among all Sandras responsibilities she tries her best to monitor Jamies progress at school. Sandra makes sure of this by the phrase I shall be checking your homework when I get in. This is to ensure he is doing well. Sandra is also very unreliable like when she is supposed to check Jamies homework she doesnt even though she promises too do so. Telling Jamie Ooh, Sod that, Im knackered gives a mixed impression that she is trying her best to provide money but is short of time due to working, and this is why she is tired. Another shocking point is that Sandra is incredibly judgemental. Coming to negative conclusions without thinking about the consequences and affects that it has on other people. Sandra proves her character is judgemental by telling Leah A Leopard never changes its spots and a slapper never changes her knickers. An alternative example of Sandra being judgmental is when she tells Jamie I want you inside. Shes a bad influence. Both these quotes prove how Sandra is quick to form an unpleasant opinion of someone. Additionally Sandra is also extremely boastful and is keen to tell others about her achievements. Bragging to a group of friends telling them I won that hanging basket in the south east Thames barmaid at the year awards. Sandra is proving that she is significantly more than an average barmaid the proof of this was winning the award.

Different Payment Methods In The Hotel Industry Finance Essay

Different Payment Methods In The Hotel Industry Finance Essay The forms of payment accepted in hotels have changed over the years. Most hotels still accept a variety of methods of payment mainly so as to provide a service to their clients and to generate additional earnings through exchange. A large number of independent travellers now use some form of credit or charge card. Hotels are now very familiar with a wide range of cards, often with dual ownership (e.g. the HCIMA have their own version of Barclaycard). There will always be a number of other transactions within the hotel regardless of the method of payment. These transactions will often be paid through a number of other methods. Upon departure, guests can settle their account in one of a number of different ways: †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Cash †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Foreign currency †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Cheque †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Travellers cheque †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Foreign cheque †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Debit card †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Credit card †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Charge card †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Ledger payment †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Voucher (e.g. travel agent, A TO). In dealing with each of these methods of payment, the hotelier must assess the impact of three major factors: liquidity, security and worth. Liquidity It is advantageous to the hotel if the account is paid in cash, as the hotel can immediately use the money to purchase goods itself, or bank the money and earn interest on it. Payment by ledger, however, will take much longer perhaps as much as two or three months may pass before the money can be re-used in the business. 2. Security The two sides to security are as follows: †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The likelihood of forgery or fraud by each of the payment methods. †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  The subsequent risk of theft once the hotel has the money. Payment by cheque is a greater security risk than accepting cash in Payment of the account. It would be difficult to trace stolen Currency if the hotel was robbed and cheques would unlikely is taken as they wont be of any value to a thief. Worth The total amount of money the hotel receives in payment will not be the same in every case. Handling charges, commission and delays in payment will cost the hotel money. But because of The extra commission, accepting payment in foreign currency will usually mean that when guests use this method of payment, the hotel gains an extra profit. Table 9.1 shows that the profitability of the hotel may be affected by the variety of payment methods used by the guests Method of Payment Security Liquidity Worth Cash The risk of loosing cash through theft is high, but the risk of forgery is low. Immediate 100 % Foreign currency The risk of loosing foreign currency through theft is high, but the risk of forgery is low. 1 Day 102 % Cheque Cheques carry a high risk of fraud e.g. non-payment. If security checks are carried out, risk of theft is low. 3 Days 98 % Travellers cheque Safe method of payment if control checks are carried out properly. Low risk of forgery. 4 Days 98 % Debit Card Safe method of payment if control checks are carried out properly. Low risk of forgery. 3 Days 99 % Credit card Safe method of payment if control checks are carried out properly. Low risk of forgery 3 Days 96 % Charge card Safe method of payment if control checks are carried out properly. Low risk of forgery 3 Days 96 % Ledger payment If creditworthiness is established before hand, it is a safe method of payment, however there is always a risk of non-payment of accounts 30 Days 98 % Voucher (e.g. travel agent, A TO) If creditworthiness is established before hand, it is a safe method of payment, however there is always a risk of non-payment of accounts 60 Days 89 % Table 9.1 Security, Liquidity and Worth of the various methods of payment Cheques Payment by cheque use to be one of the most common methods of payment. It reflected the decline of payment method in cash in recent years. Cheque guarantee cards guarantee the payment of the cheque to an agreed amount (usually  £50 or  £100). But there are a few simple rules that needto be followed. The guarantee provided by cheques guarantee cards are: †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Only one cheque is used per transaction †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  It is signed in the presence of the cashier †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  The bank code on the cheque and the guarantee card agree †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  The card number is written on the reverse side of the cheque †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  The card has not expired. A bank does not guarantee to honor a transaction where an account of is paid by issuing two cheques of  £50. The transaction is changed to a cash one by putting the card number on the back of the cheque. The customer will then not be able to stop the cheque later. It is crucial that the cashier watches the customer sign the cheque and then compares to the signatures carefully as to establish their similarity. Listed below are factors that need to be look into when handling cheques guarantee cards. 1. Code Number The bank sorting code number must agree with the code of the issuing cheque. 2. Card Number The card number is written on the reverse of the cheque by the accepting cashier. It does not correspond to any other number on the cheque. Expiry Date The card will not be valid if it is out of date. Signature The signature must be checked against the signature written on the back of the cheque. The card should be examined to make sure that the signature panel has not been tampered with. Crossed cheques are now mostly issued and therefore have to be paid into a bank account. With the signature of the payee at the back, it can be reassigned to a third party. In the case where a third party cheque is returned, the hotel has to contact the original drawer of the cheque to obtain settlement. It is for this reason that hotels do not accept third party cheques. Date When accepting a cheque, the cashier should check a number of points, one of the most important being the date. A cheque that has a date in the future on it (a post-dated cheque) will not become valid until that date. A cheque more than six months old (stale) is no longer valid. Crossing Cheques The two most important rules about crossing cheques are as follows: †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  A/c payee: this means that the cheque can only be paid into the account of the person nominated. It cannot be assigned to a third party. This is useful for cheques sent by post. †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Not to exceed xxx: this is crossing establishes a maximum Value to the cheque and guards against fraud by making it more difficult to change the amount payable. Travelers Cheque Travelers cheques (Fig 9.4) are issued in fixed denominations by major banks, travel agents and now building societies throughout the world. The customer will need to purchase them (before leaving home) using their own currency, or in the currency of the country being visited. These cheques need to be signed when purchased. The serial numbers are then noted by the issuing bank cashier. A service charge of 1% is normally paid to the bank by the customer. It covers insurance against loss or theft. The issuing company will repay the customer within 24 hours should the travellers cheques be stolen. It is for this reason that travellers cheques are found to be much more secure than currency. It is essential that the cashier should watch the guest sign and date the cheque when accepting these cheques. Should there be any doubt or irregularities about the signature, the customer can be asked to sign on the reverse of the cheque. Proof of identity can also be verified by asking the guest to produce their passport before accepting the travellers cheque. Debit Cards, Credit Cards and Charge Cards Debit Cards The common alternative to cheques nowadays is debit cards such as Switch and Delta. The way that it works is similar to that of cheque whereby the outstanding sum is taken directly from the clients account. But the transfer is through an electronic point-of sale and no cheque is necessary. The cashier and the payer will receive a slip notifying them of the details of the payment. This is usually the same card that is used to guarantee a cheque or withdraw money from a cash point. Bank Credit Cards Visa and Access are the two major bank credit cards in the UK. These cards are usually issued for free and customers need not to pay for any annual subscription. The customer uses the card to purchase goods and services by signing a sales voucher for the total amount of the account. The card company will send a statement to the customer with information of all the transactions of the month before. The customer has the choice to pay the total owing or only a proportion of it. The rest of it may be paid over a period of time. As the cards constitute a form of credit, the minimum payment is fixed by the government. The customer will receive a personal credit limit which must not be exceeded in any one month. Visa is an internationally recognized name, and while most countries use an additional name (e.g. Barclaycard in the UK; Carte Bleu in France), all cards carry the name Visa and bear the distinctive blue, white and gold stripe logo (Fig. 9.5).

The Mouse and His Child :: American Literature

The Mouse and His Child, by Russell Hoban, is a melancholy fable about a wind-up pair of tin mice that explore various themes such as hope and perseverance. However, the prevailing lesson taken from this book can be found in the way that Hoban employs his cast of wind-up toys to advocate the importance of the family unit. The story begins with the family together, but it is divided and they go out in separate directions. The father mouse and his child have different views on what to do after the break up of the family. The father's goal of self-winding is a wish for independence, while his child only wishes to bring the family back together. In fact, when the child tells Frog, "I want to find the elephant, I want her to be my mama, and I want the seal to be my sister..." (35), the father is flabbergasted since he was not aware of his child's desire. However, since they are bound together with the father mouse pushing the child along, the father's dream of self-winding/independence takes priority. Hoban cleverly uses the dialogue of the father mouse to show that the family broke up because of differences between the father and mother. In reply to his child's desire to go look for the elephant/mama and the seal/sister, the father says, "I cannot imagine myself being cozy with that elephant." (46) Yet the father humors his child and goes in the direction that they believe may lead them to the seal/sister and elephant/mama saying, "Finding the elephant would be as pointless as looking for her, but since I cannot convince you of that, ... we shall (at least) see something of the world" (47). While the elephant/mama had grown accustom to her royal lifestyle at the dollhouse in the store, she began to be snooty to her family. In replying to why she had been at the store so long she stated, "I'm part of the establishment...and this is my house." (5). It is not until she has been separated from her possessions and the family that she realizes how well off she was when the family was together. When she sees the father and child cutting the tree, she is "completely overwhelmed" (127). Until then she had only thought of herself. She realizes the error of their split as "a world of love and pain was printed on her vision" (128).

Untying the Knot :: essays research papers

Human beings have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and an urgent drive for understanding. The further we go on our quest for absolute truth and the deeper we plunge into the heart of the ultimate reality, the more profound our questions become. Could there be something more to this world of ours than that which meets the eye? Is there some elaborate design behind the infinite galaxies, stars, and planets, or are we simply at the mercy of a chaotic and unordered universe? What is it that has given rise to the mysterious and unexplainable phenomenon that we have labeled the cosmos? Throughout history, we have attempted to answer these perplexing and ineluctable questions through myths, religion, or science. Apparent in many of these explanations is the idea of a unity, the â€Å"One†, or a single entity that comprises all of reality. To some, it is God’s presence. To others it is the Tao or simply â€Å"that which is, and, in the case of modern physics, it is infini tesimally small strings, oscillating and vibrating, like the strings of a violin, that comprise the fabric of our universe and â€Å"rhythmically beat out the laws of the cosmos† (18).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  String theory is a revolutionary way of explaining the complexity of the cosmos. It is the unified theory of physics that Einstein searched for but never found. It forces us to look at the world in which we live in a drastically different and beautiful way. String theory states that all aspects of our universe consist of infinitesimally small, vibrating loops of energy (14). Like Pythagoras’ idea of the â€Å"music of the spheres†, these universal strings vibrate and oscillate, producing different notes in a cosmic symphony. Strings are the most basic constituents of matter, â€Å"atoms† in the true sense of the word. According to physicists, string theory may hold the key to understanding the inner workings of the universe. As Brian Greene states in his book The Elegant Universe:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   String theory has the potential to show that all of the wondrous happenings in the universe--from the frantic dance of subatomic quarks to the stately waltz of orbiting binary stars, from the primordial fireball of the big bang to the majestic swirl of heavenly galaxies--are reflections of one grand physical principle, one master equation (5). String theory is the first theory able to combine the undeniable, yet conflicting truths of Einstein’s general theory of relativity and the newly emerging field of quantum mechanics.

The Ambitious Marc Antony in Julius Caesar Essay -- Julius Caesar Essa

The Ambitious Marc Antony in Julius Caesar    The tragic and untimely death of Julius Caesar, a condemned Roman tyrant, triggered William Shakespeare's creativity. In his play Julius Caesar Shakespeare writes of the treacherous conspirators, Marcus Brutus and Caius Cassius, and their plans to assassinate their Roman leader, Julius Caesar. The story continues to explain how Caesar's loyal friend, Marc Antony, helps avenge the brutal murder. After Antony receives soldiers to fight his battle, his character begins to change. The   fair and faithful Marc Antony transforms to a darker and more deceitful character. Marc Antony is not suitable to rule Rome because he holds a grand desire of great power, his conceit restrains him from seeing other's opinions and he possesses the dangerous power of crowd swaying.    Marc Antony hungers for domination, which is dangerous for Rome because he will go to any length to achieve his objective. These lengths include Marc Antony betraying his fellow country officials along with the citizens by deceiving them. The first time this treachery occurs is after Caesar's death while Marc Antony is discussing the act with the conspirators. Antony tells the conspirators that although he is mournful of his dear friend's death, if they believe the action they took was necessary then he will have to agree. However, once the conspirators leave, Antony reveals to Caesar's body that he will indeed seek his revenge. Antony accomplishes his plan of retribution by speaking at Caesar's funeral, convincing the crowd of Roman citizens that this act was truly a murder by power-hungry leaders. The fact that Marc Antony carried out his plan states that he will deceive his asso... ...s riled audience and the possession of information that sets them over the edge into being an unforgiving mob (III, 2, 107-259). Having a serious effect on an audience is important when trying to be understood fully, however revenge is a dangerous topic especially when being encouraged by a talented public speaker.    Marc Antony is truly a deceitful person. This attribute is apparent in Antony's actions including how he handles his excessive greed, presumption in himself and his opinions and his perilous power of public speaking. Antony is not worthy of the presidency because he would be entrusted with too much power. Jurisdiction is an important privilege given to only those who can prove themselves as worthy and capable. Marc Antony has demonstrated that he cannot adequately rule Rome and therefore should not be allowed the opportunity.   

The Role of Education in Plato’s Republic

The role and significance of education with regard to political and social institutions is a subject that has interested political philosophers for millennia. In particular, the views of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, as evidenced in The Republic, and of the pre-Romantic philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau in his Discourse on the Arts and Sciences, present a striking juxtaposition of the two extremes of the ongoing philosophical and political debate over the function and value of education. In this paper, I will argue that Rousseau's repudiation of education, while imperfect and offering no remedy to the ills it disparages, is superior inasmuch as it comes closer to the truth of things than does Plato's idealized conceptions. To do so, I will first examine Plato's interpretation of the role of education and its function in shaping the structure of society and government and in producing good citizens. I will then introduce Rousseau's view of education and the negative effects of the civilized culture which it produces, and using this view, will attempt to illustrate the naivete and over-idealization of Plato's notions. Finally, I will attempt to demonstrate that it is Rousseau's view, rather than Plato's, that is ultimately more significant in assessing the actual (vs. idealized) merits (or lack thereof, in Rousseau's case) by which education should be judged with regard to the nurturance of good citizens. For Plato, the question of the role of education arises near the end of Book II (377e), after a discussion of both the necessary and consequent attributes of Socrates' kallipolis or â€Å"Ideal City. Such a city, Socrates argues, will, before long, have need of both a specialization of labor (in order for the greatest level of diversity and luxury of goods to be achieved) and of the establishment of a class of â€Å"Guardians† to protect the city from its envious neighbors and maintain order within its walls (i. e. , to police and govern the city). This, in turn, leads inexorably to the question of what attributes the Ideal City will require of its Guardians, and how best to foster such attributes. The early, childhood education of the Guardians, Socrates argues, is the key. What, then, asks Socrates, should children be taught, and when? This quickly leads to a discussion of censorship. Socrates cites a number of questionable passages from Homer which cannot, he thinks, be allowed in education, since they represent dishonorable behavior and encourage the fear of death. The dramatic form of much of this poetry is also suspect: it puts unworthy words into the mouths of gods & heroes. Socrates suggests that what we would call â€Å"direct quotation† must be strictly limited to morally-elevating speech. Nothing can be permitted that compromises the education of the young Guardians, as it is they who will one day rule and protect the city, and whom the lesser-constituted citizens of the polis will attempt to emulate, assimilating, via the imitative process of mimesis, to the Myth (or â€Å"noble lie†) of the Ideal City in which justice is achieved when everyone assumes their proper role in society. The process of mimesis, is, of course, yet another form of education, in which those of Iron and Bronze natures are â€Å"instructed† and inspired by the superior intelligence and character of the Gold and Silver members of the Guardian class. It is therefore a form of education without which the polis cannot operate. Thus, for Guardian and ordinary citizen alike, the education of the young and the continuing â€Å"instruction† of the citizenry are crucial. In addition to these aspects, Plato also conceives of another function of education, and one which is quite significant in its relation to Rousseau's views. For Plato, education and ethics are interdependent. To be ethical, in turn, requires a twofold movement: movement away from immersion in concrete affairs to thinking and vision of unchanging order and structures (such as justice) and then movement back from dialectic to participation and re-attachment in worldly affairs. It is a temptation to become an abstract scholar. But the vision of the good is the vision of what is good for oneself and the city — of the common good. If one does not return to help his fellow human beings, he becomes selfish and in time will be less able to see what is good, what is best. An unselfish devotion to the good requires an unselfish devotion to the realization of this good in human affairs. Just as the purpose of understanding order and limits in one's own life is to bring about order and restraint in one's own character and desires, the understanding of justice requires application in the public sphere (through education). A man who forgets the polis is like a man who forgets he has a body. Plato thus advocates educating both the body and the city (for one needs both), not turning one's back on them. If education is, for Plato, the means by which man comes to fully realize (through society) his potential as a human being and by which society as a whole is in turn elevated, for Rousseau it is quite the opposite. Education, argues Rousseau, does not elevate the souls of men but rather corrodes them. The noble mimesis which lies at the heart of education in Plato's kallipolis is for Rousseau merely a slavish imitation of the tired ideas of antiquity. The ill effects of this imitation are manifold. Firstly, argues Rousseau, when we devote ourselves to the learning of old ideas, we stifle our own creativity and originality. Where is there room for original thought, when, in our incessant efforts to impress one another with our erudition, we are constantly spouting the ideas of others? In a world devoid of originality, the mark of greatness, intelligence, and virtue is reduced to nothing more than our ability to please others by reciting the wisdom of the past. This emphasis on originality is in marked contrast with Plato, who finds no value in originality, deeming it antithetical to a polis otherwise unified by shared Myths of the Ideal City and of Metals. Rousseau rejects this â€Å"unity†, rightly denouncing it as a form of slavery , in which humanity's inherent capacity for spontaneous, original self-expression is replaced with the yoking. of the mind and the will to the ideas of others, who are often long dead. In addition to suppressing the innate human need for originality, education (and the appetite for â€Å"culture† and â€Å"sophistication† that it engenders) causes us to conceal ourselves, to mask our true natures, desires, and emotions. We become artificial and shallow, using our social amenities and our knowledge of literature, etc. , to present a pleasing but deceptive face to the world, a notion quite at odds with the ideas of Plato. We assume, in Rousseau's words, â€Å"the appearance of all virtues, without being in possession of one of them. Finally, argues Rousseau, rather than strengthening our minds and bodies and (a critical point) moving us towards that which is ethical, as Plato contends, education and civilization effeminate and weaken us physically and (perhaps most significantly) mentally, and cause us, in this weakness, to stoop to every manner of depravity and injustice against one another. â€Å"External ornaments,† writes Rousseau, â€Å"are no less foreign to virtue, which is the strength and activity of the mind. The honest man is an athlete, who loves to wrestle stark naked; he scorns all those vile trappings, which prevent the exertion of his strength, and were, for the most part, invented only to conceal some deformity. † Virtue, as opposed to Plato's conception, is an action, and results not from the imitation inherent in mimesis, but rather in the activity — in the exercise — of the body, mind and soul. Education, however, demands imitation, demands a modeling upon what has been successful. How, then, do we rightly assess the merits of education with regard to its it molding of the public character — in its ability to produce â€Å"good† citizens. The answer to this hinges, I submit, on how we choose to define the â€Å"good† citizen. Clearly, if obedience (or â€Å"assimilation to a political ideology†, or perhaps â€Å"voluntary servitude†) is the hallmark of the good citizen, then we must regard Plato's disposition towards education as the proper one. However, obedience, despite its obvious centrality to the smooth operation of society (as we would have social chaos were it completely absent), has its useful limits. Over-assimilation to a political idea or â€Å"blueprint† is every bit as dangerous — indeed, far more so — as the utter under-assimilation of anarchy. For those inclined to dispute this, I would urge them to review the history of Nazi Germany as perhaps the definitive example of what sad, awful spectacles of injustice we humans are capable of when we trade in our mental and spiritual autonomy for the convenient apathy and faceless anonymity of the political ideal. Furthermore, if , as Rousseau contends, our civilization is such that, â€Å"Sincere friendship, real esteem, and perfect confidence [in each other] are banished from among men,† what is the quality of the society for which education — any modern education — purports to prepares us? When, â€Å"Jealousy, suspicion, fear coldness, reserve, hate, and fraud lie constantly concealed under †¦ [a] uniform and deceitful veil of politeness,† what is left to us to educate citizens for, other than the pleasure we seem to derive in pedantic displays of hoary knowledge? If we remove the civility from â€Å"civilization†, what remains to us that any education will remedy?

A Philosophical Assessment

A Philosophical Assessment in Kauchak & Eggen: Chapter 7 (Examining Your Beliefs). Lance DeLong Of the four philosophies of education; Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism and Social reconstructionism, the one that seem to best fit my fundamental beliefs would be reflected in Essentialism philosophy. This is, because I believe that the role of the public school system is to teach students essential elements of knowledge that then in turn enables the student to development critical thinking skills associated with advanced critical thinking.These learned skills can only be applied after a student has gained the knowledge necessary to function effectively in society, and only after he understands that society can he make critical decisions relating to that society. The dilemmas identified in the situation posed by the text book exercise; â€Å"Decision Making: Developing Your Philosophy of Education†, can be analyzed through the perspective of this educational philosophy as such: The basic premise of what are the responsibilities of the education system and how we achieve critical thinking speaks to the issues presented in the first part of this exercise.The essence of understanding what one is thinking about and making decisions on, must first be established in in the students mind, would be my opinion. Essentialism, is the idea that centers around basic truths that must be learned in order for students to engage and participate in such activates. Essentialism is a belief that life is a series of building blocks and certain truths must be learned that allows the student to achieve advancement and an understanding of the society and the culture in which they are making decision on.This philosophy must also be looked at in the light of our Christian world view and the Bible. The Bible must be the basis and reflection of all philosophical truth. Paul warns us in Col. 2:8, â€Å"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ†. Though not all worldly philosophies are deceiving and drawing us away from Christ, I believe that any that question the basic tenants of education set forth in the scripture to be contrary to said and easily disassociated.The basic principle acknowledged by essentialists is that there are essential truth and those truths are to be imparted in the educational system. While absolute truths are communicated through scripture and basic academic truths regarding history, English, mathematics, and literature are the basis for this philosophy; one must acknowledge this, to be the basic responsibility of an educational system, imparting absolutes, to be an essentialist. Other educational philosophies that foster the process of discovering truth rather than acknowledging truth must be recognized for what they are â€Å"vain deceit†.Another principle the essentialists would hold true to, is that learni ng requires discipline and usually is accomplished through hard work. This seems to be negatively reflected in the situation presented in the text book. The students in the example seem to have been the product of a system that does not teach personal discipline and hard work as evidenced in their attitude for a quick solution and desire to learn just what is required to get by.If these students had been exposed to a system associated with discipline and hard work and that was the standard, questions such as â€Å"why do we have to learn this stuff† would not have been posed and comments such as â€Å"C’mon just tell us what you want us to know† would not need to be made because students would have learned that hard work and discipline produces usually positive results. It seems that these students have been given and have not learned to work for their education.If these foundational principles had been instilled into these students through a disciplined learnin g environment they would not have been left to their own devises as it seems these students have, but would have developed a deliberate regimented method to learning one that would have been measured and proved though testing. Also, in the situation presented, there seemed to be an element of disrespect associated to the system and the teacher. The element of submission to authority has not been instilled in the students.Paul tells us in I Peter 5:5, â€Å"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble†, the element of authority and the respect thereof has seemingly not been established in this learning environment. The essentialist recognizes the traditional teacher centered philosophy where the respect for authority is the basis for the importance of the information being communicated.The imparting of knowledge, information, and skill s from the older (presumably wiser) generation to the younger one is imperative in this philosophy. The teacher's responsibility is not only to impart those mentioned elements of basic education, but also to instill respect for authority, and moral norms as deemed acceptable in a society. The situation described in said scenario seems to be a reoccurring dilemma recognized in our public school systems today. This seems not to be a need to redefine the educational system, but a need to readdress roles and responsibilities.Going back to the principles of the founder of the essentialist educational theory, William C. Bagley seems to be the answer. His basis principles of â€Å"the recognized right of an immature student to the guidance of a well-educated, caring, and cultured teacher†, would seemed to have resolved the assumed attitude of the students in question of non-importance of education. That â€Å"the imparting of the ideals of community to each succeeding generation of children†, would have resolved the issue of respect for the teaching system and teacher and would have fostered the feeling of community and society. Having a specific program of studies that required thoroughness, accuracy, persistence, and good workmanship on the part of pupils†, would have set the precedence and provide the students specifically with what was required of them. I would agree with Professor Bagley’s’ statement of â€Å"(American) essentialism is grounded in a conservative philosophy that accepts the social, political, and economic structure of American society and schools should not try to radically reshape society†.I hold to the same thought that American schools should transmit the traditional moral values and intellectual knowledge and those students need to become model citizens. I hold to the basic tenant that when a student leaves school that they should possess basic skills and an extensive body of knowledge, discipline and a practical mind that then allows them to apply school house lessons in a real and practical world. Finally I believe the American school system is in decline as evidenced in the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).The results of these test showed that only about one third of American students exhibited proficiency in technology and science. â€Å"Living in the past† is the phrase I will use as some reflect on the fact that in the 1950s SAT scores reached an all-time high as reflected by the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS), surveying Adults 16-65 relating not to math and science but literacy. As years go by statistics continue to drop. The current administration has promised even more spending on their â€Å"Race to the Top† initiative with seeming little or no positive results.Some will find excuses for the decline, but it seems to me that the progressive mind set relating to current educational philosophies is not necessarily working an d that a return to traditional values and proven theories of education would be prudent to return to. A philosophical model of education that reflects the principles of ultimate truths do not change and that sound conservative practices of essentialism seems be the basis for this return.

Chemical Warfare During World War 1 Essay

The first World War has been reported to be one of the most brutal wars in the history of time for many reasons. One of those reasons was strategic usage of chemical warfare. Chemical gas was used on both sides of the line, which turned out to be fatal for many. World War I was mostly fought in the trenches, where soldiers lived in deep, v-shaped holes or underground bunkers. Both sides would occupy these trenches in order to escape from the constant stream of bullets. These battles often ended in a standoff, or tie, which helped the introduction of a different, brand new style of fighting that included the use of chemicals. These chemicals had a range of effects. These effects ranged from a simple tearing agent, to causing a slow, painful dead by asphyxiation or heart failure. Some believe it was the Germans who started chemical warfare but it was the French who really started it. It was the first month of the war, August 1914 and the Germans were rapidly advancing through Belgium, and were approaching the French border at an incredible velocity. As defense, the French fired tear gas grenades (these contained bromide vapor) on their own troops to scare the Germans and have them hesitate until the gas had dispersed. Nevertheless, the Germans were the first to seriously study chemical weapons, create and use fatal chemicals, and the first to use gas in a large scale. The second chemical warfare incident was the Germans who fired shells at the French that contained a chemical irritant that resulted in a sneezing fit in October 1914. Before World War I, when chemicals were first being introduced, many countries, including France and Germany, signed the Hague Convention in 1899. By signing this convention, nations banned the use of projectiles whose sole purpose was to asphyxiate or eliminate soldiers. The Hague II reinforced these rules and added more specifics like banning the use of poison gas and to not use projectiles, weapons, and materials that would cause unnecessary suffering. The French were the first to break the convention, but the public did not hear very much of it. The Germans were actually the ones to get burned by the press and newspapers for their perpetration of the convention. German officials immediately responded, saying that the French broke the convention first, and that they did not use a projectile to disperse the gas, so technically, their attack didn’t count. The first instance of poisonous chemical gas was chlorine gas on April 22, 1915 at the start of the second battle of Ypres. This happened by a man against the Germans who ran for almost ten miles and into German territory for another five miles to shoot the chlorine gas into their territory. The effects of chlorine gas were severe and horrible. Within seconds of inhaling its vapor it destroyed the victim’s respiratory organs, bringing on choking attacks and asphyxiation, which eventually led to death. After the Germans used their first chemical attack, the world publicized their opinion, saying that Germany broke the Hague Convention first. That is how they have been blamed for breaking the treaty. One the first German attacks, allied troops held cotton pads soaked in their own urine to give some sort of protection against the chlorine gas. It was found that the ammonia in the pad neutralized the chlorine. These pads were held to the soldiers’ faces until they were able to escape the area infected with the poisonous fumes. Because this idea disgusted many soldiers, they preferred to use handkerchiefs, a sock, or flannel material. These materials would be dampened with a solution of bicarbonate, and tied across the mouth and nose until the gas passed over. The soldiers found that it was very difficult to fight with fabric on one’s face, so attempts were made to develop better means of protecting their men against these fatal gas attacks. By July 1915, soldiers were given efficient gas masks and anti-asphyxiation respirators as a standard issue. Lachrymator or tearing agent was much like today’s tear gas or mace in World War I. This gas may cause temporary blindness and inflammation of the nose and throat of the victim. A gas mask would easily offer good protection against this gas. This chemical and any chemical with bromide were quite popular during World War I since it was easily brewed. Asphyxiates are the poisonous gases which include chlorine, phosgene, and diphosgene. Chlorine inflicts damage by forming hydrochloric acid when it comes in contact with moisture such as what is found in the lungs and eyes. It is lethal at a ratio of 1:5000 (gas/air), whereas phosgene is deadly at 1:10,000 (gas/air) – twice as toxic! Diphosgene, first used by the Germans at Verdun on 22 June, 1916, was deadlier still and could not be effectively filtered by standard issue gas masks. Blistering Agents, like mustard gas, were seen as the most dreadful of all chemical weapons in World War I. Unlike the other gases which attacked the respiratory system, this gas acts on any exposed, moist skin, which makes it extremely dangerous. This includes, but is not limited to, the eyes, lungs, armpits and groin. Obviously, a gas mask that covered one’s face could offer very little to no protection whatsoever. The oily reacting agent would produce large burn-like blisters wherever it came in contact with skin. It also had a way of hanging around in low areas for hours, even days, after being dispersed, which could make an area completely unusable to the soldiers on either side. A soldier jumping into a shell crater to seek cover could find himself blinded instantaneously, with skin his blistering and his lungs bleeding before he even had time to react. Mustard gas was used in chemical warfare and was made in large amounts during World War I and II. It was also used in the Iran-Iraq was in 1984-88. It is presently use in the U. S. for research purposes. The U. S. secretary of Defense was instructed to destroy all remaining stocks of lethal military chemical agents, including mustard gas, by 1997. Mustard gas has been a favorite chemical weapon in wars because it can be fairly delivered via conventional bombs, rockets, and artillery shells and because mustard gas contamination can render an area unusable by enemy forces. Mustard agents, as known as blistering agents, produce wounds that look like burns or blisters when they come into contact with the skin. These agents may also cause severe damage to the other organs on the body such as the eyes, the respiratory system and other internal organs. This gas received its name from an early production method that yielded a mustard-smelling agent in 1822, where it was invented. Symptoms don’t actually occur until 2 -24 hours later from the first contact point, resulting in severe cell damage before the patient may even know they have been exposed. Mild symptoms consist of: eye pain, lacrimation, irritation of the mucous membranes, inflammation of the skin, hoarseness, and coughing and sneezing. Severe symptoms consist of: blistering, blindness, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory complications. The leading cause of dead is lung injury. Lung injuries start off mild and gradually increase until they result in chemical pneumonia and pulmonary edema, and the bone marrow and lymphatic tissue look similar to radiation exposure and also a drastic reduction in the number of the body’s white blood cells within 5-10 days after exposure. Decontamination is the most important treatment that can be done for a mustard exposed patient. Removal of clothing, bathing, flushing of the eyes, and washing of the hair are key initial management steps. Some people go as far as to say you should shave hair completely of as if exposed to lice. Treatment beyond this is primarily includes antibiotics and pain medication. Phosgene is an odorless gas that is now used to make plastics and pesticides, but at room temperature can be fatal. Often the effects of phosgene gas tend to not show up for almost 2 days and by that time it would be too late for treatment. To ship this agent, it must be cooled, pressured, and put into a liquid form, before it can ever be safely distributed. Unfortunately, if released from said pressure, it quickly turns back into a gas that stays frighteningly close to the ground like fog because in gas form, it is heavier than air and spreads quickly. Depending on the type, phosgene gas may appear as a pale yellow, white, or even colorless cloud. With low concentrations, it has an aroma of fresh cut grass or green corn or has no sent at all, but at high concentrations, its odor may be very unpleasant and pungent. This was used mostly as a choking agent that was responsible for a large majority of the chemical deaths in World War I. Phosgene is used today to form a base for other chemicals such as pesticides. The risk of exposure all depends on how close in proximity one is to an area with phosgene. If in its gas form, people may be exposed through skin and eye contact and/or through inhaling air that is polluted with phosgene. If in its liquid form, people may be exposed by touching, drinking, or eating things that are contaminated with this intense poison. Phosgene poisoning can cause damage through irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Immediately after exposure to dangerous concentrations of phosgene, the following symptoms may develop: coughing, burning sensation to throat and eyes, watery eyes, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, lesions to skin similar to frostbite or burns, coughing pink tinted mucus, low blood pressure, and heart failure. One way to protect ones self from exposure is to run to higher ground. If one believes they are exposed, remove all clothing and wash entire body with soap and water. After one is away from infected area, seek medical attention immediately. As a result of all the different types of chemicals being produced and used against the enemy, countries like Britain began testing and creating defenses for chemical gases like the gas mask. One of the first gas masks looked like a crude sack with a rectangular cutout for the eyes, which was covered with an eye-piece. Its only real protection was that it was dipped in anti-gas chemicals such as: sodium hyposulphite, glycerin, and water. This proved to be quite weak and the eye piece was easily broken, which made the whole mask moot. Later, the British box respirator was first introduced in April 1916, and by January of the next year, it become standard issue for all soldiers, especially ones in the trenches. The gas mask has made many reforms to get to the standard of what it is today, but in the early 20th century, the gas mask was at the peak of the new technology, especially because it was saving soldiers. In conclusion, many of the chemical gas used in World War I was invented as a terror weapon to cause panic and confusion towards the enemy. It was also a psychological weapon, with the use of non-lethal tearing agents sent first to have the enemy remove their gas masks thereby making them more vulnerable to a later attack with one of the more deadly types. This fact and many of the other facts written above are some reasons why many believe that the first World War was one of the most vile and brutal wars.

In his poetry Hardy shows more sympathy for the natural world than he does for people Essay

In his poetry Hardy shows more sympathy for the natural world than he does for people. How far do you agree with this view? You may wish to use ‘The Blinded Bird’ as a starting point for your answers. In your answer you should either refer to 2 or 3 poems or range more widely though the selection. Throughout Hardy’s poetry it is clear that he tends to show a lot more sympathy for the natural world than he does for people shown through key poems such as ‘The Blinded Bird’ , ‘The Darkling Thrush’ and ‘The Puzzled Game-Birds’. These three poems all use nature and animals to explore feelings and Hardy tends to be more sympathetic towards the natural surroundings, in these poems he specifically references birds. He also shows his sympathy for the natural world by showing the animals in a more positive light than he does people; as shown through the poem ‘The Puzzled Game-Birds’. When looking at Hardy’s poem ‘The Puzzled Game-Birds’ I can make the judgement that I do agree fully with the view that Hardy does show more sympathy through his poems, especially this one, for the natural world than he does for people. Through this poem Hardy uses nature to portray his thoughts on cruelty since he shows how the birds are puzzled and confused ‘They are not those who used to feed us’ and the repetition of this line shows the birds denial of not wanting to believe that the people could perform such evil actions. The line ‘If hearts can house such treachery’ is an example of human betrayal from the bird’s perspective because the humans were benevolent, they provided and cared for the birds, then they contradicted themselves and betrayed the birds trust by depriving them. Hardy dehumanises the people through the line ‘They are not those who used to feed us’ because he takes away the individuality of the person by grouping all humans together. By taking away the individuality of the human, Hardy forces us to sympathise with the birds since the poem focuses more on the hardships and cruelty that they are suffering. The poem ‘The Blinded Bird’ again supports a view that I agree with that Hardy expresses more sympathy for the natural world than he does for people. He does this throughout this poem by conveying the opinion of how humanity is evil and a cruel, the rhetorical questions and strong caesura placement at the end of the poem ‘Who is divine? This bird. ’ affirms this. Hardy shows sympathy with the bird in this poem by showing the birds passion through the repetition of the line ‘So zestfully canst thou sing? ’ and his own confusion of how the bird can be so happy when the bird is blind through the line ‘I stand and wonder how’. The poem references God in the second stanza by the repetition of the line ‘Resenting not such wrong, thy grievous pain forgot’ which insinuates that the bird is not resentful towards God for the fact that he is blind; he just loves his life and carries on with it as normal, ignoring the fact that he is blind. This poem clearly shows a lot of sympathy since it demonstrates how a bird that has one of its main senses taken away from him can still lead a happy life and sing so passionately ‘Who suffereth long and is kind†¦who thinketh no evil, but sings?†¦ This bird. ’ Very similar to ‘The Blinded Bird’ the poem the ‘The Darkling Thrush’ again shows Hardy’s more sympathetic approach to the natural world than his approach to humans. The first stanza opens with a description of the dreary, bleak winter landscape, but the downhearted tone is transformed by the bright, optimistic singing, ‘full-hearted evensong’, of an ‘aged thrush’ who was ‘frail, gaunt, and small’. In the first stanza the phrase ‘broken lyres’ is used, which could be seen as a simile which expresses broken faith showing a negative outlook on the century. In the last stanza Hardy includes a description of a ‘caroling’ bird which Hardy could have used to suggest hope and the continuity of life. The speaker concludes in the last stanza that the small bird possesses ‘some blessed Hope, whereof he knew and I was unaware’. I believe Hardy to use this bird to portray the view that nature holds a secret and the potential for happiness that man cannot always intellectually grasp, but perhaps can emotionally appreciate. The rhyme scheme is broken when the thrush enters singing melodically in the penultimate stanza. However, the scheme seems to return in the final stanza which illustrates Hardy’s pessimistic nature returning. For example he refers to hope as ‘blessed’ which shows he does value it, but simply cannot channel it like the thrush is able to. Alliteration is used in the lines ‘Century’s corpse’ and ‘growing gloom’ to demonstrate the inescapability of time and these phrases demonstrate Hardy’s pessimistic thoughts and mind-set. ‘The Darkling Thrush’ portrays a parallel between Hardy’s feelings and emotions with nature by how the thrush emits ‘joy illimited’ which is a profound contrast to Hardy’s pessimism. From the poem we can draw the conclusion that as shown in stanza 3, Hardy’s tone seems in awe of the thrush and is impressed by the bird’s unexpected happiness. This can be linked to ‘The Blinded Bird’, where again in the poem the bird possesses an unexplainable happiness and was not discouraged in the slightest to live life to the max even though it had lost its sight. In all I entirely agree with the view that Hardy does tend to sympathise more with the natural world than he does with humans. I agree with the view due to the fact that the poems that I have looked at all seem to favour nature and portray the animals as being overlooked and disregarded by the humans who were portrayed as immoral and inferior and in the case of ‘The Puzzled Game-Birds’ malicious and violent. I also think he is inclined to sympathise with the natural world more because he views his surroundings as a natural beauty that is not noticed and appreciated enough by the human race.

Investigation of communication between people in health and social Essay

Investigation of communication between people in health and social care - Essay Example The behaviorist theory explains that every physical action or gesture is to be construed as an expression of behavior, this philosophy argues that every thing an organism does, including the thought process and feelings, should be considered as behavior. Understanding and applying the behaviorist theory, by observing the actions of the patient in context of this theory, the Health Care Professional can better cater to the psychological requirements of the patient, which in turn can have a positive outcome in the treatment, and psychological management of the patient, while the patient is in a state of trauma due to an emotional incident or a life threatening ailment. Cognitive theory can help decision making in nursing by providing a framework, which incorporates acquiring empirical data from patients and assimilating new cases with the older ones, investigating the methods which proved to be successful in the past, and identifying and applying those to newer cases. The Psychoanalytical theory deals wit... Verbal communication is the most important aspect of direct communication with the patients which involves nursing etiquette, and some other guidelines. The nurse is expected to speak clearly with the patient, in a slow, even tome for the convenience of the patient , the nurse is expected to address the patient by his/her name to give an impression of individualistic care and attention, broadly it directs you to be gentle in your interaction with the patient. Non-verbal form of communication suggests that while dealing with patients who are hard of hearing, along with speech, the nurse should use hands to accentuate the meaning.You can even write or draw out pictures for the convenience of patients who are deaf, or if the patient prefers a digital form of communication such as laptops, you can even arrange for that. It is rudimentary to call a person by his/her name, whilst seeking attention of the patient and introducing yourself to the patient in the same way. The patient should be included in the decision making process, this gives the patient the impression that he/she is in control of the situation. Only when the patient is ready to open up and express feelings should he/she be encouraged to do so, the patient should not be rushed into expressing intimate feelings. Patients should not be stereo-typed or prejudiced against in view of the values and beliefs they hold. Inappropriate interpersonal communication is a subjective phenomenon and applies both to the nurse and the patient. In context of the nurse the use of inappropriate language should be avoided at all costs, intentionally or otherwise, the nurse needs to be cognizant of the fact that even his/her best attentions could be misinterpreted and cause mental stress

The American government Its Principles Term Paper

The American government Its Principles - Term Paper Example The government of the United States is today still rooted in these five key principles of government. For instance, citizens of California are practicing popular sovereignty through endeavoring to recall Governor Davis (Ross 52). A debate over limited governance has arisen as the federal regime fights for more freedom to probe the personal lives of alleged terrorists (Ross 52). Bills are being proposed on a daily basis in Congress, which the President has veto power to ensure that federalism, checks and balances, as well as the separation of powers are incorporated in every facet of the Unites States government. The government is separated into three branches that are all governed by this principle. The three branches are the Legislative branch, the Executive branch, as well as the Judiciary branch. The American Constitution itself it governed by these principles, which also works in vice versa. This means that the American Constitution and these principles govern each other. This pa per will discuss the major principles of the American government, such as the rule of law and democracy, among others, and provide and analysis of the pros and cons of the issue making use of sources on both sides. Consent of the governed refers to a phrase of the U.S. Declaration of Independence (Lansford 97). Consent of the governed is synonymous with a political concept where the United States’ government moral right or legitimacy to apply state power is only legal and acceptable when founded on the society or people over which that political power is executed. The concept of consent, in the United States, was always compared to the divine right of rulers and has always been invoked against the authenticity of colonialism. Thinking in a similar way to that of English philosopher John Locke, consent of the governed dictates a nation be established upon the consent of equal and free citizens is a country of happiness

Ultrsound image modality Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Ultrsound image modality - Assignment Example This is known as extended field-of-view or EFOV. This new technology allows manual movement of the probe along the direction of the array of the transducer, thus facilitating panoramic images without any loss in resolution. The technology causes estimation of translation and rotation of the probe by comparing images which are successive during the movement of the probe (Kim et al, 2003). The technology also has a mechanism for no probe-position sensing. the images in this technology are transformed geometrically based on the position and motion of the probe and then entered into the EFOV image buffer. They are then combined with images which are obtained previously to produce EFOV image. Through this technology, it is possible to acquire and record panoramic images of length as much as 60 cm, thus providing opportunity to view anatomical structures of various topography This allows displaying of larger pathologic structures or organs in a single image itself, along with their surroun dings. Thus EFOV technology has many clinical applications. Infact, many studies have reported the usefulness of this technology in imaging superficial small parts (Kim et al, 2003). Weng and colleagues were the first researchers to introduce extended field-of-view technology, in 1997. They widely applied this technology to many field of sonography (Kim et al, 2003). According to Cooperberg et al (2001), "through the magic of computer technology, extended field of view imaging is back! Extended field of view images can now be created very easily and conveniently, in real time. The convenience and accuracy of real-time imaging is maintained while important anatomical perspectives are added." In a pioneer study by Weng et al (1997), the researchers observed the benefits of extened field imaging that "combines the convenience of a real-time scanner with the spatial advantages of a static B-mode scanner and provides a panoramic image in real time

Case interpretation Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case interpretation - Research Paper Example These scenarios provide a basic idea about the challenges which might be faced by the business environment in order to survive in the marketplace in the year 2050 (Deutsche Post AG, 2012). Among these case scenarios, this paper aims to evaluate the state of affairs presented in the first scenario, titled as Untamed Economy – Impending Collapse. Furthermore, the paper will assess the challenges which might be faced by the logistic industry due to the most probable challenges in the business environment of 2050. It will also intend to identify the reasons and/or causing factors of these challenges. Case Scenario: Untamed Economy – Impending Collapse The entire world is distinguished with the assistance of unrestricted materialism and consumption. In addition, the rapid growth of international trade set the pace of business and economy all across the world. The advanced global transportation also ensures the frequent exchange of goods and services all across the internatio nal territories and/or boundaries. With this concern, it has been observed that the world economy is forced by unsustainable standard of living along with the uncontrolled exploration of natural resources which in turn creates a string negative impact over the stability of business environment. ... It is most likely to be disrupted by the frequent natural disasters which in turn can have strong influences on the global supply chain increasing capital costs in terms of logistic companies. Apart from this, the international trade is also quite likely to increase the demand of production processes by the companies in the global dais. Therefore, rising insufficiency of energy resources, higher energy prices and costlier raw materials shall lead to slackened profit margin in the industry sector. With this concern, operational managers of the global logistic industry should actively response to the disasters with the help of contingency planning (Operations Manager, 2012). It has further been observed that operational managers are mainly engaged with inventory management processes, shipping and receiving as well as hiring and training employees in the current day context. However, in such probable scenario of 2050, an operational manager shall need to focus on inventory management al ong with strong networking of supply chain according to the regional divergences in order to maintain the profit margin (Johnston & Clark, 2012). Challenges to be faced by the Logistic Industry in the Year 2050 In the year 2050, the logistic industry might have to face various challenges in terms of supply chain disruption, high energy prices, expensive raw materials and shrinking profit margins. In the upcoming eras, there are high chances for scarcity of resources due to the natural disasters and frequent climate changes which in turn shall create the nationalism and protectionist barriers across the international boundaries. Additionally, this might come up with

Progress through Cultural Diversity Research Proposal

Progress through Cultural Diversity - Research Proposal Example The slave trade and the racial stigma it affixed to the colored communities are not completely removed from the American community even now. The abolition of slavery has provided better opportunities for the colored people, but it is doubtful whether the political gestures like affirmative action had fulfilled all its objectives when it comes to the idea of equal opportunities. The discontent that remains amongst the dominant communities regarding the implications of affirmative action is evidence for the power-related conflicts that remain among diverse communities. The argument that the reservations available for once-oppressed communities drain the nation of true quality and skill reveals how the prejudices that question the notion of equal opportunities still exist. The question remains whether it is possible to strive for unity through political gestures, or does it have to emerge from a change in perspectives. The notion of retaining the existing unity would be a hypocritical o ne when there needs to be a focused effort to accept diverse cultural factors. The famous black movement of the Harlem Renaissance has in fact contributed towards the artistic and literary richness of America. The innovations of this period like the Jazz have been effectively incorporated into the popular and mainstream culture of the nation. This is evidence enough of the power that cultural diversity possesses.  

Management problem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Management problem - Essay Example ce, revolves around discrimination based on religion, and in order to advise the Chief Executive, the first thing that will need to be established is whether the court will treat the employee in question as an employee under the legal definition of the term. This argument is substantiated by the recent case of Autoclenz Ltd v Belcher (2011) when Lord Clarke held that work must be exchanged with wage and that intentions of parties did not hold as much importance as the ‘reality’ did – making the test an objective one instead of subjective. Moreover, under the Employment Rights Act 1996, a ‘worker’ is somebody who has a contract for employment and personally performs the work, rather than being the owner of a business or organization. The Housing Services Director asked the Jewish employee to remove the hat he wears as a customary sign of his religion, calling it a ‘skullcap’. This can be considered direct as well as indirection discrimination, subject to the tribunal/court’s interpretation of the matter. Direct discrimination is self-explanatory through its name; suggesting discriminatory practice against an employee for characteristics provided under the Equality Act 2010. Although there is no general defense awarded to the defendant in this case, but an exception is the excuse of a genuine requirement of the occupation that the employee be of a certain age/sex/religion. The test to establish this is an objective one, as can be seen in the case of Shamoon v. Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary [2001] where the HOL overturned a tribunal decision where it had found gender discrimination. However, the success of this test may be limited since it is a stringent one – a fact supported by the case of Etam plc v Rowan [1989] is when a man was rejected from the working at a clothing store for women. The Chief Executive can argue that wearing of the hat is genuinely harming the business as it is not only giving a negative impression to