Brand management Hoyts Cinema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Brand management Hoyts Cinema - Essay Example This study looks into the Hoyts Cinema Company that is capable of distributing independent film shows to Australian cinemas and broadcast high quality modern blockbuster movies. Hoyts cinemas had been independent by the beginning of the 1990s later merging with big companies like 20th Century to boost its profits and increase their target market. The society’s trend to appreciate films is rapidly growing towards identification with popular production companies that are mostly recognized as the prime producers of excellent films. Hoyts realized this opportunity and increased merger with other large Hollywood based film industries by 2002 to attract a larger market that appreciates quality productions. There is also importance in increasing comfort in the cinema environments and improve the service that consumers are willing to pay to achieve entertainment. Excellent service delivery and customer satisfaction goes greatly in improving brand popularity and improvement among its c onsumers. Most businesses and service providers offer increased incentives and adjustments to improve their brand quality and overall marketing of their services. Brand audit aids in reviewing the changes needed to improve the overall service structure of a company and increasing its identity in the competitive market. Through the application of various processes entailed in brand audit process, Hoyts cinema is capable of identifying areas of improvements. The brand auditing process identifies the weak areas of the brand improving on its overall performance and increasing its competitiveness in the market. ... Brand Auditing Jelsema in his article explains six factors considered when undertaking a successful brand audit process. The overall positioning of the brand, its market segmentation, differentiators, internal environments of the company, overall brand positioning, personality and brand metrics help identify a company in the competitive market7. These factors are the developmental strategies applied by a company to check on errors limiting development and its advancement when considering growth. In addition, areas of improvement are highlighted and adjustments made according to the overall requirements8. In general, a company’s brand will be defined by its overall outlook, name used or logo that stands out from the other brands9. Brand Culture and Image The culture in the brand is the image that has been drawn on the consumer’s image for prolonged period often articulated to the ability to memorize it by name or image. Hoyts Cinemas have been in the Australian markets f or decades establishing its dominance among other film providers in the state10. The ability of the company to deliver modern films that the audiences often require in the time of their release has led to the growth in its marketing11. Consumers would recommend other users to seek their services through mentioning its name and its signature logo. It is vital for the management and the staff to depict the overall culture of the brand to adjust into serving the long time clients who may be used to a particular routine in service delivery12. To understand this concept better, businesses often apply the use of a service triangle that puts the customer, the employees and the overall

Child sexual abuse victims Essay Example for Free

Child sexual abuse victims Essay I. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Sexual abuse of children is a harsh fact of life in our society. Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescents uses a child for sexual stimulation. Forms of child sexual abuse includes asking or pressuring a child to engage in sexual activates, regardless of the outcome, indecent exposure to a child with intent to gratify their own sexual desire or to intimidate or groom the child, physically sexual contact with child or using a child to produce child pornography. A child abuse victim can result in both short term and long-term harm physically and emotionally. What would you do if you knew a child who became a victim? Thats a question everyone should be ready to answer if they want to protect our future generations. A. DEFINITIONS There is no universal definition for CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIM(S). However, a major characteristic of any abuse is the dominant position of an adult that allows him or her to force or coerce a child into sexual activity. Child sexual abuse may include fondling a childs genitals, masturbation, oral-genital contact, digital penetration, and vaginal and anal intercourse. (American psychological association, 2011) Other forms of abuse can also occur that are not as easy to detect. These include showing adults genitals to a child, showing the child pornographic or dirty pictures or videotapes, or using the child as a model to make pornographic materials. (Child advocacy resources) A victim of child abuse suffers from PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS that have an immediate emotion. These effects of abuse cause isolation, fear and an inability to trust. This can translate into lifelong consequences, including low self-esteem, depression, and relationship difficulties. Researchers have identified links between child abuse and poor mental and emotional health, Cognitive difficulties, and Social difficulties. In one long-term study, 80 percent of young adults who were abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder by age 21. Some problems include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicide attempts. Other psychological and emotional effects include panic attacks, attention-deficit/ hyperactive disorder, depression, anger, and posttraumatic stress. (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2008) PHYSICAL EFFECTS are defined, as immediate physical abuse can be relatively minor, such as bruises or cuts. It can also be very severe such as broken bones, hemorrhage, or even death. Physical effects in some cases can be temporary, however the pain and suffering they cause a child should not be discounted. Several studies have shown adults who experience abuse or neglect during childhood is more likely to suffer from physical ailments such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, and high blood pressure. (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2008) B. STATISTICS 1. VULNERABILITY In over 90 percent of child sexual abuses causes, the offender is known and trusted by the victim. Grooming is the process used by the offend ender to recruiter and prepare a child for sexual victimization. It starts when the offender targets a specific child. While all children are at risk for victimization, certain factors make some children more vulnerable to sexual abuse than others. For example, a child is especially susceptible if he or she feels unloved, has low self-esteem, has little contact with committed adults or regularly spends time unsupervised. Sex offenders commonalty  engage children by spending time with them, playing games with them, and showing them special attention or giving them gifts. Older children or teens may be offered drugs or alcohol. Offenders forge an emotional bond through frequent contact, positive interaction and by conveying the child or teen that they understand or can appreciate their interests and concerns. In time the emotional bond leads to non-sexual physical contact which can take the form of physical play such as wrestling, affection, touching etc. In this way the offender tests the childs boundaries, gradually turning into sexual touch. Usually if the child is older the child starts to become uncomfortable or fearful of the sexual activity. Offenders typically threat the child to keep them from speaking up. Most child victims are caught in a web of fear, guilt and confusion as a result of the sex offenders grooming and manipulation. Sadly, many child victims remain silent about their abuse. (Bisquera) 2. INDICATORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE Indicators of child sexual abuse are varied and should always be considered in the context of what else is happening in a childs life. Any one indicator, on its own, is a sign that something may be impacting a childs well being. Some behavior indicators can be unexplained change in a childs comfort level (either attachment or fear) around any person in a position of trust. They could show abrupt changes in performance in school or home. A significant difference in the way the child socializes. For younger children, a sudden loss of skills could be a red flag. A child who was toilet trained could start wetting the bed. Abuse can an also include sexual behavior, often in front of others, such as self-exposure, masturbation, touching others peoples private parts, sexual language. In older children or teens this might be seen as promiscuous behavior. Physical indicators such as bruises, scratches, irritation/ itching around genitals that are not consistent with explanations of how they happened. A victim who is not sexually active could show signs of sexual transmitted diseases, such as crabs, herpes, and gonorrhea. They could also experience tenderness or soreness around areas of penetration. Finding blood in their stool or urine should also cause some concern when it is not explained by other conditions. Underwear is often where proof of abuse may exist. (Bisquera) C. EXPERT STATEMENTS 1. FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE Overall cases of child sexual abuse fell more than 60 percent from 1992 to 2010, according to David Finkelhor, a leading expert on sexual abuse. The evidence for this decline comes from a variety of indicators. It includes national surveys of child abuse and crime victimization. The crime statistics are compiled by the F.B.I analysis of data from the National Data Archive On Child Abuse and Neglect and annual surveys of school students in Minnesota. All of the data pointed in the same direction. From 1990 to 2010 cases of sexual abuse dropped from 23 per 10,000 children to 8.6 per 10,000 children. All of the subjects were under the age of 18. Researches found a 62 percent decrease. There was a 3 percent drop from 2009 to 2010. The Minnesota Student Survey also reported a 29 percent decline in reports of sexual abuse by an adult who was not a family member from1992 to 2010. They also saw a 28 percent drop in reports of sexual abuse by a family member. At the same time, the willingness of children to report sexual abuses has increased. They found that in 50 percent of sexual abuse cases, the childs victimization had been reported to an authority, compared with 25 percent in 1992. (Goode, 2012) 2. COMMON MOTIVES OF OFFENDERS Studies on who commits child sexual abuse vary in their findings, but the most common finding is that the majority of sexual offenders are family members or is otherwise known to the child. Sexual abuse by strangers is not nearly as common as sexual abuse by a family member. Reasearch further shows that men perpetrate most instances of sexual abuse, but there are cases that women are the offenders. Despite a common myth, Homosexual men are not more likely to sexually abuse children than heterosexual men. (American psychological association, 2011) About 73% of child sexual abusers report experiencing sexual abuse in their own childhood. Not all pedophiles are child molesters. Pedophilia is a clinical term that describes a person who has had repeated arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors related to sexual activities with children for at least six months. Pedophiles do not  necessarily have to act on their urges. Sexual offenders have the same attraction to children, but they act on their urges. Sexual offenders come from all backgrounds and social classes. They do their best to become friends with parents, and then they work to gain the childs trust. (64 facts of 2012) II. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE A. HISTORY 1. THE RISE OF PUBLIC CONCERN Public concern about child abuse has steadily increased. The number of referrals to child protection services in recent years has risen every year since the 1960s. It is not clear if the increase of reporting is due to a higher incident of abuse or a widening of the definition of abuse. (Eileen, 2008) Sexual abuse of children was not taken seriously until 1964 when congress passed the Child Abuse and Prevent and Treatment Act. This established reporting requirements of suspected cases. Among some experts there was a tendency to deny that sexual abuse had lasting consequences. Researchers have now found that there are long-term emotional problems that surface. (Mintz,2012) A contributing factor to the growing public concern is also widely publicized deaths. Although the field of child protection services date back to the nineteenth century, public concern has rarely reached the present level of intensity. (Polsky, 1991) 2. CIVIL LAWSUITS Child abuse statues have been enacted in most states to provide civil immunity for those making good faith reports of suspected child abuse. Most states also provide immunity from criminal liability. Physicians, nurses and social workers are required to report suspected child abuse that comes before them in some states failure to report a case carries criminal penalties as well as civil liability. B. KEY ISSUES 1. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE? There are short term and long-term impacts of sexual child abuse. Depression, anxiety, amnesia, disengagement and numbing are just a few have the psychological and emotional responses victims experience. As children become adults they can suffer intimacy disturbance, making it hard for them to physically and emotionally have a healthy relationship. Suicidal thoughts and co-dependence are also long-term impacts of sexual abuse. WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK A CHILD YOU KNOW HAS BEEN THE VICTIM OF CHILD ABUSE Speak up but choose the time and place carefully. Do not ask the child about his or her abuse in front of the person you think may be abusing the child. Ask them questions. Find out if anyone has been making them feel uncomfortable. They many not know they are being abused themselves or know its wrong. Follow up on whatever made you concerned. Ask in a non-judgmental way using the word I rather than you so they dont feel shamed. Building a trusting relationship with the child is also important. They should know how to say no and when something does make them feel uncomfortable, they should tell a trusted adult. Most importantly, children should know that some parts of their body are private. (RAINN, 2009) PROVING SEXUAL ABUSE Many child abuse cases must be proved using circumstantial evidence because direct evidence is not available. In many instances, the child is unable to tell what happened, and the offender does not ordinarily disclose the truth. Inferences are therefore very important in providing child abuse. Some sexual abuse requires proof of forcible compulsion. When the victim is a child, the child abuses often submits to the advances of adults who have parental or similar authorities over the child. (Tomas J., 2010) C. MOST RECENT RESEARCH 1. UNDERREPORTED AND LIGHTLY PROSECUTED Child abuse is greatly underreported and under estimated mostly because of the lack of an agreed- upon definition of abuse. Underreporting is related to several factors. Children over the age of 5 often care for or know their abuser. Therefore, they find themselves trapped between the need for affection and a sense that something is wrong. Cases of sexual child abuse are often lightly prosecuted because of minimal communication between  the prosecutors office and child protected services. 2. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS Some children overcome the physical and physiological effects of child abuse. Those with strong social support can adapt and cope with bad experiences. For many others, however, child abuse has lifelong consequences, For example, child abuse may result in physical, behavioral, emotion and mental issues. Some physical issues include disabilities and health problems. Abuse of others or frequent, causal sex with many different partners (sexual promiscuity) or teen pregnancy is an example of behavioral issues. Emotional issues can include low self-esteem, difficulty establishing or maintaining relationship, challenges with intimacy and trust. (Mayo Clinic, 2010) D. INFORMATION FOR THE EXPERTS 1. RESEARCH REGARDING PREVENTION STRATEGIES FROM EXPERTS Experts suggest correcting the imbalance between adult and children by empowering children. First off information is power. Children who know their own bodies are more likely to choose when, how, and by whom they are touched. Self esteem building and experts also suggest self-defense skills. Lastly children need resources. They should have a network of trusted adults they can turn to. (Torbin,2002) 2. PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL ABUSE The first step in protecting children from sexual abuse is recognizing telltale symptoms. Changes in attitude and rebellion at school could point to an underling problem. It is important to educated children about their body parts by understanding what is private. Adults need to be aware of their childs surrounding at school or in a childcare setting. Parents should educate themselves on red flags to protect their child from sexual abuse. III. SUMMARY A. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS 1. ABOUT RESEARCH Despite our prevention effort, much more must be done to decrease the incidents of child abuse and neglect. Our efforts should be directed to changes in the helping system, changes in society, and additional research. One of the hopes for the future lies in research, not only to further define and understand abuse but also to evaluate existing programs. Only though out commitment to change and our willingness to research what will create a better future will we combat the growing problem of sexual child abuse. 2. ABOUT PROGRAMS With child protection agencies are responsible for direct intervention form investigation and case management. These agencies can be hampered if there is not communicatory and public support for their work, which includes offering programs to help prevent child sexual abuse. There needs to be more extensive community awareness and education to reduce harm. B. SOCIETYS CONCERN WITH CRIME Society is helping the system make changes in order to reduce the rate of child abuse. Research is needed to further define and understand abuse. Evaluation is also needed for the existing programs. Commitment to change and willingness to research will create a better future to combat the growing problem of sexual child abuse. IV. CONCLUSION A. THE PROBLEM REVISITED WITH OPINIONS Child abuse is always been a problem, and in recent year it has made its way to the spotlight. Many people are willing to talk about them being a victim as a child. The more people feel comfortable talking about child sexual abuse. The less it will become a crime. Children become victims because of their vulnerability of trusting adults and unaware of the wrong. If you think a child you know has been a victim of child sexual abuse thing you can do is to give the child a safe environment in which to talk to you or another trusted adult. Encourage the child to talk about what he or she has  experienced, but be careful not to suggest events to him or her that may not of happened. Reassure the child that they did not do anything wrong. Seek mental assistance for the child. Being aware that many states laws require that persons who know or have a reason to suspect that a child has been sexual abuses must report that abuse to either a local law informant officials or child protection officials. Our future generation needs to feel protected from being a victim of child sexual abuse. B. SUGGESTION OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS. 1. PROGRAMS The best way to prevent child abuse is educate parents about child abuse. Most parents feel that this could never happen to them. When it happens the parents are in shock, but when they learn some warning signs, they are able to point them out. There are many free programs that can teach parents how to educate their children on protecting themselves from child abuse. The reality is when there are budget cuts; these programs that protect our future generations are the first to get cut. 2. POLICY Having Policys in school districts and childcare environments can be the solution to protecting children. One suggestion would be to have restrictions on when and where is acceptable for a child to alone with adult. This policy does not only protect the child, but it protects the adult from false accusations. 3. LAWS Laws against child sexual abuse can very by country. Based on the local definition of who is a child and what constitutes sexual abuse. As the age of the consent to sexual behaviors varies from country to country, so do definitions of child sexual abuse. An adults sexual intercourse with a minor below the legal age of consent may sometimes be referred to statutory rape based on the principle that any apparent consent by a minor could not be considered legal consent. References _American psychological association_. (2011). Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://www.apa.org/pubs/info/brochures/sex-abuse.aspx A.D.A.M. (2012). _New york times_. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/child-abuse-sexual/overview.html Bisquera, A. _Child sexual abuse_. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://satchawaii.com/get-info-about- child-sexual-abuse.aspx _Child advocacy resource and consultation center_. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://www.nyscarcc.org/abuse/abuse.php Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2008). _Factsheets_. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/long_term_consequences.cf Eileen , M. (2008). (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications. Retrieved April 1, 2013 from http://books.google.com/books?id=0nkvffIwK5YCpg=PA80dq=rise of public concern child abusehl=ensa=Xei=n4tQUdO1OqHQiwKnqICQCwved=0CFMQ6AEwBg Goode, E. (2012, June 28). Researchers see decline in child sexual abuse rate. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/29/us/rate- of-child-sexual- abuse-on-the-decline.html?_r=0 Mayo Clinic. (2010, July 1). _Child abuse: Complications_. Retrieved April 1, 2013 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/child-abuse/DS01099/DSECTION=complications Mintz, S. (2012, July 13). Placing childhood sexual abuse in historical perspective. Retrieved April 1, 2013 from http://blogs.ssrc.org/tif/2012/07/13/placing-childhood-sexual-abuse-i n-historical-perspective/ Polsky, A. (1991). _The rise of the therapeutic state_. (1st ed.). Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Retrieved April 1, 2013 from http://books.google.com/books?id=fngqbWhPLmsCpg=PA202dq=rise of public concern child abusehl=ensa=Xei=n4tQUdO1OqHQiwKnqICQCwved=0CF4Q6AEwCA RAINN. (2009). _Child sexual abuse_. Retrieved April 1, 2013 from http://www.rainn.org/get- information/types-of-sexual-assault/child-sexual-abuse/if-you-suspect Sue , A. M. (1996). _The reality of abuse_. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://www.yesican.org/stats.html Tomas J., G. (2010). _Criminal evidence: Principles and cases_. (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Retrieved April 1, 2013 from http://books.google.com/books?id=AlBYw53p9f4Cpg=PA81dq=proving sexual abusehl=ensa=Xei=G6ZQUaqVF8LJigKV_IDICgved=0CEMQ6AEwAw (2012). 64 facts of.. child sexual abuse. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://facts.randomhistory.com/child-sexual-abuse-facts.html

Coal Seam Gas Essay -- Environment

With environmental sustainability a key focus for the future the need for cleaner forms of power generation have resulted in a number of gas exploration projects in Australia (Department of Infrastructure and Planning, 2008). With Australia having potentially vast untapped reserves of coal seam methane beds it must be asked whether there are any negative impacts associated with coal seam methane (CSM) before the energy industry moves into a new technology. Coalification, the geologic process that progressively converts plant material to coal, generates large quantities of natural gas, which are subsequently stored in the coal seams. The increased pressures from water in the coal seams force the natural gas to adsorb to the coal. The natural gas consists of approximately 96 percent methane, 3.5 percent nitrogen, and trace amounts of carbon dioxide (U.S. EPA, 2004a). Also known as Coal bed methane (CBM), CSG is released by removing water from the stratum which reduces the pressure on the coal seam (Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation QLD, 2012). Over the past 15 years and despite the recent global economic downturn the CSG industry has continued to grow rapidly in both development and exploration. The Queensland’s coal seam gas overview shows this clearly with the annual number of wells drilled has increased from 10 in the early 1990s to nearly 600 in 2011 (Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation QLD, 2012). As a result of this rapid growth it is necessary to evaluate the current CSG industry to establish and minimise the current and future environmental impacts of CSG mining. Literature Review Many studies have been conducted into the environmental impacts of downhole ... ... treatments in the Oak Grove Field, Black Warrior Basin, In Situ, J. of Coal Research. 17:(3). 273-309. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2000. Study Design for Evaluating of Impacts to Underground Sources of Drinking Water by Hydraulic Fracturing of Coalbed Methane Reservoirs. America: EPA. Ardis, L. 2006. Clash Over Coalbed Methane. The Tyee. http://thetyee.ca/News/200 6/11/14/CBM/. (Accessed Thursday 31st May 2012). Razowska L, 2000. Journal of Hydrology: Changes of groundwater chemistry caused by the flooding of iron mines (Czestochowa Region, Southern Poland). 244(200). 17-32. Polish Geological Institute. Montana Department of Environmental Quality, 2007. Coal Bed Methane Federal, State, and Local Laws, Regulations, and Permits - That May Be Required http://www.deq.mt.gov/coalbedmethane/cbm_water_quality.mcpx (Accessed Tuesday, 29th May, 2012).

Children are never too young to enjoy books

Reading has been proven to create a proliferation of insights and ideas on the reader. During the process, it creates an avenue of learning for an individual. The capability of books to tap curiosity, interest and learning paves the way for better appreciation of the different fields and provide continued growth and development for a person. The capacity of books to address every age group has provided numerous benefits to each one. This part shall look into the benefits of reading to children. Inviting children to read books at an early age can create a fun and fruitful way to discover new things that life has to offer them.Even the simplest form can create a lasting effect in their lives. â€Å"Children are never too young to enjoy books, and for babies it's not just about reading the words. It's also about enjoying the interaction with the parents as the child sits with them and enjoys the attention. † (The Kids Window, p. 1) Creating appreciation for books at an early age can give children the proper foundation for the future. â€Å"It's also a good age to learn the basics of language and numbers, and reading along to stories and counting books will aid their understanding of words and numbers. † (The Kids Window, p. 1) For teenagers, reading is also deemed vital.Studies have shown that people with a keen interest in reading show exemplary performance not just in school but also in other activities as well. â€Å"When teens read more than just their classroom assignments, research clearly shows that they generally do well in school. † (Gisler & Eberts, 2006, p. 1) Reading creates avenues for children to expand their horizons over their area of interests. This helps them in addressing the challenges present in school. Reading can help increase vocabulary, deepen analytical skills and improve writing skills. â€Å"This leads to a solid core of knowledge that is useful in a wide variety of classes.† (Gisler & Eberts, 2006, p. 1) Las tly, reading among teenagers gives them the capacity to perform well in the future particularly college exams. â€Å"No other activity builds the vocabulary and comprehension skills needed to do well on these tests as well as reading. † (Gisler & Eberts, 2006, p. 1) For adults, reading can create huge benefits. Adults will â€Å"have a better chance for a successful, fulfilling adult life. † (Jewell, 2007, p. 1) Adults can use books to inform of them of new trends and issues present in the environment. With these they can be more adaptive and dynamic to change.â€Å"And with the explosion of information in the workplace, only avid readers can stay well informed with relative ease. † (Jewell, 2007, p. 1) Reading can also help adults to â€Å"acquire the ability to sift information and to understand how unrelated facts can fit into a whole. † (Jewell, 2007, p. 1) By practicing reading as an alternative for work, it can help adults be relieved from stress an d fatigue. With reading, adults can learn additional information, critically assess important things, impart experiences and beliefs and at the same time enjoy from the pleasure it brings. To conclude, reading has been an important facet of human behavior.Maintaining a passion for reading can create unlimited opportunities for the reader. Given the positive effects that reading can give to an individual, it is important not to neglect and be taken for granted. As new technology creates opportunities for each individual to tap on new ideas, information and pleasure easily, preference for reading books is slowly diminishing. The challenge now is to revitalize reading to people. People must reach out to the public and create awareness of what reading can contribute to society. Be able to prove that until now reading is still vital in the holistic growth and development of an individual.In the end, reading will still be an important activity that can create possibilities for all people wherever age group they are in. References Eberts, M. Ed. S and Gisler, P. Ed. S (2006) Benefits of Reading as a Teen. Retrieved October 11, 2007 from http://school. familyeducation. com/teen/reading/40617. html Jewell, A. V. (2007) Benefits of Reading in family. org. Retrieved October 11, 2007 from http://www. family. org/entertainment/A000000969. cfm The Kids Window. Young Children and the Benefits of Reading. Retrieved October 11, 2007 from http://www. thekidswindow. co. uk/childbooks/benefits-of-reading. htm

Accident Analysis Essay

In January 25, 1990, Avianca Flight 52, a Boeing 707 left Bogota, Colombia for New York. After more than an hour of delay, the plane ran out of fuel and crashed in the town of Cove Neck, Long Island, New York, killing 73 people, including 9 crew members and 65 of the 149 passengers, and injuring the rest. Analysis of this accident would show how human error, faulty systems and bad weather conditions caused this accident. The flight crew did not officially declare that they were running out of fuel until it was already too late. The accident could have been avoided if the flight crew has clearly stated that they were really in trouble. Language barrier could have played a part since the crew only asked for â€Å"priority† which in Spanish could mean that they were in trouble. The crew should have notified their fuel load to Air Traffic Control when they were put on hold for the first time. This simple information could have made the difference. ATC could have suggested earlier an alternate airport had they known this information. Instead, the pilots literally went around in circles waiting for further instructions. By the time the flight was cleared for landing, it only had enough fuel for one last approach. When the plane was on its final approach, it encountered wind shear, a change of wind direction over short distances. ATC only informed the flight crew of wind shear at 1500 feet. The crew had to abort their approach because they would fall short of the runway. The flight was doomed after that incident. Even if they were redirected to an alternate airport prior to the approach, they would not have enough fuel to make it to Boston. The question now is why the flight crew didn’t consult their flight dispatch about possible alternate airports which are not as busy as the John F. Kennedy International. The answer maybe the breaking of the sterile cockpit rule below 10,000 feet. The sterile cockpit rule below 10,000 feet states that pilots should not talk about things that are not necessary during crucial stages of the flight, which is usually below 10,000 feet. The pilots mind may have wandered off due to the long delay the Air Traffic Control has given them. In a sense, Air Traffic Control failed to prioritize air traffic in JFK international. Though Avianca flight 52 did not declare its fuel load problems earlier, it did say that it wanted priority. In like mentioned earlier, due to language barrier, â€Å"priority† may have been already a distress call. Air Traffic Control confirmed this request but what kind of priority is a seventy seven minute delay? Obviously, the failure of the flight crew and Air Traffic Control to communicate properly resulted to this horrible accident. This accident could have been avoided if the airline had their own operational control dispatch system that could have assisted them when Air Traffic Control has apparently ignored them. A standardized terminology in fuel related problems also contributed to the plane’s crash. If there was only a universal term to describe what the flight was actually experiencing, the language barrier between Air Traffic Control and the pilots would have been irrelevant. To sum up, the plane crash was a result of contributing factors, communication problems, probable mental lapse of the pilots, lack of proper terminology, and unfavorable winds. This accident proves that constant communication is important in air travel and a high level of concentration is required for the job. Pilots should be trained extensively before giving them their licences, including language training that ensures pilots can converse well in English. In this aspect, a standard language for aeronautical terms should be established. Though the wind shear caused further delay, the plane could have made another attempt if only it had not been idle for more than hour.

A Guide to the Irish Republican Army (IRA)

A Guide to the Irish Republican Army (IRA) The Irish Republican Army (IRA), which traces its roots to Catholic Irish nationalism in the early 1900s, was considered by many to be a terrorist organization because of certain tactics- such as bombings and assassination- it used to oppose British rule in Ireland. The name IRA has been in use since the organization was founded in 1921. From 1969 through 1997, the IRA splintered into a number of organizations, all called the IRA. They included: The Official IRA (OIRA).The Provisional IRA (PIRA).The Real IRA (RIRA).Continuity IRA (CIRA). The association of the IRA with terrorism comes from the paramilitary activities of the Provisional IRA, which is no longer active. They were originally founded in 1969 when the IRA split into the Official IRA, which renounced violence, and the Provisional IRA. The IRA's Council and Home Base The IRAs home base is in Northern Ireland, with a presence and operations throughout Ireland, Great Britain, and Europe.  The IRA has always had a relatively small membership, estimated at several hundred members, organized in small, clandestine cells. Its daily operations are organized by a 7-person Army Council. Backing and Affiliations From the 1970s-1990s, the IRA received weapons and training from various international sources, most notably American sympathizers, Libya and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Connections have also been posited between the IRA and Marxist-leaning terrorist groups, especially at their most active in the 1970s.   The IRA's Objectives The IRA believed in the  creation of a unified Ireland under Irish, rather than British rule. PIRA used terrorist tactics to protest the Unionist/ Protestant treatment of Catholics in Northern Ireland. Political Activities The IRA is a strictly paramilitary organization. Its political wing is Sinn Fà ©in (We Ourselves, in Gaelic), a party that has represented Republican (Catholic) interests since the turn of the 20th century. When the first Irish assembly was declared in 1918 under the leadership of Sinn Fà ©in, the IRA was considered the official army of the state. Sinn Fà ©in has been a significant force in Irish politics since the 1980s. Historical Context The emergence of the Irish Republican Army has its roots in Irelands 20th-century quest for national independence from Great Britain. In 1801, the Anglican (English Protestant) United Kingdom of Great Britain merged with Roman Catholic Ireland. For the next hundred years, Catholic Irish Nationalists opposed Protestant Irish Unionists, so named because they supported the union with Great Britain. The first Irish Republican Army fought the British in the 1919-1921 Irish War of Independence. The Anglo-Irish treaty concluding the war divided Ireland into a Catholic Irish Free State and Protestant Northern Ireland, which became the British province, Ulster. Some elements of the IRA opposed the treaty; it was their descendants who became the terrorist PIRA in 1969. The IRA began its terrorist attacks on the British army and police following a summer of violent rioting between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. For the next generation, the IRA carried out bombings, assassinations and other terrorist attacks against British and Irish Unionist targets. Official talks between Sinn Fà ©in and the British government began in 1994  and appeared to conclude with the 1998 signing of the Good Friday Agreement. The Agreement included the IRAs commitment to disarm. PIRA strategist Brian Keenan, who had spent over a generation promoting the use of violence, was instrumental in bringing about disarmament (Keenan died in 2008). By 2006, the PIRA appeared to have made good on its commitment. However, terrorist activity by the Real IRA and other paramilitary groups continues and, as of the summer of 2006, is on the rise. In 2001, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on International Relations released a report detailing connections between the IRA and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) going back to 1998.

Practice Revising Affirmatives Into Negative Statements

Practice Revising Affirmatives Into Negative Statements This exercise will give you practice in turning positive statements (also called affirmatives) into negative statements. Practice Instructions The most common way of turning a positive statement into a negative statement in English is to add the word not (or the contracted form -nt). In a declarative sentence, the word not is usually placed after a helping verb (such as a form of do, have, or be). Similarly, in less formal writing, the contraction -nt may be added to the helping verb. For each sentence in the next section, write the negative version of the verb or verb phrase in italics. In some cases, you will need to add a helping verb. When you have completed the exercise, compare your answers with those in the final section. Practice Problems The teacher was paying attention to the other children in the room.The band was playing perfectly in tune.The police concluded that the security system had been working properly.The research study concluded that longer school days lead to greater student achievement.Travis has been a taxi driver for a very long time.My friend wants to move to Alaska with her family.I waited for Charlie to finish complaining about his stupid cell phone.Sara is the first person in our family to go to college.When I go to bed tonight, I will think about pink elephants.We have been seeing a great deal of each other lately.I heard my grandfather singing in the shower.We are going to spend our vacation at the lake this year.Caleb tried very hard to win the race.Last night I went to the movie theater with Takumi. Practice Solutions Here you will find answers (in bold) to the exercise. Note that contracted forms (such as  wasnt  or  didnt) may also be written out in full (was not  or  did not). The teacher  was not paying  attention to the other children in the room.The band  wasnt playing  perfectly in tune.The police concluded that the security system  had not been working  properly.The research study  did not conclude  that longer school days lead to greater student achievement.Travis  has not been  a taxi driver for a very long time.My friend  does not want  to move to Alaska with her family.I  didnt wait  for Charlie to finish complaining about his stupid cell phone.Sara  is not  the first person in our family to go to college.When I go to bed tonight, I  wont think  about pink elephants.We  have not been seeing  a great deal of each other lately.I  did not hear  my grandfather singing in the shower.We  are not going to spend  our vacation at the lake this year.Caleb  didnt try  very hard to win the race.Last night I  did not go  to the movie theater with Takumi.

Definition and Examples of a Coordinate Clause

Definition and Examples of a Coordinate Clause In English grammar, a coordinate clause is a  clause (i.e., a word group containing a subject and predicate) that is introduced by one of the coordinating conjunctionsmost commonly and or but. A compound sentence is made up of one or more coordinate clauses joined to the main clause. The rhetorical term for a coordinate construction is parataxis. Examples It was apple-blossom time, and the days were getting warmer. (E.B. White,  Charlottes Web. Harper, 1952)I wasnt a fan of most vegetables, but I didnt mind peas. (Gene Simmons,  Kiss, and Make-Up. Crown, 2001)They ate the dessert, and neither one mentioned the fact that it was slightly burned. (Ernest Hemingway, Christmas in Paris.  The Toronto Star Weekly, December 1923) Combining Clauses The basic unit in syntax is the clause. Many utterances consist of a single clause, but there are also rules for combining clauses into larger units. The simplest way is by using a  coordinating conjunction, and, but, so and or. These may seem rather insignificant items but they represent a vast step forward from anything we can imagine in even the most sophisticated form of animal communication, and they are probably more complex than many people realize. (Ronald Macaulay,  The Social Art: Language and Its Uses, 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, 2006) Disconnected Coordinate Clauses in Conversation In English conversation speakers often begin their utterances with and (also with so or but) without linking these connectives to immediately preceding linguistic material, but rather to more distant topics or even to their own as yet unarticulated (and unrecoverable) perspectives. In (29) the topic of the episode in which this utterance occurs concerns one of the participants consistently getting sick when he travels in Mexico. In this example, the speakers and is making reference to the whole discourse, not to a specific preceding utterance. (29) and you both eat the same things? (D12-4)   (Joanne Scheibman,  Point of View and Grammar: Structural Patterns of Subjectivity in American English Conversation. John Benjamins, 2002)

The Enlightenment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Enlightenment - Essay Example With the development of scientific societies and academies, there has been considerable progression in science which has aided the contemporary world. Furthermore, the popularity of science increased in the educated population. People became aware of the philosophies, knowledge and theories. There were advancements in terms of medicine, physics and mathematics which have extended till now and ministered to the advent of various technologies today that were once only seen as a far sighted notion. There had been advancements in the fields of electronics, chemistry which then evolved into modern chemistry. Enlightenment science paved ways for rationality and empiricism. Enlightenment ideas educated people all over Europe. It also spread the knowledge of art and literature which changed the styles into more ‘neo-classical’ themes. However, there was some criticism that argued that the development of science made man secluded from nature and it contributed to unhappiness in m ankind. The era of enlightenment and its impacts on science are very vast. The enlightenment was a stepping stone between the medieval world and the world we live in today. Many institutions were developed and more importantly, the mindset of the people was changed. The age of enlightenment focused on the power of reason and the attainability of the Truth. (Mulder) Works Cited Mulder, H.

'Alternative dispute resolution is at the heart of today's civil Essay

'Alternative dispute resolution is at the heart of today's civil justice system, and any unjustified failure to give proper - Essay Example Early 1990s had been witnessing delays in the conduct of litigation in courts exacerbated due to complex procedures and interlocutory battles entailing heavy costs to the parties and the state exchequer as well. As stated by the English Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), British commerce can achieve cost savings of over ? 1 billion by avoiding time spent by the management, spoilt relationships, lost productivity and legal fees.1 Mediation method already has helped save about ? 6.3 billion since 1990.2 In a classical case decided in 2007 involving a claim of just ? 6,000, parties are reported to have spent nearly ? 100,000 as litigation costs. 3 Perceptions about mediation are still mixed as revealed by a survey of the Ministry of Justice in 2007. For 38 % of the respondents, mediation had resulted in cost savings and for 29 %, costs had increased. Those who had settled cases through mediation informed of cost savings except for 7 % of them for whom costs had increased. F or those whose cases could not be settled through mediation, 45 % of them stated cost increases, 19 % cost savings and 28 % did not see any difference in costs.4 Sequel to Lord Woolf’s report, the U.K. Government made it a condition as far as possible to provide for ADR in all government contractual disputes arising out of procurement contracts. 5 As a result, ADR was resorted to in 336 cases out of which 241 were settled with a resultant cost savings of ? 120.7 million. 6 in Royal Bank of Scotland v Secretary of State for Defence, the successful defendant was refused costs as it had not opted for ADR in line with the above said ADR pledge by the Government.7 An audit report of 2007 stated that non-availing of mediation in family disputes entailed additional cost of ? 74 million through legal aid i.e average legal cost for a non-mediated case amounted to ? 1,682 as against ? 752 for a mediated case. 8 Warren K. Wrinkler Chief Justice of Ontario notes with caution that mediati on if not successful ends up as an additional layer in litigation costs. 9 Time efficiency is another factor apart from cost factor. According to a report of the CEDR, in England 75 % of their cases were settled instantly (same day). 10 Mediated family disputes cases are settled faster at 110 days than non-mediated cases which take 435 days to settle. 11 Regardless of cost effectiveness and time efficiency, flexibility available in mediation towards mutually consensual resolution is absent in court led litigation. The English Alder Hey case that involved more than 1000 claims is a classic example of successful mediation that resulted in apology and erection of permanent memorial for the children whose organs had been withheld by the hospital. ADR provides for not only procedural flexibility but also of flexibility of outcome.12 Mediation offers larger number of remedies that include apology, explanation, enduring relationships, and undertaking by one party an obligation without any legal compulsion. 13 In order to have an effective mediation system, the 2008 EU Directive applicable for cross-border disputes states that member states should have legislation that ensures mediation that guarantees a predictable legal framework, provides for flexibility in procedures and ensures autonomy of parties. Besides, the mediation should be conducted in an effective, impartial and competent manner.14 The EU directive adds that it can be applied to internal mediation of the

International Corporate Finance College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Corporate Finance College - Essay Example Its population is estimated to be about 1,306,313,812 as of July 2005 making it the world's most populous nation. It has strictly advocated the "One child policy" in 2002 to control its population but the downside of it is that it is now one of the rapidly aging nations in the world. Its population is said to peak to 1.6 billion by 2050 before stabilising. Culture: In China, business meetings are often very slow, and the businesses are built on assurance of a good relationship. The person in charge is addressed most respectfully, and refusal of ethnic or exotic food or drink is considered as a slight. All business done in China will need to be programmed for a long term since it takes a while to establish trust and run the enterprise in the Chinese landscape. Business deals and negotiations are better done with the presence of a local partner who not only deals with the corruption in the government sector but is also accustomed to dealing with local labour and mitigates risks due to cultural differences. Economy: China's economy grew at an average rate of 10% per year during the period 1990-2004, the highest growth rate in the world. China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 9.3% in 2003, and even faster, 9.5%, in 2004, despite attempts by the government to cool the economy. China's total trade in 2004 surpassed $1.1 trillion, making China the world's third-largest trading nation after the U.S. and Germany. The Chinese government is firmly committed to economic reforms and opening up to the outside world. Government policies have moved markedly towards allowing market forces influence economic activity and have been reformed in order to assist in the progress of the price determination, foreign trade and investment, exchange rates, entry barriers, internal markets etc. All this seems to have paid off and at this current rate of growth China is supposed to have the fourth largest GDP by 2010. The immediate years to follow are crucial for China. China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China presents a vast market that has yet to be fully tapped and a low-cost destination for export-oriented production because it is labour intensive and has a surplus of labour due to its enormous population. Environment and infrastructure: China is one of the most polluted nations in the world due to its rapid industrial advancement at the cost of its natural resources. A 1998 World Health Organization report on air quality in 272 cities worldwide concluded that seven of the world's 10 most polluted cities were in China. It is no surprise that respiratory and heart diseases related to air pollution are the leading cause of death in China. Most of its rivers are polluted to some degree and half of its population does not have access to clean water. Water scarcity is a rampant problem. China's leaders are increasingly paying attention to the country's severe environmental problems. In recent years, China has strengthened its environmental legislation and in 1999, China invested more than 1% of GDP in environmental protection, Beijing is investing heavily in pollution control, as it is the host of the 2008 Olympiad. Education: China was long lagging behind India for its mastery over the English language.

How can we Know the Nature of Reality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How can we Know the Nature of Reality - Essay Example The idea of Socrates that the concepts contain the true and sustainable knowledge was the basis of Platos philosophy, but the philosophy of Socrates considered primarily ethical concepts, while Plato extended this position to all concepts without exception. Socrates did not question the relatedness between the concepts and reality: the ethical concepts could reflect reality at least in order to be its positive samples, despite the fact that nothing corresponded to them in reality. By extending the theory of ethical concepts on all the concepts, Plato had to put a new problem: what is the reality that people learn using concepts? Similar to all Greek philosophers, Plato was a realist (Kraut). For him it was an oracle that if the concepts contain knowledge, there must be a real object of this knowledge. Nevertheless, what is that object? Plato understood the matter as follows: the characteristics of concepts are their individuality and sustainability. This is the first prerequisite. Th e objects, about which people have some idea, should have the same characteristics as their concepts. This is the second premise. At the same time, all the things known to people from experience, do not have these characteristics because they are more complex and fluid (changeable). This is the third premise. Hence, Plato concludes that things are not the objects of the concepts and thus they are not real. According to Plato, stable characteristics belong to the concepts, not to the things. For example, Plato considered the question of what is the object of the concept of "perfect." Beautiful things cannot be the real object of the given concept since they are heterogeneous and unstable. It remains to assume that there is something perfect unknown to people from direct experience. It is always one and unchanging, and therefore has a genuine reality. Beautiful things are the object of experiences and

Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Music - Essay Example There were actually 18 songs from his setlist and three encore songs to the delight of the frantic audience who seem not to get enough. Starting his concert with the crowd’s favorite, Devil Without a Cause, the audience has long started to dance and prance and literally get crazy. His songs were a mix of rap and rock with a lot of metal and shrill screams in between. Most of the songs have regular pattern on the upbeat. The audience could actually appreciate them more were it not for the consistent barrage of loud noises, not only from the amplifiers and sounds on stage; but more so from the audiences’ screaming, shouting, jumping and dancing. By the time that Kid Rock sung his last encore song, Born Free, the audiences were all high from adrenaline just having been part of the spectacularly live, highly energetic and electrifying concert. Honestly, one is not a solid rock fan; therefore, attending the concert was more of a way to experience something new. One realized that other songs have good melodies and rhythm (Midnight Train to Memphis, Born Free, All Summer Long) with still the backdrop for shrill voice, liberating message, carefree spirit and the embodiment of democratic ideals. The only setback to the concert was the noise, especially of the screaming, shouting fans and audience, who were frantic and hyper most of the time. Seen to be a mix of hardcore rock fanatics, to the young generation, the crowd was virtually ecstatic constantly singing along, dancing with their hands up, as if in apparent awe and magnetized to Kid Rock’s singing. The playing of the instruments was really loud which was preferred by the general audience. As a spectator, one could only marvel at the pace by which the fans patronized this group and actually adored his every song and performance. Attending the concert has been a different but moving experience. Although one was not an avid rock fan, the impact that Kid

How can we Know the Nature of Reality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How can we Know the Nature of Reality - Essay Example The idea of Socrates that the concepts contain the true and sustainable knowledge was the basis of Platos philosophy, but the philosophy of Socrates considered primarily ethical concepts, while Plato extended this position to all concepts without exception. Socrates did not question the relatedness between the concepts and reality: the ethical concepts could reflect reality at least in order to be its positive samples, despite the fact that nothing corresponded to them in reality. By extending the theory of ethical concepts on all the concepts, Plato had to put a new problem: what is the reality that people learn using concepts? Similar to all Greek philosophers, Plato was a realist (Kraut). For him it was an oracle that if the concepts contain knowledge, there must be a real object of this knowledge. Nevertheless, what is that object? Plato understood the matter as follows: the characteristics of concepts are their individuality and sustainability. This is the first prerequisite. Th e objects, about which people have some idea, should have the same characteristics as their concepts. This is the second premise. At the same time, all the things known to people from experience, do not have these characteristics because they are more complex and fluid (changeable). This is the third premise. Hence, Plato concludes that things are not the objects of the concepts and thus they are not real. According to Plato, stable characteristics belong to the concepts, not to the things. For example, Plato considered the question of what is the object of the concept of "perfect." Beautiful things cannot be the real object of the given concept since they are heterogeneous and unstable. It remains to assume that there is something perfect unknown to people from direct experience. It is always one and unchanging, and therefore has a genuine reality. Beautiful things are the object of experiences and

Inflation in the US after the Second World War Term Paper

Inflation in the US after the Second World War - Term Paper Example A low rate of inflation is particularly significant because the economy of the US was at least fully employed as per the estimates for the last three years of the last economic expansion period. However, little tendency of acceleration has been noticed in the inflation rate. It is difficult to have such a policy task that keeps the economy moving along the full path of employment with no burst of inflation happening as a result. Since the costs of labor are almost two-thirds of the total costs of production, the rate of rise is considered to be an indication of inflation in future at the retail level. The rates rose in the latter stage of the last economic expansion while they were moderate in the contraction, recovery, and expansion subsequently. The profile of inflation in the US While Europe experienced catastrophic inflation before the Second World War, the US has mainly seen three periods of inflation that generated huge economic concern since 1913; the first of these periods wa s from 1915 to1920 when prices almost doubled, the second period ranged from 1945 to 1947 during which, 34 per cent increase was noticed, and the third period ranged from 1972 to 1982 during which, a total of 131 per cent increase was noticed (Economy In Perspective, 2010). ... Although there has been no significant inflation in the US for the past few years, yet it does not imply that inflation cannot increase in the future. Eventual increase in the demand for loans by businesses and households is addressed by the commercial banks. While the consequential increased spending growth by businesses and households is first welcomed, it might lead to unwanted inflation in the long run (Feldstein, 2013). Causes of inflation Practically, the US has never experienced a period in its entire history when a change in the level of price was not accompanied with a simultaneous change in the money supply. This forms the basis of the view widely held according to which, inflation is a monetary phenomenon everywhere and always that happens as a result of rise in the monetary quantity relative to the output. In spite of the general consensus held by economists over this view, it is consistent with two very different views over the cause of inflation. According to the first view, rapid growth of money causes inflation and is itself caused from Federal Reserve’s mistaken policies. Inflation is controlled by the Federal Reserve and the control is determined by the willingness of the Federal Reserve to constrain the money supply growth. The alternative view is based on the belief that prices experience a major upward pressure because of the activities that cause a decline in the real output. Organized labor’s attempt to acquire increase in the real wages is a favorite candidate. Other activities include the OPEC’s monopolistic pricing behavior, changes in the international trade terms because of decline in dollar’s foreign exchange rate, and major crop failures. Decline in output caused by such activities generally

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay Example for Free

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay Throughout the book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Jim helps Huck develop greater changes. Huckleberry learns multiple lessons such as growing into better and trustworthy friend. Throughout the novel Jim helped Huck see the different side of life and how everyone grows in different surroundings. Eventually both Huckleberry and Jim grew more mature and wanted the best life for one another. Huck finds out a new identity about the world during the book. During the book, Huckleberry Finn has not experienced what life really was or what you could possibly encounter during times that just come out of anything. Jim is that someone you could call peculiar or unexpected. When Huck and Jim were with each other on the island and going down river together, Huck primarily was giving orders to Jim. The motive why Huck was giving orders was because that was the environment he grown up around. As times moves forward Huck starts to realize how niggers have been treated throughout life and began to respect him more by who Jim is on the inside. When Huck was debating on whether to tell Mary that Jim was with him, â€Å"It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger; but I done it, and I warn’t ever sorry for it afterwards, neither. I didn’t do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn’t done that one if I’d a knowed it would make him feel that way,† page 89. Huck was mortified of what was going to happen if he told Miss Watson, but he overcame it well.

Arc-Surface Intersection Method

Arc-Surface Intersection Method

The :: Biology Essays Research Papers

The "Gemini" Disorder: What We Know and Are Still Discovering About Bipolar Disorder "You must understand something about Andrew... he's a Gemini." This was a simple phrase I heard very often in the company of my dear friend and his clever well-intentioned mother. It was discovered a short time later that the aforementioned statement was justification for the earliest symptoms of Bipolar disorder (or manic depressive illness.) As Andrew and I matured into our twenties, it seemed that he was going to need to understand a bit more than his astrological sign to gain control of his life and his mental and emotional well-being. Thus, we sought this information out together. It is important to consider the magnitude of people who are affected by this disease and the multitude of forms it can take. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million American adults, or about 1.2 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and over in a given year. (1) Of this population, approximately 75 percent have at least one close relative with manic-depression or severe depression. (5) Men and women are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. Children and adolescents may show signs or have symptoms of bipolar disorder, yet a person's first manic episode usually strikes in their early 20s. Bipolar disorder is also more common among those who have family members, specifically first-degree relatives, with this disorder than with those who do not. (6) Unfortunately, many people suffer for years before properly diagnosed and treated or the illness may be never recognized at all. (4) Generally, bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irr itable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of stable moods in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior follow these mood swings. (4) However, this description of bipolar disorder does not delve into the specifics of the disease which often branch into separate diagnosis and needs for treatment. Bipolar 1 Disorder is the more classic form of this illness, easy to recognize due to its frenzied and often psychotic episodes of mania. During these episodes, people may experience hallucinations (hearing, seeing or sensing a presence that isn't actually there,) or delusions of grandeur (such as believing they are the President, invincible, all-powerful, or extremely wealthy.) During depressive episodes, the person may experience feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, pessimisms toward the future, and thoughts of death and suicide or even suicide attempts.

The Purpose of Food and Beverage Cost Control

THE PURPOSE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE COST CONTROL 1. The principal purpose of food and beverage planning and control systems is †¢ to avoid excessive costs by reducing waste and other forms of loss to a minimum, without sacrificing the quality or quantity of the food which goes to the customer. 2. An effective control procedure will serve other purposes as well: †¢ aid in developing popular menus †¢ aid in improving the quality of the product †¢ aid in pricing for profit The Flow of Costs Through the Various Food and Beverage Activities 1. Basic Operating activities †¢ Purchasing †¢ Receiving †¢ Storing †¢ Issuing †¢ Pre-preparation (butchering, vegetable cleaning etc. ) †¢ Portioning †¢ Preparation (cooking, baking, salad and sandwich making, etc. ) †¢ Service †¢ Accounting and sales Study Highlights1 ? Food and Beverage costs in the majority of restaurant operations represent the largest single expenditure of the revenue. ? Food and beverage costs are influenced by the way the various activities such as purchasing, receiving, storing, issuing, pre-preparation, preparation and accounting are performed. Food and beverage control procedures should serve as effective â€Å"tools of management† to aid in the control of costs. They should be designed in such a way that the most effective allocation of time is made to the planning, comparing and corrective action phases of control, with the emphasis on planning. ? F&B control systems must be effectively used by management before they can be a valuable aid in the control of costs. ? F&B control systems are supported by various types of â€Å"standards: established by management e. g. , standard purchase specifications, standard portion sizes, standard recipes, etc. F&B control systems should be simple and flexible. ? Management is responsible for cost control, and should make use of every tool and technique at its disposal in order to keep costs in line with what they should be. ? In large, complex F&B operations, management is given cost control assistance in the form of staff specialists such as a food and beverage control office. ? In small F&B operations, the manager and his operating staff must alone maintain the necessary planning and control procedures as part of their day-to-day responsibilities. Four Basic Operating Procedures: 1. Food Purchasing, Receiving, Storing and Issuing The primary objective of each of the basic operating procedures should be kept in mind during this study †¢ Purchasing: to obtain the best quality of merchandise based on established specifications, at the best possible price. †¢ Receiving: to obtain the quality and quantity of merchandise ordered and at the quoted price. †¢ Storing: to maintain adequate stocks of merchandise on hand, and to avoid loss through theft or spoilage. †¢ Issuing: to insure proper authorization for the merchandise to be released and to properly account for each day’s issue. . Standard Purchase Specification †¢ A purchase specification is a concise description of the quality, size, and weight or count factors desired for a particular item †¢ Management establishes standard purchase specifications based upon a thorough study of the menu needs and their merchandising and pricing policies †¢ The purchasing agent, the purve yors of the company, and the company’s receiving clerk should each have a set of the established specifications †¢ ? Purchasing 1. There are 3 basic requisites for effective purchasing; a. a qualified and honest purchaser; . a sound set of standard purchase specifications c. effective buying methods and procedures. 2. Standard purchase specifications are concise descriptions of the quality, size, and weight or count factors desired for a particular item. 3. Copies of the purchase specifications should be in the hands of; a. the purchasing agent, b. the company’s purveyors c. the company’s receiving clerk. 4. Constant follow-up and evaluation procedures are necessary in order to insure the continuous adherence to established policies and procedures. ? Receiving 1. The personnel responsible for receiving should know all aspects of the merchandise they are called upon to evaluate and receive. 2. Food merchandise should be checked from the viewpoint of quality, quantity, specification, and price. 3. All merchandise accepted should be supported by an invoice, and the details of the invoice summarized on a daily receiving sheet. 4. Constant follow-up and evaluation checks are necessary to insure proper performance of the receiving procedures. 1. Definition of Terms †¢ 1. Cost of Food Consumed †¢ 2. Cost of Food Sold †¢ 3. Month-end Actual Cost of Food Consumed †¢ 4. Daily Actual Food Cost 5. Standard Food Cost 2. Basic Formula for Calculating Actual Food Costs †¢ Opening inventory + purchases = cost of merchandise available †¢ Merchandise available – closing inventory = cost of food consumed †¢ Food consumed + or – charges or credits = cost of food sold †¢ The Closing Inventory of the ‘Cur rent ‘ month becomes the opening inventory of the following month. Care and accuracy should be the rule in determining inventory value [pic] Paper prepared by Murage Macharia Lecturer, Mombasa Technical Training Institute P. O. BOX 81220 Mombasa 80100 Mobile: +254 726 604 340 +254 750 604340

Guests of the Sheik

Ethnocentrism: The Cultural Differences between Western and Middle Eastern Cultures Through its ethnocentric tales and family based beliefs, Elizabeth Warnock Fernea’s Guests of the Sheik suggests that to find the true representation of Islamic culture, one must leave ethnocentrism behind. Not only will we discuss ethnocentrism and the cultural differences between Western and Middle Eastern societies, we will also take a look at the women of El Nahra and family within the differing societies. Fernea entered El Nahra naive to the culture.However, was an innocent bystander, she became indignant because of the reference of wearing the abayah, â€Å" because she viewed the â€Å"abayah† as not being a part of her culture and did not have to wear it, â€Å"Why should I have to wear that ugly thing–it’s not my custom† (1965: 5). However, through her stay in the small Iraqi village, she gained cultural insight to be passed on about not only El Nahra, but to all foreign culture. As Elizabeth entered the Sheik’s village, she was viewed with a critical eye, â€Å"It seemed to me that many times the women were talking about me, and not in a particularly friendly manner† (1965: 70).The women of El Nahra could not understand why Elizabeth was not with her entire family, and why it was just her and her husband Bob: â€Å"Where is your mother? Kulthma asked. I told her she was in America far away, and when Selma repeated this in a better accent, the women clucked in sympathy. Poor girl, they said. Poor child. To be alone without any of one’s womenfolk was clearly the greatest disaster which could befall any girl† (1965:36). The women did not recognize her American lifestyle as accurate.This is not only ethnocentrism on the part of the El Nahran women because of their belief system that you are suppose to have your parents living with you or near you but American’s do not see this as a bad thing to live far from ones parents. Conversely, Elizabeth–BJ or Beeja, as named by the village and Bob did not view the El Nahra lifestyle as particularly proper either. They were viewing each other through their own cultural lenses. However, through their constant interaction, both sides began to recognize some benefits each culture possessed.It takes time when you are immersed in a particular community to understand the cultural ethos and eventually the community as a whole. Through Elizabeth Fernea’s ethnography on Iraq’s El Nahra village, we learn that all cultures have unique and equally important aspects. In El Nahra, for example, the cultural ethos is family honor. The actions of the community are based on the solid family bonds that exist throughout. However, individualism drives the majority of America. Our actions seem to be a direct result of the cultural ethos.In this, lied much of the uncertainty between Bob, BJ and the El Nahran people. In America, we spend a grea t deal of the time away from home and our families and completing tasks that will further the success of the individual. Generally, Americans are willing to sacrifice a lot of their family solidity for individual success. A sacrifice of this magnitude would be unheard of in a community such as El Nahra. Their relationships, both marriage and friendship are based on their family, and no one seems to know any other lifestyle. Marriages in El Nahra were, for the large majority, predetermined.This tradition in America would be strongly questioned and completely disregarded, based on the cultural ethos of individualism. Americans put a large emphasis on courting their own spouse. However, based on El Nahra’s cultural ethos of family honor, the people trusted their family unit to make quality choices for them. Obviously, from an American perspective, a women’s freedom of choice in this facet of El Nahran culture is lacking. However, viewing marriage cross-culturally, their p riorities as a tribe and culture are different and we cannot view them through American eyes.We should understand that family is the most important feature of each of their lives, and the preservation of the family line is of the utmost priority to them. In El Nahra, it may have seemed to Beeja that women have no power in their society. However, power may have multiple meanings as one travels from culture to culture. In America, a woman may view power in terms being able to obtain and maintain a stable, high-paying job on her own. We may also view a woman of no power as one without a job, simply satisfied being a common housewife. However, in El Nahra, as Beeja finds out, the women have more power as housewives.Their power comes from their ability to please their husband, and it is known, who were the preferred wives. As a favored wife, bearing children gives the woman power in her community amongst both women and men. â€Å"A typical well-respected wife would have served and respe cted her husband, worked hard, kept herself beautiful for him, made him laugh, and of course borne him sons (1965:169). They also obtain their power and respect from their capability to do what American women may consider to be menial chores. Preparation of meals and the cleanliness of ones home are essential to how a woman is viewed in El Nahra.When the sheik visited BJ and Bob’s home, BJ experienced this concept of power first hand. To make a good impression and understand the customs better, she had her servant Mohammed helped with Sheik Hamid’s feast. â€Å"Then Mohammed and I dished up the food, the chicken, the kebab, the meat dishes, the vegetables and salad and yogurt†, (1965:96). â€Å"We piled the platters, twelve of them, onto the tray. Mohammed mopped his brow, readjusted his headdress, then lifted the heavy, steaming tray to his shoulder and set out for the other room†, (1965:97).These feasts are very imperative to the reputation of a woman i n El Nahra. There are benefits to being a woman in El Nahra. Many women in American communities do not have the opportunity to experience the support and close bond between other women in their community. In America, it is hard for women to find enough time to spend with other women in the same manner as the women of El Nahra. The lifestyle is slower paced, and the importance is more on relationships instead of money and individualism, as in America. These close groups of women are a result of purdah, the veiling and seclusion of women. They say an uncovered woman is an immoral woman,† Bob explained, â€Å"and the tribesmen ask why a woman should want to show herself to anyone but her husband†, (1965:6). Predictably, Americans would perceive this behavior as degrading, while El Nahran women identify with it as a part of life. El Nahran women do not view it as degrading; rather, from BJ’s many interactions with the women of the community, they recognize it makes t hem stronger. The time they spend together is precious. They all gather together in a seemingly jovial atmosphere.Most American women never get to experience that kind of bonding with such a large group of women. Granted, American women some times gather for tea parties to catch up with each others lives, but the women of El Nahra are in constant daily contact, and already know each others lives inside and out. The bonds that the women make are unique outlooks of El Nahran culture that make it equally as important as any other culture in the world. El Nahran women have many unique and important aspects of culture, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.These aspects are unique to their village and create a positive environment for them to live. However, members of foreign cultures may disagree. At that point, people must understand that cultures can be equally as productive and beneficial no matter the means they use to achieve their particular goals. Elizabeth Fernea conducted her self as a respectful and somewhat open individual within the Iraqi community, she accepted the change of culture in which she was not accustomed and experienced the concept of Iraqi culture.I believe Elizabeth started out with strong ethnocentric views: â€Å"Thus, although I balked at wearing an all-enveloping black abayah, I had elected to live like the women of El Nahra-in relative seclusion behind walls, not meeting or mixing with me† (1965:5), but left with a more opened mind and respect for different cultures, especially the Middle East culture: â€Å"when I came to Selma, heavy and clumsy with the child she was carrying, she smiled politely in a set way and then as I smiled back, her face changed and she threw her arms around me and cried aloud.At this my own reserve broke and I found myself weeping, passing from one abayah-clad figure to another in a welter of embraces and tears†, â€Å"they were bidding me goodbye† (1965:331). This shows how Elizabeth s tarted ethnocentric coming to El Nahra, but her interactions with the women of El Nahra mad her more culturally relative to the Iraqi culture of El Nahra. Guests of the Sheik Ethnocentrism: The Cultural Differences between Western and Middle Eastern Cultures Through its ethnocentric tales and family based beliefs, Elizabeth Warnock Fernea’s Guests of the Sheik suggests that to find the true representation of Islamic culture, one must leave ethnocentrism behind. Not only will we discuss ethnocentrism and the cultural differences between Western and Middle Eastern societies, we will also take a look at the women of El Nahra and family within the differing societies. Fernea entered El Nahra naive to the culture.However, was an innocent bystander, she became indignant because of the reference of wearing the abayah, â€Å" because she viewed the â€Å"abayah† as not being a part of her culture and did not have to wear it, â€Å"Why should I have to wear that ugly thing–it’s not my custom† (1965: 5). However, through her stay in the small Iraqi village, she gained cultural insight to be passed on about not only El Nahra, but to all foreign culture. As Elizabeth entered the Sheik’s village, she was viewed with a critical eye, â€Å"It seemed to me that many times the women were talking about me, and not in a particularly friendly manner† (1965: 70).The women of El Nahra could not understand why Elizabeth was not with her entire family, and why it was just her and her husband Bob: â€Å"Where is your mother? Kulthma asked. I told her she was in America far away, and when Selma repeated this in a better accent, the women clucked in sympathy. Poor girl, they said. Poor child. To be alone without any of one’s womenfolk was clearly the greatest disaster which could befall any girl† (1965:36). The women did not recognize her American lifestyle as accurate.This is not only ethnocentrism on the part of the El Nahran women because of their belief system that you are suppose to have your parents living with you or near you but American’s do not see this as a bad thing to live far from ones parents. Conversely, Elizabeth–BJ or Beeja, as named by the village and Bob did not view the El Nahra lifestyle as particularly proper either. They were viewing each other through their own cultural lenses. However, through their constant interaction, both sides began to recognize some benefits each culture possessed.It takes time when you are immersed in a particular community to understand the cultural ethos and eventually the community as a whole. Through Elizabeth Fernea’s ethnography on Iraq’s El Nahra village, we learn that all cultures have unique and equally important aspects. In El Nahra, for example, the cultural ethos is family honor. The actions of the community are based on the solid family bonds that exist throughout. However, individualism drives the majority of America. Our actions seem to be a direct result of the cultural ethos.In this, lied much of the uncertainty between Bob, BJ and the El Nahran people. In America, we spend a grea t deal of the time away from home and our families and completing tasks that will further the success of the individual. Generally, Americans are willing to sacrifice a lot of their family solidity for individual success. A sacrifice of this magnitude would be unheard of in a community such as El Nahra. Their relationships, both marriage and friendship are based on their family, and no one seems to know any other lifestyle. Marriages in El Nahra were, for the large majority, predetermined.This tradition in America would be strongly questioned and completely disregarded, based on the cultural ethos of individualism. Americans put a large emphasis on courting their own spouse. However, based on El Nahra’s cultural ethos of family honor, the people trusted their family unit to make quality choices for them. Obviously, from an American perspective, a women’s freedom of choice in this facet of El Nahran culture is lacking. However, viewing marriage cross-culturally, their p riorities as a tribe and culture are different and we cannot view them through American eyes.We should understand that family is the most important feature of each of their lives, and the preservation of the family line is of the utmost priority to them. In El Nahra, it may have seemed to Beeja that women have no power in their society. However, power may have multiple meanings as one travels from culture to culture. In America, a woman may view power in terms being able to obtain and maintain a stable, high-paying job on her own. We may also view a woman of no power as one without a job, simply satisfied being a common housewife. However, in El Nahra, as Beeja finds out, the women have more power as housewives.Their power comes from their ability to please their husband, and it is known, who were the preferred wives. As a favored wife, bearing children gives the woman power in her community amongst both women and men. â€Å"A typical well-respected wife would have served and respe cted her husband, worked hard, kept herself beautiful for him, made him laugh, and of course borne him sons (1965:169). They also obtain their power and respect from their capability to do what American women may consider to be menial chores. Preparation of meals and the cleanliness of ones home are essential to how a woman is viewed in El Nahra.When the sheik visited BJ and Bob’s home, BJ experienced this concept of power first hand. To make a good impression and understand the customs better, she had her servant Mohammed helped with Sheik Hamid’s feast. â€Å"Then Mohammed and I dished up the food, the chicken, the kebab, the meat dishes, the vegetables and salad and yogurt†, (1965:96). â€Å"We piled the platters, twelve of them, onto the tray. Mohammed mopped his brow, readjusted his headdress, then lifted the heavy, steaming tray to his shoulder and set out for the other room†, (1965:97).These feasts are very imperative to the reputation of a woman i n El Nahra. There are benefits to being a woman in El Nahra. Many women in American communities do not have the opportunity to experience the support and close bond between other women in their community. In America, it is hard for women to find enough time to spend with other women in the same manner as the women of El Nahra. The lifestyle is slower paced, and the importance is more on relationships instead of money and individualism, as in America. These close groups of women are a result of purdah, the veiling and seclusion of women. They say an uncovered woman is an immoral woman,† Bob explained, â€Å"and the tribesmen ask why a woman should want to show herself to anyone but her husband†, (1965:6). Predictably, Americans would perceive this behavior as degrading, while El Nahran women identify with it as a part of life. El Nahran women do not view it as degrading; rather, from BJ’s many interactions with the women of the community, they recognize it makes t hem stronger. The time they spend together is precious. They all gather together in a seemingly jovial atmosphere.Most American women never get to experience that kind of bonding with such a large group of women. Granted, American women some times gather for tea parties to catch up with each others lives, but the women of El Nahra are in constant daily contact, and already know each others lives inside and out. The bonds that the women make are unique outlooks of El Nahran culture that make it equally as important as any other culture in the world. El Nahran women have many unique and important aspects of culture, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.These aspects are unique to their village and create a positive environment for them to live. However, members of foreign cultures may disagree. At that point, people must understand that cultures can be equally as productive and beneficial no matter the means they use to achieve their particular goals. Elizabeth Fernea conducted her self as a respectful and somewhat open individual within the Iraqi community, she accepted the change of culture in which she was not accustomed and experienced the concept of Iraqi culture.I believe Elizabeth started out with strong ethnocentric views: â€Å"Thus, although I balked at wearing an all-enveloping black abayah, I had elected to live like the women of El Nahra-in relative seclusion behind walls, not meeting or mixing with me† (1965:5), but left with a more opened mind and respect for different cultures, especially the Middle East culture: â€Å"when I came to Selma, heavy and clumsy with the child she was carrying, she smiled politely in a set way and then as I smiled back, her face changed and she threw her arms around me and cried aloud.At this my own reserve broke and I found myself weeping, passing from one abayah-clad figure to another in a welter of embraces and tears†, â€Å"they were bidding me goodbye† (1965:331). This shows how Elizabeth s tarted ethnocentric coming to El Nahra, but her interactions with the women of El Nahra mad her more culturally relative to the Iraqi culture of El Nahra.

Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist Views on Benevolence Essay

Benevolence can be defined as the moral inclination to be kind and compassionate. If people could control their malicious behaviors and focus on participating in acts that are solely beneficial to humanity, the earth would be much more prosperous. Being kind to others gives us a feeling of contentment that is otherwise unattainable. Receiving compassion and kindness provides us with a sense of gratitude and wellness that many cannot help but share with others. No one enjoys being the subject of someone else’s ill will. This is why moral codes such as (but not limited to) Buddhism, Confucianism/Taoism have emerged. If everyone followed any one of the previously stated practices, it would be much easier for humans to grow and develop as a whole because there would be fewer causes of our discontentment. The Buddhists’ ultimate goal is to end suffering by achieving enlightenment, or nirvana (Kessler, pg. 186). Benevolence is indefinitely required to reach this state. Enlightenment can only be obtained by recognizing the Four Noble Truths. This basically states that life is suffering, which is the result of bad karma caused by malevolent actions that are driven by natural human desires. The end of desire will inevitably be the end of suffering. The only way to end suffering is by following in the footsteps of Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment (Kessler, pg. 166). This method of bringing an end to suffering is otherwise known as the Eightfold Path, or the Way of the Buddha. In order to obtain the same enlightenment, Buddhists are required to uphold a strict set of rules regarding the way to behave as a beneficial member of society, including â€Å"right view, right thought, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right meditati on.† (Kessler, pg. 224). The most devout Buddhist possesses immense self-control and discipline in attempt to live the purest, least harmful existence possible. A good example of the ideal Buddhist is the bodhisattva. Bodhisattvas have reached the ultimate level of moral purity, kindness, and compassion toward the world and therefore live to relieve people from suffering (Kessler, pg. 170). Concerning overall kindness and compassion, the fate and preservation of the entire world should be taken into account before performing any act. No living being should ever be harmed or killed. One should never steal from another, but may receive gifts openly. Buddhists should be chaste, truthful, and fair. They are required to keep peace among people if necessary. A devout Buddhist would never speak to someone in a discourteous manner, including sharing erroneous information (Kessler, pg. 185). This moral code practiced by Bodhisattvas is directly concerned with the wellbeing of the world through good deeds, which leads to the end of eternal suffering, according to the previously stated teachings of the Buddha. Another influential teacher of morality and obtaining widespread human prosperity is Confucianism. The Way, or Tao, is the Confucian concept of human nature. The Mandate of Heaven is dictated by the fact that humans, by nature, want to obtain balance and harmony in the world, which is possible beginning with harmony within the self. Harmony within one’s self leads to harmony among other people, which results in the harmony of natural phenomenon, and thus the world is harmonious. This requires that all human emotional conditions be in balance. Although the notion is truly inconceivable, this can be most closely described as the Confucian concept of heaven. People must be understanding and compassionate towards one another, and make sacrifices for the greater good. When this is achieved, human flourishing is then possible. People are either intelligent enough to possess the sincerity of the way, or they can be instructed to do so. Humans are all capable of making a contribution toward achieving the order of the Way, which results in spiritual salvation (Kessler, pg. 242-243). The most important way this goal is to be achieved by the followers of Confucian teachings is through sacrifice. An honorable person intends to sacrifice in order to spread good will to the earth. This helps emphasize the responsibilities all humans have to maintain peace and harmony in the world for the well being of everyone (Kessler, pg. 240). Humans are born into different ranks, which must be taken into consideration, but the overall goal of Confucian teaching is to uphold the moral obligation of goodness. Elders and authority figures are to be respected in accordance to the Confucian way. For example, a child is respectful to a parent because both are needed to maintain balance in the family. This plays a crucial role in the functionality of the family unit. The same notion can be applied to the citizen and his governing body. The citizen is obedient to the government because defiant behavior would lead to chaos (Kessler, pg. 242). The Buddhist and Confucian doctrines are similar in many ways. The ultimate goal of both sets of teachings is the same: human benevolence leads to moral salvation and the well being of humanity. Renunciation plays a major role in the overall intention of both parties. The crucial difference between the two is the source of the regarded texts. Confucians’ fate is subject to the government no matter what. They pay respect to all people, but understand the necessity to respect the upper class because they play a major part in the well being of the whole. The elders and authority figures â€Å"take care† of the younger or less fortunate. Buddhists focus more on solitude and undergoing suffering for the greater good. They go as far as to give up normal eating habits as to refrain from any selfish behavior that may lead to bad karma. Confucians also undergo suffering, but do not give up basic human desires for the benefit of others. They are undeniably considerate. Any feeling that one would not enjoy feeling would never be bestowed upon someone else. No form of extreme asceticism required of Confucians as it is sometimes in Buddhism. Rather, Confucian success is more important to human flourishing. Although true, both moral concepts have the same intended outcome of benevolence toward everyone. Works Cited Kessler, Gary E. Ways of Being Religious. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Pub., 2000. 166+. Print.

Corporate governance in Islamic banking Assignment

Corporate governance in Islamic banking - Assignment Example Moreover, Islamic finance is one of the ways to accommodate Islamic value in finance, it insists on the importance of the accountability, transparency, and trust. Islamic banking refers to a system where all banking behavior is consistent with Islamic law and guided by the economics of Islam. Since the introduction of Islamic banking, the number of Islamic financial institutions has increased globally. This is because of the increase in Islamic population and the economic development of Islamic nations. Today, there are more than 300 institutions in more than 75 countries. In addition, there is the development of many Islamic financial products used in financial market activities, for example, trading, and investment. Corporate governance in Islamic finance entails the institutions abiding by the Islamic rules also known as Shariah. The rules govern the bank’s operations, according to Islamic principles that are derived from Quran and Hadith. Islamic financial institutions operate in the same space as the conventional banks and perform all functions expected from a financial institution. In addition, savers are able to collect deposits for the purpose of reward from both types of institutions. However, the difference comes in when agreeing on the reward. Under the conventional system, the reward is normally predetermined and fixed while in Islamic system, the reward is variable and the deposits are acceptable through Musharaka (Lewis, 2001). Additionally, the returns under conventional banking are usually higher on long-term deposits and low for short-term deposits. On the other hand, higher profit sharing is assigned to long-term deposits available for investing in long term projects, earning high returns and low weight for deposit that are short-term that cannot be spent in long term projects. Under Islamic banking, the risk and rewards are

The effect of religious beliefs on healthcare Research Paper

The effect of religious beliefs on healthcare - Research Paper Example This paper will, therefore, determine the various effects of religious beliefs on health care and their impact. A proper determination and discussion of the effects of religious beliefs on health care entails a proper and substantive understanding of the various aspects involved in the different religions as well as the operative mechanisms of different health care facilities. Religion, despite being an element of daily encounter, it remains majorly a personal issue (Hollins, 2009). Regardless of such an observation, it is evidently clear that a religion remains a significantly important aspect to clinicians, patients, and the entire healthcare fraternity. Indeed, religion has the ability of connecting the individual to the spiritual being, which works as an aspect of empowerment and in turn, establish an element of psychological stability (Boyle, 2008). Determining the effects of religious beliefs on health care involves four major pathways. Such include health behaviors, social support, superempirical or psi, and psychological states (Salimbene, 2005). There are different religious views on health care, depending on the beliefs of a particular religion. For instance, certain religions that illnesses are results of God’s punishments to humanity, and, therefore, the most appropriate means of avoiding any kind of illnesses, one needs to refrain from sinning, which is the greatest contributing factor to illnesses and other kinds of suffering . Based on such a perspective, there are a number of aspects influencing the positive effects of religious beliefs on health care. Such perspectives are in four major aspects, which include psychological benefits, health-promoting benefits, social benefits, and caregiving (Salimbene, 2005). Religion has a correlation with improved physical and mental health. On the psychological effects, religion