Factors Affecting Health Essay

Define the following key terms: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Ageing population Youthful population Dependency Ratio www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Youthful Population – a population with a very high proportion of young people under the age of 15 Fold along here Dependency Ratio – the ratio between economically and noneconomically active population – normally expressed as a % www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Yr 10 – Population St Ivo School Geography Department – GCSE REVISION What is meant by the term ‘dependent population’? Yr 10 – Population www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Fold along here The people who are not working and are therefore dependent on the economically active population (ages 0-14 and 65+) www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com St Ivo School Geography Department – GCSE REVISION Define the term Infant Mortality. The number of infants dying before the age of 1 per 1000 live births per year Fold along here Yr 10 – Population www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com St Ivo School Geography Department – GCSE REVISION Population Distribution – how a population is spread out over an area Population Density – the number of people living in a given area 2 (people per km ) Fold along here Define the following key terms: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Population Distribution Population Density Population Explosion www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Population Explosion – a very rapid increase in population www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Yr 10 – Population St Ivo School Geography Department – GCSE REVISION What does DTM stand for and what is it used to show? DTM stands for The Demographic Transition Model – this is a model showing population change over time in relation to changing birth and death rates and the consequent change in overall population Fold along here Yr 10 – Population www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com St Ivo School Geography Department – GCSE REVISION Natural Decrease – the fall in population caused by deaths exceeding births. Natural Increase – the rise in population caused by births exceeding deaths Fold along here Define the following key terms: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Natural Decrease Natural Increase Depopulation www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Depopulation – a decline in the numbers of people living in an area due to out-migration or changes in birth and death rates. www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Yr 10 – Population St Ivo School Geography Department – GCSE REVISION Population Growth Rate – the increase in population over a year – normally expressed as a % Population Structure – the age and sex composition of a population Fold along here Define the following key terms: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Population Growth Rate Population Structure Population Pyramids www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Population Pyramid – a diagram used to show the age and sex of a population (also known as age-sex pyramids) www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Yr 10 – Population St Ivo School Geography Department – GCSE REVISION Name the following case studies: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · A case study to show the consequences of an ageing population A case study to show the consequences of a youthful population A comparison of population structures between a LIC, MIC and HIC www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com A case study to show the consequences of an ageing population – UK – East Devon (Torbay) A case study to show the consequences of a youthful population – The Gambia (Africa) Fold along here A comparison of population structures between a LIC, MIC and HIC – Philippines, Brazil & Germany www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com Yr 10 – Population St Ivo School Geography Department – GCSE REVISION Name the following case studies: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · A case study to show how a government has reduced the birth rate An example of a densely populated area of the UK A case study to show how a government has set out to increase the birth rate (pro-natalist policy) An example of a sparsely populated area of the UK www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Fold along here ï‚ · Yr 10 – Population A case study to show how a government has reduced the birth rate – China’s One Child Policy An example of a densely populated area in the UK – London and the South East A case study to show how a government has set out to increase the birth rate (pro-natalist policy) – Singapore’s â€Å"3 or more Policy† An example of a sparsely populated area of the UK – Scottish Highlands www.geobytesgcse.wordpress.com St Ivo School Geography Department – GCSE REVISION The world’s population is unevenly distributed Some areas have a high population density eg, Asia / 2 Europe (75+people/km ) Other areas of the world have a low population density 2 e.g. Canada/Greenland and Russia (

Media violence: Pointing at the wrong culprit

Nowadays, violence in the streets is becoming commonplace. Headlines are screaming of assaults and other senseless crimes. Thus, it is necessary to understand what causes violence to minimize, if not stop, its prevalence in society. In this age of technology, media is very influential among people because of its global reach. Thus, there have been arguments that media violence translates to societal violence. Through the years, there has been an increase in the quantity of violence, and media has been transforming to a more sexual, graphic, and sadistic media. Because of the technological development, bullets exploding in people's brains were seen in slow motion in movies. Wrestling fans cheer over hard-hitting action, and one particular video game's, Grand Theft Auto, goal is murdering as many people as possible. Moreover, extremely violent lyrics are common in music. The Web makes access to all these kinds of media easily accessible as well as contains violent materials (Vidal, Clemente, & Espinosa, 2003). The presence of cruelty in different types of media means that it is appealing to people. Violence is incorporated to media because it is what â€Å"sells† to people. The question now is, Does it cause societal violence? Many believe that people exposed to violence in the media have a more aggressive behavior. Media has been accused of teaching children how to kill people. However, the actual connection between media and violence is yet to be established (Bushman & Anderson, 2001), and some researchers believe that blaming media is only one way for others who refuse to believe that the actual violence is seen at home and in the community. Indeed, guns, drugs, alcohol, and poverty heavily influence youth, much more than media does. Those who are believed to be influenced by media live in ghetto cities where people mostly are in the low socioeconomic bracket and belong to the minority groups. A common factor among these people is the presence of abuse and violence, even before the media became a part of the popular culture. Rap music, accused for its violent lyrics, originated from these areas, a reflection of the experiences of those who created the music. Artists of metal music are said to incite violent tendencies among youth, and Marilyn Manson was blamed for the Columbine shooting. Similar to rappers, metal music artists usually had poor upbringing and exposed to violence throughout their childhood. Cases against the rock bands claiming that they are responsible for influencing the violence in teenagers were dismissed because the teenagers were under the influence of drugs and, similarly to most artists, have depressing lives. In reality, music does not cause violence; rather, musicians are only expressing the violence that they experienced in the society.Approximately 90% of violent youths were exposed to violence at homes, were abused, and have depressing lives, even before they learned how to listen to music. As regards movies depicting violent scenes, these only slightly increase aggression (Freedman, 2002). Similarly to music, movies only emulate reality, and the graphics only help to make films as â€Å"real life† as possible. Again, it is the poor home environment that raises a violent child. As an example, movies, animes, and video games in Japan are more violent than in the United States, but are there any reported incidents of shootings by teenagers at school? None. Furthermore, there are less incidence of crimes committed by teenagers. Indeed, violence in society is rapidly rising, but people should not point their fingers at the wrong culprit—media. Media violence does not cause societal violence; rather, violence is only portrayed in media. Although it is true that violence in media increases aggression in children, ultimately, proper upbringing is essential to ensure that a child does not grow to be a violent person. Instead of focusing on media violence, people should focus on the real problem—poverty, drugs and alcohol, loose gun laws, and domestic violence. References Bushman, B. & Anderson, C. (2001). Media violence and the American public: Scientific fact versus media misinformation. American Psychologist, 56(6–7), 477–489. Freedman, J. (2002). Media violence and its effect on aggression: Assessing the scientific evidence. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. Vidal, M.A., Clemente, M., & Espinosa, P. (2003). Types of media violence and degree of acceptance in

Hide and seek by Vernon Scannell Essay

‘Hide and seek’ by Vernon Scannell is about a young, excitable infant playing the childhood game of hide and seek. It begins by revealing the juvenile excitement experienced by a child when playing a game – ‘Call out. Call loud: I’m ready! Come and find me!’ Through the poets use of exclamation marks we can see the child’s joy at partaking in the game. It is exhilarating and fun time for the child, but it is also very competitive. The manner in which he hides shows this competitiveness; he meticulously hides under dirty sacking in the garden shed and makes sure that his feet aren’t ‘sticking out’ . Also when his friends are seeking him, they are portrayed as ‘prowling in’, and ‘whispering at the door’. This further intensifies the degree of competitiveness within the game. However he is determined to win the game, and after a lengthy space of time he thinks, ‘It is time to let them know that you’re the winner’. By know the child is supremely confident that he has emerged the victor, however it only exaggerates his betrayal and feeling of abandonment when he finds out the truth. Finally when the boy victoriously emerges from his hiding place, and shouts ‘I’ve won, I’ve won! Here I am!’ he is greeted by a scene of nothingness -‘The darkening garden watches. Nothing stirs’. His childish dreams of a grand procession in his honour are dashed immediately, and we begin to sympathise with the boy as he tragically realises that he has been betrayed and deserted by his friends. The most important theme explored in ‘Hide and seek’ is the individual status of one human being. The poem asks the contentious question, how much do we really matter? The poet divulges into this topic and comes to the conclusion that we are not individually important in the wider scheme of things than we think. ‘Half-past Two’ by U.A. Fanthorpe concentrates more on the idea of time and the ways in which it governs society. The poem revolves around a child being  punished for doing ‘Something Very Wrong’. The use of capital letters gives the impression that the act committed must have something very serious, and also describes the angered tone of voice that the teacher may have used when admonishing him. However the next line contrasts sharply with these thoughts by saying – ‘(I forget what it was)’. The punishment given by the teacher is to make him stay in the ‘schoolroom till half-past two’. However, the words ‘half-past two’ are meaningless to the boy because ‘She hadn’t taught him Time’, and he was too scared to remind her of that. The boy is always respectful towards the teacher, and their social difference is exaggerated by the capital letter at the beginning of the word ‘She’. The teacher is perceived as a god-like figure to the boy, who has no power or say in any of her imperatives. The unfortunate boy has no comprehension of time and therefore ‘half-past two’ is double-dutch to him. The boy’s definition of time comes from aspects of his own family life – ‘Timeformykisstime’, ‘Gettinguptime’ and ‘TVtime’. The child, although not pre-linguistic, is not practiced in the use of regular time and hence must use time by thinking of things connected with it. His compound ‘time-words’ shows his inability to associate with the ‘alien’ abstract time that the adults in his environment repeatedly use. As a result, he does not know when it is time for him to leave the schoolroom to return home. This causes him to forget that time exists, and he begins to dream about the ‘smell of old chrysanthemums’ and ‘the air outside the window’. This is a typical example of an epiphany, where the boy becomes unimpeded by the constraints of time, shown by the use of the words ‘into ever.’ He is liberated by the bounds of time for a short while, that is until his startled teacher returns to find him still there. The teacher is profusely apologetic and tells him that he can go home. The ensuing stanza is probably the most important – ‘And he never forgot how once by not knowing time/He escaped into the clockless land of ever/ Where time hides tick-less waiting to be born. A feeling of reminiscence is shown by the use of the words ‘he never forgot.’ The ending is particularly affirmative as it shows the happiness felt by the boy as his imagination runs wild and he eludes time into the ‘clockless land of ever.’ The most pertinent theme explored in ‘Half-past Two’ is that of time, and the way it governs our lives. The poem is articulates the adversities of time and contrasts it with the liberty and bliss experienced by the boy when he was freed from time. The cruel aspect is that all human beings eventually run out of time; we get old, lonely and eventually die due to time. Isolation is a major theme within both poems because it affects both boys concerned in a different but dominant way. The child in ‘Hide and Seek’ is purposefully forgotten and is left alone to his own senses: ‘floor is cold’. Isolation is a key element in ‘Half-past two’ because the child in question is forgotten about in detention and he begins to reverie in his own world. It is a more commanding theme in ‘Hide and Seek’ because of the harsh nature in which the boy is abandoned. One of the most foremost similarities in themes between the two poems is that they both concentrate profoundly on greater social forces. This is seen by the use of the words ‘She’ in ‘Half-past two’ and ‘They’ in ‘Hide and Seek’. The boy in ‘Half-past two’ is completely controlled by his authoritative teacher; and one may argue that the ‘prowling’ and ‘whispering’ are quite threatening thus causing the boy to hide because of his fear of society, not simply because he is playing a game. Time is a comparable theme explored in both poems, but more so in ‘Half-past two’. In ‘Hide and Seek’, time symbolically passes to show the transition of friendship to loneliness; and ‘Hide and Seek’ discusses how the world is restrained by the limits of time.

Politics of the knowledge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Politics of the knowledge - Essay Example In the book â€Å"Way of Knowing†, the Jonathon Moses and Torbjom Knutsen have described both logics in a simple manner and its effect on human behavior with respect to their social and political domains. Contextually, both logics have constituted strong patterns within the nature of human beings. As described in the book, â€Å"Naturalism† focuses only laws of nature wherein it creates a belief that nature is the ultimate source of living. Accordingly, the reading described these two logics with the help of god and giant. God is represented as â€Å"Naturalism† and Giant is represented as â€Å"Constructivism†. As argued in the book, traditional values and beliefs have altogether made social and political patterns complex and unreasonable for modern society. Therefore, social science can help to break these two logics and make the social and political patterns of modern culture more worthy. According to the stated book, social science can change the socia l and political patterns of traditional culture and develop a modern culture that would further help the philosophers of the social sciences domain to create new patterns. From the above discussion, it can be accordingly comprehended that social science makes the traditional logic more complex for social and political patterns. With the help of modern social science, both logics can be reconstructed that will further make the social and political patterns more worthy for the

Business Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Business Management - Assignment Example Leadership involves establishment of a clear vision, sharing and conveying the vision with the associates so that they can follow it enthusiastically, providing knowledge, information as well as describing the methods by which the vision can be realized, balancing the conflicts and coordinating with the stakeholders and other associated members. In this tumultuous business environment, the importance and necessity of efficient leadership cannot be denied. The complex and dynamic nature of business has further augmented the need of leadership in an organization. As a result of this, it has been observed that companies nowadays have started to instigate several leadership development trainings and programs which clearly points out that although off late, originations have been able to understand the extent to which efficient leadership adds to the efficiency and competence of an origination (Agard, 2010). Leadership is a vast area and its application is be found in different facets of an organization. However, there are huge differences between management and leadership styles. Moreover, the role played by leadership is different from that of the role of managing. Although the major role of leadership is to ensure people in n organization are working towards a common goal, but is not constrained or limited to only a single area. Leadership also plays several other roles and is crucial to an organization’s day to day activity. Some of the most crucial roles played by leadership in an organization are describe below. Management of the Workforce: - Leadership is extremely important in organizations to ensure proper management of the people. Leadership not only provides assistance in initiating actions within organizations, but also plays actives roles in motivating the workforce, providing them with guidance, building confidence, improving the morale, creating a healthy working environment and also coordinating with the employees for better outcome. Strategy Implementation: - The notion of leadership is also vital in the strategy implementation process of an organization. The implementation of stagey in organizations is equally important like that of strategy formulation. A strategy is generally formulated by the upper management but the implementation is in the hands of the leaders. They are the one who are accountable to implement and communicate the strategy to the entire organization. Hence, the role of leadership in strategy implementation is imperative. In the meantime, it has been also observed that, employees often resist the implementation of a new strategy thinking that this may dislocate their current state. In this context also leadership plays a crucial role in managing the resistance to the change offered by the employees thereby implementing the strategy successfully. The above discussion has made it evident that leadership practices are indeed significant for an organization. Therefore, it is also necessary to shed light on the different types of leadership. The type of leadership practices differ from one organization to the other. The leadership style or the type of leadership is greatly dependent upon the objectives of the organization and also the intentions of the organization. A number of authors in this context argue that the leadership style of an organization also depends upon the organizational culture. Echoing these thoughts, several other scholars have mentioned that the national culture of a country also

German paper 3+4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

German paper 3+4 - Essay Example He was consistent with conventional history when he said that after the US joined the war, Germany was defeated. But what conventional history did not say, which he said was that the Germans blamed Zionist Jews for the entry of the US, thus their defeat (Freedman, par.24). This he said was the root of German discrimination against Jews which was indeed justified. If what he said was true, was conventional history then wrong in saying that the Germans at that time were envious of the economic success of Jews? Was it wrong in saying that the Germans were blaming their difficulties on the Jews because the Jews were in control of media and a lot of the industries then? As an aside, Freedman also said that â€Å"Jews happened to be maybe 98 percent of the Communists in Europe at that time† (Freedman, par. 26).† Unbelievable! To fight back, the Jews declared war on Germany (Daily Express, p.1). It called on Jews all over the world to boycott all products made in Germany. Germa ny depended a lot on its exports. By declaring economic and financial war, its aim was to hurt Germany economically, starve its people, and compel Germany â€Å"to end its campaign of violence† against Jews (Daily Express, par. 7).

People Express Case Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

People Express Case Analysis - Essay Example & development (T&D) of skills, employee relations, retention and motivation strategies, workplace culture and delegation of power, authority and responsibility. People Express indeed adopted some far reaching HRM practices to achieve organizational goals. The most powerful motivator of the workforce was the requirement to become shareholder of the company in addition to being an employee. Next the company encouraged team work in which 3 to 4 employees were teamed together so that time waste in coordinating work effort could be reduced and employees would be motivated by team spirit. In addition to these employee friendly work practices and motivators a number of others were also adopted. However the organizational outcomes were poor and questionable. In the first place People Express’s HRM practices were purely based on the textbook theory. Secondly motivation related HRM practices ignored productivity. In other words these HRM practices at people Express were poor growth drivers. For instance work teams don’t on their own produce efficiently simply because they are allowed to be self-reliant. In fact at People Express, work teams tended to be smugly satisfied with their own performance in the absence of standards of reference. Performance of work teams has to be measured against relative performances of others and this requires common standards to be set up on a priority basis. Broader level of employee participation, minimal hierarchy, in-house expertise and problem solving and job rotation practices were good measures but they were not backed by a system of performance-based metrics. The airline was operating in a relatively competition-free and regulation-free domestic market then. However, with the ever increasing threat of competition the airline HRM practices at People Express were oriented towards creating a pleasant work environment without a set of well defined corporate goals. Effective HRM practices must be aligned with organizational outcomes

Whether bear hunt should be permitted in New Jersey Research Paper

Whether bear hunt should be permitted in New Jersey - Research Paper Example The hunters are driven by thirst for blood and the profit garnered as federal and state agencies implement programs such as wildlife management that is designed to boost the numbers of black bear species. These programs help ensure that there are plenty of animals to be killed by hunters and consequently plenty of revenue from the sale of hunting licenses. My take on this is that such programs by the government should be replaced with those of creating better facilities to cater for these bears. With the implementation of the zoos, nature should be allowed to take its course through delicate balance of ecosystems which ensures their own survival if they are uninterrupted. Nature helps maintain this balance by killing the sickest and weakest individuals. Unusual natural occurrences cause overpopulation as natural processes work towards stabilizing the group. Starvation and disease are tragic, but they are nature's ways of ensuring that strong, healthy animals overcome and healthy, str ong animals survive and uphold strength level of the rest of their herd or group. Shooting an animal because it might starve or become sick is arbitrary and also destructive thus ought to be stopped. This activity is disturbing to both the citizens and the bears themselves. On noticing they are being trailed, the bears can choose to be vicious Hunting accidents destroy property and can injure, cows, dogs, cats, hikers, and other hunters as well. Secondly the bears might choose to get into the residential attacking innocent people who are unaware resulting to havoc and deaths, destruction of property insecurity and tension. A way to keep black bear populations in balance in New Jersey would be to ensure that free-roaming, healthy wildlife are never artificially fed by the wild or tamed and these should be applicable to other wild animals. Animals that are artificially fed lose their fear of humans and begin to approach residents as well as hunters. Feeding also causes animals to bree d at an accelerated rate, resulting in more animals. The more animals you have in small areas, the more the likely hood they will be perceived as overpopulated or as a nuisance, especially when they start to eat fish, damage gardens, or defecate on sidewalks and many people

Pick the film Gone Baby Gone or Sleepers. Judge (moral or immoral) the Essay

Pick the film Gone Baby Gone or Sleepers. Judge (moral or immoral) the main action (ONE single main action) of the film . Support your position by using Kant's moral philosophy - Essay Example Gone, Baby, Gone is a film directed by Ben Affleck which follows the case of a kidnapped girl, Amanda, whose family approaches the Boston-based private investigator, Patrick Kenzie, to follow up the case. Patrick, along with his partner, Angie Gennaro, discovers the perplexing and highly complex web of corruption as they go about investigating upon the case. As the case progresses along the length of the film, the lines between good and bad are nearly blurred due to interest and mysterious motives. Based on Kant’s moral philosophy, Amanda’s uncle was motivated by greed and a dishonest intention of freeing Amanda from her failing parents. Although the consequences would have been good for Amanda as well as her aunt, the action was immoral due to its immoral motives. As Patrick uncovers the corruption embedded in the case, it becomes clear that Amanda’s aunt and uncle are immoral. Their scheme to free Amanda from her neglectful parents would have had a good consequence as the girl would have escaped her parents’ neglect and would have come under the care of more responsible guardians. However, Kant’s theory of morality depends not on the consequence but on the motive which had undoubtedly been immoral and treacherous. Through a well-planned plot, her uncle was able to stage Amanda abduction and then approach Patrick for a fake investigation. Amanda’s uncle had been aiming to cleverly fool the investigators and obtain the traded drug money by involving many of the investigation police officials. In fact, man personnel from the police department had been involved including Captain Doyle who had hidden Amanda in his house along with his wife. The kidnap had been attempted with great planning and dishonest motive which in volved immense corruption from the reputed police department of Boston. Therefore, all the individuals involved in the staged kidnapping of Amanda had a bad motive for their immoral action. The

Chevron Stakeholders and Their Interests or Concerns Essay

Chevron Stakeholders and Their Interests or Concerns - Essay Example The consequences were eminent as people obtained water from the streams for domestic use. The effluents had lethal concentration of toxic substances. Ecuadorians witnessed numerous cases of Leukemia and abnormally increasing rates of birth defects. The stakeholders in this case were the company’s management, the Ecuadorian government, institutional stakeholders, and the Ecuadorians. The company management’s main concern was to clear the company’s name by distancing itself from claims about the disaster. Consequently, Chevron denied responsibility of its actions that led to the disaster. â€Å"For a host of cultural and ideological reasons Chevron management is acting against its own self-interest — the interest of its shareholders†¦and in doing so, is driving the company off an $18 billion cliff† (Anderson, 1). The efficient functioning of the company in all areas/department is the role and duty of this category of stakeholders. They are expected to help steer the company into greater heights of success in light of productivity and profitability. This is their ultimate concern as they work to ensure that the company’s operations are running smoothly, no wonder their efforts to keep the looming court case at bay. The Ecuadorian government as a stakeholder, moved to protect the rights and interests of its subjects. The government had to take initiative and thus active roles in court proceedings so as to ensure that the Ecuadorians earned justice. It is one thing for a country to allow a foreign country to invest in one’s country and another to turn against it when it comes to matters of health, safety and security. The only challenge facing this initiative is change of guard from one president to another. Otherwise the country’s government has always strived to resolve the damage through seeking legal redress. The eighteen year old court battle translates into a typically lengthy process.  

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 62

Journal - Essay Example According to the National Career Services, the job requires the holder to recruit and train sales persons, allocate areas to the reps, develop sales strategy & set performance targets, monitor his/her team’s results, support and motivate them to attain their set targets. The sales manager also provides feedback & coaches members of the sales team, compiles and analyses sales figures, personally deals with certain major customer accounts, collects feedback from customers for research and maintains current product profiles as well as those from the competition. In some instances the sales manager may be required to directly influence and contribute to marketing at the same time. Apart from studying hard to attain very high academic qualifications in my course, I also want to develop very effective team building skills, coaching, and management as well as selling skills. I also want to ensure I come out of college with strong planning & organizational skills, as well as shaping my communication and motivational skills in order to portray a strong and enthusiastic personality. Very important to this job are ones people skills and therefore I will also have to work on my social skills in order to graduate with desirable PR and ability to go out and generate new accounts in a manner that

Communications & Crisis Essay Example for Free

Communications Crisis Essay The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has begun to receive official reports stating that the public water supplies of several towns in the South East Texas (SET) area have become contaminated with life-threatening biological agents. As director of this office, it is my responsibility to address contingency plans within the organization and the public; without creating panic. Areas of focus will include external and internal communication channels, communication advantages and challenges, communication strategies, applicable technology, technology utilization, and media opportunities. Successful management of the situation requires the establishment of teams and communication channels. Organization teams include a state relations team, district relations, media relations, and a crisis communications team (CCT). State, district, and media relations will communicate with CCT acting as coordinator. As the director of TDEM, I will be in charge of the CCT and oversee all organization operations. The state relations team till will be in charge of communications with the Texas Department of Health, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Emergency Management Council (TEMC), and other government officials. According to Texas law, mayors and county judges serve as emergency management directors, bearing the responsibility for maintaining an emergency management program within their respective jurisdictions (TDEM, 2014). This will help with local emergency coordination’s. The district relations team will engage with local authorities to organize emergency response operations. The media relations team will communicate with local and online media sources and keep them informed of the issue. Our organizations communication channels can instantly connect with multiple organizations at once. This gives our organization a major advantage. We have the ability to spread and collect information quickly and on a grand scale. Information needs to be disseminated as fast and efficiently as  possible. The challenges associated with communications is the coordination of all efforts. According to Athena du Pre, lack of communication can lead to duplicated efforts, costly (and sometimes life-threatening) delays, frustration, and wasted time (Du Pre, A., 2003). During crisis events delays and wasted time can cost lives. This means that our team must keep in constant communication with other organizations to prevent overlapping efforts. Crisis communication is an ongoing process. Having a crisis communication plan is important so that more time can be spent acting and less time be spent making decisions. Examining the communication process of other crisis events can be a useful way to identify successful strategies. In 1979, the Three Mile Island reactor malfunctioned. The major form of communication used to report the event at the time were televisions and radios. Access to information was limited and local television and radio station bore the bulk of public inquiries. Organization communications had to be accomplished via telephones or face-to-face. Public communications were also limited to telephones and face-to-face. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city of New Orleans and left a large portion of it underwater. The major forms of communication during this event included television, radio, and the internet. With this event the internet provided quick connection and communication with multiple entities. Information could also be transferred on faste r and larger scale. However, with this particular event a large portion of the public had to go without electricity for an extended period of time. Without electricity television, radios, and the internet cannot be operated. Smartphones existed at the time, but were not as abundant. Those with smartphones and cell phones had a small window for communications after the loss of electricity. Unfortunately, these devices require recharging and are useless after so many hours. Examination of these scenarios provide proof of the importance of information access during times of crisis. In 1979, their limited resources increased the levels of public concern. In 2005, their lack of resources reduced the number of communication channels. Many people were left clueless and helpless. I believe that a good way of utilizing this knowledge is to prepare for similar situations. Publishing emergency information to the public on a wide variety of channels means more access to information, less confusion, and better coord ination of efforts. Fortunate for us, the current  scenario is not a threat to public electrical systems. However, we should be prepared for interruptions or breakdowns amongst communication channels. Each team should have contingencies in place, in case one or more resources is lost. These contingencies should include backup agencies, officials, and media sources. Teams should also have contingencies in place incase internal communications are interrupted or broken-down. Organization teams should allocate responsibilities between different members. If something happens to a team member, their responsibilities should either be divide up amongst all other team members or given to a single member. This largely depends on the size of responsibility and number of available team members. If an entire team becomes unavailable, then that teams responsibilities will be divided by the CCT and distributed amongst the remaining teams. Public contingency plans must also be addressed. In this scenario there are effectively two distinct immediate dangers. Lack of public knowledge leading to exposure, and difficulties decontaminating the public water supplies. In regards to public knowledge, it’s important that information be disseminated not only through technological communication channels, but through ground communication channels as well. Public and municipal service employees of all types should be called upon to spread the word throughout the public. The more entities that can be informed via employer to employee, the better. In regards to decontamination, the public should be fully aware that government agencies are working around the clock to solve the issue. Government entities should also offer access to alternative water supplies. During times of hurricanes, many agencies and charitable services hand out bottled water from multiple locations in their respective cities. This strategy should be utilized with the current scenario. If necessary, these services should be offered for as long as they are needed. As indicated in the previous scenarios, technology and the spread of the information go hand in hand. With the addition of the internet and digital communications, the communication process has become much more versatile. Social media often provides as a communications network for the public. Social media users can connect with other users and members of the public to share information and coordinate efforts. In today’s world many people have smartphones that are capable of internet access. These devices provide people with the ability to  access information no matter where they are. The downside to this technology is the requirement of data access. Times of crisis can overwhelm internet infrastructure, making communications slow or impossible. Short messaging services (SMS)’s are a good way of combating this effect. The benefit of SMS’s is that they operates on the mobile carrier signal rather than the connection used for mobile voice and data, allowing messages to be delivered and received on mobile devices even when the networks are too congested to make voice calls (Anonymous, 2014). Emergency alerts are also able to be broadcasted this way. Those with smartphones can be sent instant notifications; keeping them updated with current information. These systems can be used to inform a large number of people all at the same time. Compared to previous crisis scenarios, it’s possible that some technologies could be used differently. With the expansion of available communication channels, reliance on some technologies may not be as abundant as it once was. Television and radios no longer bare the sole burden of emergency broadcast communications. This can free up the efforts of local news and radio stations. Fewer public inquires to contend with, increases the overall resources of the stations. People will still call the stations for information, but the number will be significantly lower than it was in previous scenarios. In some cases television and radio may not even be utilized. Advancement in technologies has allowed the home computer to become the central h ub for information in some homes, and amongst many college students. Computers can be used for watching television and listening to radio programming. This technology increases the need for broadcasting emergency information over internet channels. Media opportunities of this management crisis include redundancy broadcast. According to a study from the University of Texas, redundancy is often necessary to overcome the noise in people’s lives because it reveals that people’s urgency perception increased after receiving three messages (Stephens, K., Barrett, A., Mahometa, M., 2013). Having the media broadcast continual information will help increase the urgency perception of the public. The more people that are made aware, the less potential there is for casualties. Social media could also be used as a way to broadcast emergency information to different groups. Sites like Facebook and Twitter, can be used to spread information. Users connected or â€Å"subscribed† to  different groups receive notifications from those groups. This allows for information to be spread quickly across a major network. Often groups will be connected to other groups. When one group learns of the emergency they can then share the information with another group, and so on. Crisis management is an urgent matter that must be handled swiftly and efficiently. Planning and communications are vital for coordinating efforts. To protect the public, organization and communication strategies and contingencies must be in place. Communication channels must be established and their advantages and challenges should be known. Applicable technologies and their utilizations should be identified. Media opportunities should also be known so that appropriate communication channels can be utilized as a means of keeping the public informed. References Anonymous. (2014). Dynmark International: SMS is most effective communication channel during emergency. (2010). Wireless News, Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/750383013?accountid=458 Du Pre, A. (2003). Communicating About Health (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw Hill HIPAA compliance. Corrections Forum, 12(1), 15-16. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/214412170?accountid=458 Seeger, M. W. (2006). Best Practices in Crisis Communication: An Expert Panel Process. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 34(3), 232-244. doi:10.1080/00909880600769944 Stephens, K., Barrett, A., Mahometa, M. (2013). Organizational Communication in Emergencies: Using Multiple Channels and Sources to Combat Noise and Capture Attention. Human Communication Research, 39(2), 230-251. doi:10.1111/hcre.12002 Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM). (2014). Retrieved from http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/ he Fiscal Year of 214.

Reflective Practice And Risk Analysis Social Work Essay

Reflective Practice And Risk Analysis Social Work Essay The objective of this essay is to critically evaluate the following statement with reference to personal practice experience when assessing and managing risk. As my practice experience was based in a Children and Families Area Team, this essay will therefore explore the statement from this perspective. A good risk decision requires both good risk assessment and good risk management. (Carson Bain, 2008, p.156) This essay will, initially, explore and demonstrate a critical understanding of the key concepts of risk assessment and risk management. It will then provide an analysis of the political, cultural and social contexts that shape practice in relation to risk management. Following this, a critical appreciation of the concept of risk decision making will be considered. Finally a reflective discussion of a case study drawn from my practice will be evaluated in relation to risk. This reflective discussion will be set within a theoretical framework of reflection. In order to critically understand the concept of risk assessment, the question of what risk is ought to be defined. According to Alaszewski Manthorpe (1991) risk may be defined as the probability that a course of action will not achieve the desired result but instead some unacceptable circumstance or event would prevail. McCarthy et al (2004) furthers this point as they also suggest that the term risk implies the possibility of undesirable or negative outcomes. Furthermore, McCarthy also indicates that within the concept of risk it is also implied that these outcomes can be avoided. (McCarthy et al, 2004). It is additionally pointed out that risk has both an objective and subjective dimension. For example, when viewing risk objectively it is possible to identify that any surroundings or environment will be hazardous and associated with danger. Defining risk from a subjective perspective means that the possibility of danger or an unacceptable event taking place will vary from individual to individual as well as social groups. (Aleszewski Manthorpe, 1991). Nevertheless, Houston and Griffiths (2000) question the validity of the objectivist paradigm that they identify as the basis of risk assessment and point to its failure to provide valid and reliable measures of risk. (Houston Griffiths, p.1) They argue for a move toward a subjectivist paradigm, and a return to the concept of relationship as the rationale of social work intervention. On the other hand, there can be value in taking risks. Indeed, risk taking can be seen to have beneficial as well as harmful outcomes to the life of an individual. (Titterton, 2005; Carson Bain, 2008). As Titterton points out Risk taking is a course of purposeful action based on informed decisions concerning the possibility of positive and negative outcomesand levels of risk appropriate in certain situations. (Titterton, 2005, p.25) Consequently, the concept of risk assessment is a core activity within social work and further to this minimising risk has become a central element. Indeed, Calder (2002) describes risk assessment as a systematic collection of information in order to identify if risks are involved and identify the likelihood of their future occurrence. It is further suggested that risk assessment should be understood as collecting information and assessing any information gained regarding risk elements. These two elements, which are central to risk assessment, are consequences (or outcomes) and likelihood (also known as chance or exposure). (Carson Bain, 2008). As most of the situations social workers deal with contain considerable uncertainty about the meaning of events, the reasons for referrals, the accuracy of assessment, and the consequences of taking one course of action instead of another, it is reasonable to assume that assessment of risk is not an exact science. Further to this, the possible outcomes or consequences could be infinite and consequently impossible to predict with absolute certainty. Therefore, the element of uncertainty must be acknowledged as a core feature of professional judgement. Certainly, it is suggested that when considering the possible outcomes (including beneficial outcomes), a risk assessment should only require that reasonably predicted outcomes are met and that a lawful, moral and professional objectivity is upheld at all times. (Titterton, 2005; Carson Bain, 2008; Macdonald Macdonald, 2010). As Webb (2006) points out social workers have an ethical disposition to do the best for clients and insofar as they have the resources to do so (Webb, 2006, p. 203) Within risk assessment literature, Titterton (2005) also argues that the emphasis remains on assessing for the risk of harmful or adverse outcomes but how this is completed can depend on which assessment framework is used. For example, within Criminal Justice Teams a more actuarial assessment is utilised. An actuarial assessment is based on statistical calculations of risk and, for example, uses scales to assess recidivism. Within a Children and Families Area Team the assessment framework used could be described as a holistic and inclusive assessment which is child-centred and addresses three domains: developmental needs, parental capacity and environmental factors. The GIRFEC practice model therefore aims for early identification of risk in all three domains as well as analysis of evidence, decision-making and planning. (Scottish Government 2008) Furthermore, it allows the practioner to utilise a developmental-ecological approach which is grounded in theories of child development an d emphasises interaction between child and environment as well as taking a resilience approach which weights strengths as well as vulnerabilities. (Local Authority Risk Assessment Training Handout, 2009). However, what all risk assessment tools have in common is that all information gathered is analysed to allow an understanding to be developed which then allows a professional judgement to be formed. Further to this risk assessment should take into account risk factors and protective factors that can anticipate and justify strategies of risk prevention as well as risk management. (Kemshall, 2003; Parton 2006). This should enable the social worker to utilise all appropriate interventions and/or decisions. Analysis of information, therefore, is an important factor when considering outcomes, likelihood and suitable action and accordingly, social workers require a good grasp of probability and statistical reason to interpret research and assessment information, organise their thinking and be able to draw sound provisional conclusions which are open to change in the light of new information. (Helm, 2009; Macdonald Macdonald, 2010). Risk management, in its simplest sense, describes the development of strategies to reduce the severity and frequency of identified risks and adverse outcomes. This involves discovering and controlling the dimensions of a proposed risk into a plan which involves implementing, monitoring, controlling and reviewing the risk decision. Further to this, at an organisational level, risk management requires a service that is adequately staffed with personnel who are fully trained and sufficiently knowledgeable and skilled in identifying problems or opportunities and to make appropriate interventions. (Vincent, 1995; Kapur, 2000; Carson Bain, 2008). The Scottish Government (2008) further suggests that risk management should be understood as risk reduction and that collectively professionals should have confidence, through defensible decision making, that measures implemented will reduce risk sufficiently. Taking these definitions into account, risk management suggest ways in which a decision may best be put into practice. What also should be included within a risk management strategy is the embracing of opportunities which could arise from any potential risk decisions. Another point which is important is that in order to make and manage a risk decision the quantity and quality of knowledge available to the social worker should meet the requirements needed to make a sound decision. Accordingly, before making a decision, consideration should be given to what is already known and its worth as well as reflection and contemplation of what is not known and any implications arising from this. Included in this should also be the consideration of any opportunities which may arise which may have the prospect of potential benefits. (Carson Bain, 2008). Littlechild Blakeney (1996) further suggest that the management of risk should be adaptable. This refers to the notion that families and their lives do not stay stable and changes can take place in their ability to cope therefore the risks can change too. Monitoring, for these reasons are important as is communication with the family and other agencies who are involved. Littlechild Blakeney go on to state that this is where the professional expertise of the social worker should be focused and not in an ineffective attempt to anticipate every potential risk. Consequently, the principles for risk management should be the need to ensure that the ongoing shared plan manages the risk, records decisions that shows how and why decisions were reached and ensures that decisions made have actions with named persons, clear timescales and review dates and also ensure that any agreed timescales may be reduced if new risks/needs become more apparent. Beck (1992) suggests we are living in a risk society in which he believes that late modernity, as a reflexive social order, manufactures new risks and uncertainties. Furedi (1997) also determines that we live in a populace obsessed with risk and that safety has become the fundamental value of our times. (Furedi, 1997, p.1). Furedi (1997) further suggests that the risk aversion culture we live in today is based on the way that risk and its negative effects are represented in the media and by politicians. Barry (2007) extends this claim by arguing that child protection work has become more reactive since the death of Maria Coldwell in 1973 which has resulted in a preoccupation with culpability, blame and retribution. This, has allowed social work practice to become very defensive, overly proceduralised and narrowly concerned with assessing, managing and insuring against risk. (Parton OByrne, 2000, p.1) Green (2007) upholds this notion by suggesting that governments, and the excessive number of regulatory agencies, are anxious to control the identification and deployment of risks, particularly within the context of high-profile media stories such as reports of child abuse cases and deaths of children previously known to social work departments. In retrospect, this socially acceptable requirement to minimise risk if not avoid taking risks altogether, has led to a social work profession that has become increasingly risk averse. (Scottish Executive, 2006). This approach to risk assessment and risk management has led to the introduction of more and more formal procedures to guide practice which could be argued is denying the freedom of the social worker to work in an empowering capacity. Working in an empowering capacity allows the professional practioner to focus on prevention and more centrally tackle issues of poverty and social inequality. What is also needed is a culture which is open for professional practioners to enable them to voice concerns and being able to discuss errors and therefore learn from mistakes. (Stalker, 2003; Barry, 2006; Ritchie Woodward, 2009). However, the Changing Lives Report (2006) has signified that one of the key areas identified was the need to develop a new organisational culture and approach to risk management and risk assessment which would promote excellence. Within risk decision making Macdonald Macdonald (2010) argue that a focus on high-profile cases of low-probability events distorts decision making and this makes for a larger number of children taken into care after such cases. They advocate that decisions about childrens lives should be based on professional judgement rather than media vilification and political pressure. When social workers make a professional judgement within risk decision making, the starting point must be the collection of information through professional observations and enquiries as well as from past information and information held by other professionals. It is that judgement that is carried forward into the decision making field. (Hollows 2003). However, the expression error of judgment is offered as an explanation for most of the high-profile child cases as well as in other professional activities. It is for this reason that judgement making should be viewed as a serious task. Hammond (1996) advocates that there are different kinds of judgements, made under different conditions. These different conditions are the time available, the kind of knowledge available and the judgement task itself. Hammond went on to develop a cognitive continuum of judgement making. This recognises that there are different approaches to judgement making. Examples of these are: on the spot processing of information and knowledge, known as intuition; peer-aided judgements where two or more people will share their knowledge and discuss outcomes and likelihoods. Finally, there are system-aided judgements that are supervisor or manager aided. Accordingly, application of the Cognitive Continuum allows the practioner to utilise the highest knowledge available and further enables the practioner to ensure that the acknowledged goals of efficacy, accuracy and consistency can be promoted. (Hollows, 2003; Carson Bain 2008). However, risk decision making is also subject to personal values and subjective perceptions of risk and dilemmas which continue to challenge social workers. Low-probability events such as child abuse or extreme violence can make prediction difficult. In these circumstances social workers can be challenged by risks that are high profile but typically infrequent and therefore, have a tendency to either overestimate risks because of anxiety or to underestimate risks which they are unaccustomed to. (Kemshall, 2002). From this perspective it is crucial that reflection, continuous review and the opportunity for regular supervision is supported particularly when research by Janus Mann (1977) found that stress generated a limited capacity to make a judgement as well as, and more crucially, an inability to make a decision. BL was referred to the Children and Families Area Team by his school. This was after a meeting with his primary carers regarding BLs increasingly emotional and angry outbursts and lack of attendance at school. The referral was made with agreement from his primary carers. BL is 12 years old and lives with his maternal grandmother, step-grandfather and his maternal aunt and has done since he was 18 months old. His step-grandfather is paraplegic as a result of an accident when BL was 3 years old. BLs maternal aunt has Prader-Willi Syndrome, she is 40 years old. BL has to share a bedroom with his aunt as the house only has two bedrooms and is privately owned. BL maintains contact with his mother and her long-term partner on a fortnightly basis and also goes on holiday with her but he has no wish to live full-time with his mother as she lives approximately 50 miles away. BL stated both to his grandmother and to me that his home is with Gran and Gramps. Mrs. L independently confirmed that BL had no wish to move to the city as did Ms. L (Bens mother). Ms. L has no other children. In order to understand Bens emotional frustration, I undertook some research on Prader-Willi Syndrome. I discovered that disordered night-time sleep patterns as well as emotional outbursts of rage were part of the symptoms. Coupled with this obsessive and/or compulsive behaviour including argumentative or oppositional behaviour were also predominant. (Clarke et al 1996). I also spoke with Mrs. L at length about her other caring commitments and discovered that she also drives to England on a monthly basis to visit her father, who is 90 years old, to make sure that his financial commitments are paid as well as making sure his carers are supporting him. Contact was also made with the social worker assigned to BLs aunt whereby I was informed that his aunt was in the process of being allocated a home of her own. This would take at least three months as adaptations had to be made to the house and suitable care arrangements had to be put into place. The social worker realised that these cir cumstances were affecting BL and we arranged to contact each other on a weekly basis regarding exchange of information. This was agreed with the L family. I placed my assessment and intervention practice within a developmental/ecological approach which has links with a strengths based approach. This allowed me to consider BLs protective factors as well as risk factors. BL has a secure base and has close bonds with his grandparents. He also had two very close friends from primary school and who continue to good friends. BL admitted that he was frustrated he had to share a bedroom. This meant no privacy in his home and he found it difficult to complete his homework or even relax as carers for his aunt came in at different times to get her ready for bed. This meant that he had to go to bed when his aunts carers were getting her ready for bed. BL also admitted that he felt that he sometimes had to compete for his grandparents attention. His absences from school appeared to coincide with the times his grandmother returned from her visit to England. After analysis of potential risk factors to BL such as possible self-harm, withdrawal from his family and friends, I made a referral to the local young carers group. This would allow him to spend time away from the family home with other young people who lived in similar circumstances as well as broaden his social network. This organisation would also be able to support him on a one-to-one and group work basis. Support was also made available to his primary carers, particularly his grandmother. Through the use of a personal diary I supported BL to talk to his grandparents about the frustration and emotional anger he felt which was relatively successful in the short term. In conclusion, Kolbs Reflective Cycle (1984) and Hammonds Cognitive Continuum (1996) allowed me to take into consideration BLs whole situation and promote protective factors and minimise risk. With reflection and supervisory discussion I believe I used my analytical skills and utilised my professional judgement to the best of my ability. However, as has been pointed out uncertainty is an important element in any risk assessment and/or decision and has to be taken into account when managing risk. Taking all these concepts regarding risk and reflective practice into consideration when I start to practice should enable me to better support service users in the future. 2,995 words

Machiavelli The Prince Political Discourse Politics Essay

Machiavelli The Prince Political Discourse Politics Essay Niccolà ² Machiavelli an Italian who lived between (3 May 1469 21 June 1527). He was a great philosopher who combined philosophy with authoring (Dehsen, 1999). Niccolo Machiavelli is also considered one of the chief creators of the contemporary political science. Machiavelli The Prince is a political discourse written jointly by the Italian community servant and a political philosopher Niccolà ² Machiavelli. At first Machiavelli The Prince was known as De Principatibus or About Principalities. Machiavelli The Prince was first put in black and white way back in the year 1513. However, The Prince never was then published until the year 1532 (Anglo, 2005). This was exactly a period of five years subsequent to the death of Niccolo Machiavelli. The Prince was actually one of the primary works of contemporary philosophy. In modern philosophy unlike old theories emphases is placed on pragmatic ends and not just teleological concepts. The practical end is therefore the principal purpose for current philosophy. In fact among Niccolo Machiavellis writings, the treatise is the most bore in mind. Apparently, it is also the one in charge for getting Machiavellian into extensive use as a derogatory term. Machiavellis The Prince has made a great input into the account of political deliberation and offers the fundamental departure between political pragmatism and political impracticality. Niccolà ² Machiavellis The Prince duly exposits and illustrates the arts through which a ruler, the prince himself can sustain control of his territory (Roger Masters, 1996). It mainly gives attention to the new prince, beneath the presupposition that an inherited prince has no challenges on the throne, but rather an easier assignment in ruling. Machiavelli writes so since the subjects are quite accustomed to the prince. To hold on to power, the inherited prince is obliged to vigilantly uphold the socio-political establishments to which the subjects are used to; while a new-fangled prince has the extra complicated chore in ruling, given that he is taxed to foremost calm down his power so as to put up a lasting political structure (Roger Masters (1996). That task does require the new prince to be a ci vic stature whose repute and characters are beyond reproach. At the same time, the prince is required to secretly act amorally in order to accomplish the State set targets and goals. Very proper examples include the princes who to a large extent successfully acquire and retain power, obtain from his remarks as a Florentine ambassador, and his antique history interpretations; hence, the Latin terms and typical examples. Machiavellis The Prince promptly looks at the acquirement, upholding, as well as usage of political supremacy in the civilized world. As a matter of fact, Machiavelli put in writing The Prince to provide evidence his expertise in the skill of the country, giving guidance on the modalities that a prince can employ so as to obtain and at the same time keep power. In The Prince Machiavelli actually validated rule by force to a good extent than by law. As a result, The Prince appears to rationalize a number of actions done solely to perpetuate power. It is a classic study of power-its acquisition, expansion, and effective use. In the The Prince the prince never sends away morals, in lieu, it politically describes Morality as in the decisive factor for up to standard cruel exploit. It has got to be influential. It should actually bear such features as being quick, effective, and efficient as well as short-lived (Whelan, Frederick, 2004). Niccolo Machiavelli is quite aware and conscious of the quirk of fate of good outcomes emanating from wicked actions; in spite of some explanatory subject matter. In fact that is why the Catholic Church did prohibit The Prince. As a discourse, the primary scholastic input to the record of political thinking is really the elemental crack between political practicality and political impracticality (Whelan, Frederick, 2004). As a result, The Prince is actually an instruction booklet to get ones hands on and maintenance of the desirable political power. However, conventional idyllic society is not the sole aim of the princes eagerness to power. As a philosopher and a political scientist, Machiavelli does emphasize essential, logical exercise of boastful force punishment as well as recompense like patronage in order to safeguard and maintain the status quo. The opinion expanded on by Niccolo Machiavelli in The Prince might look as if it is tremendous even for the period of time in which they were authored. Nevertheless, the entire life of Machiavelli was used up in Florence. Then, there was an uninterrupted political conflict. For that reason, Machiavelli does emphasize for the needs for steadiness in the principality of the prince. The territory of the prince is at risk with regard to its preservation. The hypotheses articulated in The Prince expresses techniques that a would-be prince can use to attain the throne, or an existing prince can use to maintain his reign. According to Machiavelli, the supreme ethical good is a righteous and unwavering state, as well as dealings to look after the realm is for that reason warranted even if they seem are malicious. Machiavelli sturdily put forward, though, that the prince ought not to be loathed. He says, a wise prince should establish himself on that which is his own control and not in that of others; he must endeavor to avoid hatred, as is noted. (Constitution.org) Indeed in the opening discussion of The Prince, there is clear definition of effective and efficient methods of governing or controlling the subject in quite a number of sorts of principalities. For instance a newly attained versus hereditary acquired territories. In fact, Machiavelli does put in plain words to the reader, the Magnificent Lorenzo de Medici an associate of the Florentine Medici relations and honestly the best ways to obtain, sustain, and by extension defend a country. The schemes illustrated within bears the broad-spectrum theme of attaining needed trimmings by any possible means. Machiavelli spins to the ways a country can demonstrate aggression on the others terrains and/or defend itself. According to Machiavelli, the two most prominent and essential brass tacks for any stable nation, whether ancient or fresh, are ample laws and regulations and tough armed forces. An autonomous prince is that who can counters any adversary on the combat zone. However, a prince that depends entirely on buttresses or just on the assist of others and by annex stands on the protective is not self-reliant. If the prince cannot at all lift up a strong formidable defense force, other than relying on security, he is required to make stronger his city (Whelan, Frederick, 2004). Machiavelli firmly believes that a well-fortified city or territory is not likely to be hit, and if in any case it is attacked, nearly all armies will fail to withstand an unmitigated cordon or siege and subsequently withdraw or surrender. On the other hand, during a blockade a good prince will carry on the sp irits of his people as well as military high while getting rid of all dissidents. as a consequence, so long as the city or territory is appropriately safeguarded and by extension has adequate supplies for basic necessities, an astute prince can withstand and subdue any cordon. In The Prince, Machiavelli strongly argues and by extension stands in opposition to the usage of mercenaries to secure and defend territory. He believes firmly that the mercenaries are quite useless to any ruler who is worth his salt. He carries this since the mercenaries are considered as unlimitedly undisciplined, gutless, and further still possess limited or no loyalty at all. Moreover, Machiavelli sates that the mercenaries are in most situations being motivated merely by money and not that real urge to fight and even die for ones country. They really lack genuine loyalty and can grossly betray the course of a worthy conquerable fight. Machiavelli characterizes the weakness of the Italian municipality to their absolute reliance and trust on the disloyal mercenary armies (Sullivan, Vickie, 1996). In fact according to him, a prince should have a well recruited army whose loyalty is pocketed by the prince and extensively his subordinate. Machiavelli is completely convinced that hire armies in the name of mercenaries must not be depended upon by a state as this will jeopardize the live of the subjects. As a matter of addition, Machiavelli further cautions in opposition to using back up forces, rented troops or even those borrowed from close collaborator, for the simple reason that if they end up winning a battle, then the employer will subsequently be in their act of kindness and yet if they are defeated, the employer will totally be ruined and unable to command them. Such situation is quite dangerous as it imperils the states stability and it is the subjects who bear the brand. According to Machiavelli auxiliary forces in all cases are more perilous than even the mercenary armies since they are usually solidly united and managed by accomplished commanders who may perhaps turn against the employer who is the prince. They are normally difficult to tame and are at free end to the extent that they can go against the grain and claim the throne or cause a coup. In The Prince Machiavelli do observes that the most important apprehension for a ruler, the prince, should actually be battle, or to that effect preparation for the same. He says that war enables a heritable prince to keep up his power and/or an ordinary citizen to ascend to the throne and duly take control of a state. In that regard, Machiavelli promptly recommends that a prince have got to recurrently hunt or track in order to physically keep his body in shape and at the same time gain knowledge of the scenery which surrounds his sovereignty (Sullivan, Vickie, 1996).. The physical body robust and knowledge of the surrounding terrain are of essence to a prince. He claims that via this, the prince can preeminently become skilled and knowledgeable at how and when to secure and protect his territory and further press forward upon others similar if not the same. To Machiavelli, this is like killing two birds or more with a single stone. Machiavelli advances further that for a rational s trength, the prince is give a piece of advice to learn great military men like Alexander The Great in order to emulate their methodologies and achievements and further still steer clear of their mistakes (Sullivan, Vickie, 1996). He says that a prince who is adequately diligent in periods of peace and tranquility will be geared up in times of hardship. In fact, Machiavelli notes, thus, when fortune turns against him he will be prepared to resist it. In The Prince Machiavelli writes that when and if a prince ascends to the throne via luck and/or through the consents of powerful societal figures contained by a given regime, he actually has an trouble-free time attaining power. He cautions, however, that such acquired powers do offer the prince an enormous challenge to absolutely take control of the subjects and the army. He says that the prince will encounter hard time keeping the power thereafter, for the reason that his power is merely dependent on his backers benevolence which Machiavelli describes as a changeable thing at best. This is so because the ultimate prince will fail to command and acquire the absolute loyalty of the armies as well as officials he badly needs in order to stamp and uphold his authority (Sullivan, Vickie1996). Unfortunately, Machiavelli notes that these authorities if in any case such a prince assumes them then they can be withdrawn from him at any time and at a whim. In addition, Machiavelli states tha t since he ascended to the throne the effortless way, it is without certainty that such a leader has due necessary skills, knowledge or wisdom as well as strength to stand and position himself on his own feet as a leader. On the other hand, Machiavelli says that a prince who on his own rises by causing the downfall of the existing regime has a tough time getting higher. However, such a prince is able to rule with ease thereafter. Machiavelli hints that such a prince has sufficient guts to clear out and away his enemies. That he is also able to forge treaties on his own conditions and terms and by extension earns more recognition and respect. According to The Prince, improving an existing regime is actually one of the main treacherous and easier said than done things a ruler can do. Machiavelli writes that this is partly due to the fact that citizens are of course resistant by nature to change and /or reform, either sudden or gradual (Soll Jacob, 2005) . Partly there is enormous resistance since the beneficiaries of the old government will with all their strength resist passionately using the people and their resources. They will spread propaganda and intoxicate peoples mind. At the same time those who stand a chance or more to gain from any new regime will be of assistance to such a prince only half-heartedly. They will bear divide loyalty. This is for the most part due to the reformers lack of authenticity, and to some noticeable degree it is difficult for populace to readily believe and trust in an anticipated government that they have not practiced for themselves. What is more, it is obviously pragmatically not possib le for the leader (prince) to meet and deliver everyones glowingly huge prospects (Sullivan, Vickie 1996). . Without doubt, the prince will sadly let down some of his staunch supporters. Machiavelli in The Prince gives immediate solution to this. He says it is possible the prince counters this. All he needs to do in this case is for the prince to have the means and ways to oblige and compel his cohorts to maintain their support for him even at the time they begin having second opinions (Soll, Jacob, 2005). In such a situation in Machiavellis point of view it is only well armed diviners who thrive in getting necessary long lasting change. In the Prince, Machiavelli also mention regarding the behavior and conduct of the mighty prince particularly toward his subjects. Machiavelli states (Whelan, Frederick, 2004) : Men have imagined republics and principalities that never really existed at all. Yet the way men live is so far removed from the way they ought to live that anyone who abandons what is for what should be pursues his downfall rather than his preservation; for a man who strives after goodness in all his acts is sure to come to ruin, since there are so many men who are not good. In view of the fact that there are countless possible qualities and characters that a prince can be associated with and be said to enjoy, the prince has not to be exaggeratedly apprehensive regarding having wholly the good qualities. In addition, a prince may perhaps seem to be compassionate, kind, true to life, humanitarian, forthright, and even religious (Brian, 2001). A prince should only give such impression to have such qualities. They do not have to be authentically possessed by the prince. He just needs to give a hint of having, but not necessarily does he need to have them anyway. In The Prince, a prince can not strictly have such qualities and characters for the simple reason that at certain periods it is of essence for the prince to act against them for the good of all the subjects. Even though an awful repute ought to be evaded, it is not fundamental in smooth governance and maintaining power (Brian, 2001). The only ethic and moral that matters here are indeed one that is quite of assistance to the prince in particular when he is dealing with matters of concern to the state. Machiavelli emphatically declares in The Prince that dedications which are made in times of peace and tranquility are not always reserved in adversity. However, such devotion made in fright is reserved out of fright. And yet, a prince is tasked to guarantee that he is never dreaded to the level of hatred, which is quite possible.

Old Man And The Sea - One Finds In Life Exactly What One Contributes :: essays research papers

Life is a dramatic subject that many writers choose as a topic. Life is not only an ocean of melancholy but also offers real joy. Earnest Hemingway successfully won a Nobel Prize on this theme by writing The Old Man and the Sea. The old man, Santiago, was the main character of the story. During his lonely journey out at sea, he learned that life offered him an undeniable joy, plus frustration. Honor, heroism, and struggle were obstacles Santiago encountered which provided him courage and faith. For instance, Santiago’s life was filled with honor. The past and the present were memories for which the old man was most proud. The old man endured tremendous physical pain and leading him to almost give up. To encourage himself, the old man remembered the time when he was El Campeon, which mean The Champion in Spanish. â€Å"For a long time after that everyone had called him The Champion† (pg. 70). The memory of being a victor revived Santiago’s stamina, encouraging him to seek another goal. His next goal, the Marlin, ultimately challenged him. â€Å"Fish†¦I’ll stay with you until I am dead.† (pg. 52). At the moment when Santiago harpooned the Marlin through the heart, he knew that he was victorious. This act realistically sobered Santiago; he gained more honor and self-confidence. As a result, Santiago’s life was filled with a feeling of nobility. Furthermore, Santiago often talked about his hero. It was Joe DiMaggio, a famous and eminent baseball player. Joe DiMaggio directly and indirectly affected the old man. His actions and his attitudes contributed to the old man’s life. â€Å"But I must have the confidence and I must be worthy of the great DiMaggio.† (Pg. 68). Thinking about DiMaggio showed the old man the way to victory. His worship of DiMaggio woke the courage that was within the old man’s heart. As Santiago thought the ultimate challenge was over, the worse was yet to come. The shark had sensed the Marlin’s blood and moved after it. It approached and ate the Marlin. The old man had to fight back with them. â€Å"Fight them. I’ll fight them until I die.† (Pg. 115). Santiago used all of his supplies to fight with the shark: harpoon, tiller, etc. By the time Santiago came back to Havana, the Marlin now was just a carcass bone. The sharks played an important role in the story.

Jean Luc Picard as a Leader Essays -- Star Trek Essays Papers

Jean Luc Picard as a Leader If the cause is just and honorable they are prepared to give their lives--Jean Luc Picard The cares for lives, continuation of other's future, and the hope of a more successful generation are rarely the thoughts of anyone. Most individuals are self-centered, careless of others, and seek personal benefit. Although these unfortunate qualities make up the majority of the society that we live in, there are few individuals that make up what we call good leaders. Someone who has a thorough, objective, and complete view of a situation are a good leader. A good leader is also a person who considers and cares for other people's well being. Along with these qualities, a leader never allows any emotion or fears to come in the way of rational thought. Jean Luc Picard is a good leader. Picard is a good leader because he has all the attributes and qualities of a leader. When Picard has to make a decision, he is thorough and very objective. Picard always seeks to find the height and depth of the situation in hand. Picard considers his actions and all their possible outcomes to insure th e well being of his crew's future. Lastly, Picard never makes any decisions based on his or someone else's fear or emotion. He is not convinced easily and will seldom make a decision without having unequivocal reasons. Throughout this paper, I intend to further make clear that Jean Luc Picard truly is a leader. I will primarily use scenes and quote from "The Defector," an episode from the series Star Trek the New Generation, to account for all the statements. Let us consider some leaders that we have in present day. Many of us would say that the president of the United States is a leader. Every four year, millions of citi... ...omplete view of the situation at hand. Picard never allowed any fear or emotion come in the way of rational thought. Most importantly, we know that Jean Luc was always concerned for the well being of his friends and their future generations, because when he needed it his care was repaid and it saved him. Works Cited: "Interchange on the Defector." Student Works. http://www.cwrl.uexas.edu/~tonya/309m/class/defect.htmal. (30 Jan. 1996). Kernick, Phil. "The Defector." The Trekker Reviews. http://ringo.psy.flinders.edu.au:80/trekker/tng3//the_defector.html (1993). Lynch, Timothy. "The Defector." Star Trek The Next Generation, Season 3. http://cruciform.cid.com/~werdna/sttng/synopsis/defector.syn.html (30 Jan. 1996). Tong, Andrew. "The Defector." Mr. Video Productions. http://cruciform.cid.com/~werdna/sttng/synopsis/defector.syn.html. (27 May 1994).

Philosophy and Religion - Are they Compatible? Essay -- Ethics Christi

Philosophy and Religion - Are they Compatible? The death of God. Just the sound of the phrase makes it seem like a scary event, one that would change the life of everyone involved. The idea of the "death" of something implies that it did, at one time, have life or vitality. Friedrich Nietzsche uses this phrase to make a point, to define an event, which signifies the last man's life as pathetic. Perhaps we realize that God is not dead; perhaps our belief in God is so sure, that even contemplating Nietzsche's ideas appalls us. The truth is, his ideas make us think. They make us contemplate our beliefs and our mentality. I suggest that Nietzsche has a point; we must discover the role of religion in our lives. Does it draw us to act as one of the herd? Does religion weaken us, as he suggests? Or is our salvation and strength through God? Rather than having to look the possibility of an overman for strength, religion and God offer strength rather than weakness. Nietzsche offers to us an opportunity to rethink our set opinions and question the strength of our belief. I suggest that his concept of the overman and our concept of a follower can be reconciled. I will attempt to reconcile his self-power with our belief in the power of God through looking at other philosophers as well as Nietzsche. Why should we care what Nietzsche thinks about Christianity, about life, or even about God? "We cannot afford to ignore the bracing, stimulating side of Nietzsche's view of life, his exposure of softness, of flimsy and sugary sentimentalism, of our slipshod temper, of the mental atmosphere of the slacker" (Foster 191-2). And why can't we afford to ignore his ideas? Because he presents a new idea of the human: the herd tendencies, the ... ...e and choose faith over sin. With the ideas of thinkers from Nietzsche to Kierkegaard intact, I feel the time has come to present my own ideas. In contrast to Nietzsche, I offer the thought that power can be found through humility. Perhaps it would be best for us to bring the questioning and self-power found in Nietzsche together with the faith and love of God found in Kierkegaard and Lewis. Works Cited Lewis, C.S. "Faith Proves the Existence of God to the Believer" Marx, Karl. The Marx-Engels Reader. Ed. Robert C. Tucker. New York: Norton, 1978. Weber, Max. The Protestant Ethic and The Spirit of Capitalism. Los Angeles: Roxbury, 1998. Foster, George Burman. Friedrich Nietzsche. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1931. Nietzsche, Friedrich. The Gay Science. New York: Vintage Books, 1974. Jung, C.G. "Seminar on Nietzsche's Zarathustra".

KFC Culture Essay

culture: 1: believe in all people —–we trust in positive intentions and belivev everyone has the potential to make a difference. we actively seek diversity in others to expand our thinking and make the best decionsion. we coach and support every individual to frow to their full capability. 2. be restaurant and customer maniacs†¦.now!—- we love running great restaurants and our customers rule.we act with ensure every customers sees it and feels it in every restrants. We make sure we have great RGMs who build great teams. We are maniacal about rigorous execution of our core processes to deliver our brand standards as our #1 brand building initiative. It’s the foundation for making customer mania come alive. 3. go for breakthrough. —-we begin by asking ourselves, what can i do now to get breakthrough results in my piece of YUM?!our intentionality drives step change thinking. We imagine hoe big something can be and work future back., going full out with positive energy and personal accountability to make it happen. 4. build know how—–we grow by being avid learnes, pursuing knowledge and best practices inside and outside our company.we seek truth over harmony everystep of the way. We consistently drive outstanding execution by scaling our leanings into process and tools around what matters most. Breakthroughs come when we get people with knowdge thinking creatively. 5. take the hill teamwork—–we team together to drive action versus activity. we discuss the undiscussable.always promoting healthy debate and healthy decisions. our relationships allow us to ask the earth other. We make specific verbal contracts to get big things done with urgence and excellence. 6. recognize! recognize! recognize! —–we attract and retain the best people and inspire greatness by being world famous for recognition. we love celebratng the achievement of others and have lots of fun doing it!

Organizations that fail to plan are planning to fail Essay

Currently, the numerous establishments pour huge sums of capitals into competitory commercialize in dictate to bring forth a larger trade luck and seek much pecuniary pro fusillades. just ab pop(a) of them be achievement, man opposites are eliminated with a huge monetary loss by the fierce competition. However, the main reason why those companies failed is nothing but not having an well-rounded strategical prep. This essay volition argue that a society with an all-round be after in wrong of outer and essential environs of the course will supporter businesses achieve caller-outs documentals and proceed from the intensive competition of the capital securities pains place. training for inner(a) environment mainly ground on partnerships impuissance and strength base increase the running(a) faculty and coordination for the purpose of reducing in the accomplishment live associated with drudgery mistakes, tour homework for the international in price of compeverys threats and opportunities tush encourage the business tellingly analyze local market and expand comp whatsoever in methodicalness to gain more monetary benefits.It is undeni adequate to(p) that a conventional intend for a keep conjunction plays contributions to achieving organizations objective under the assumption of idempotent and predictable environment (Robbins et al. 2012 p.87). However, it is commonly believed that the capital market is pearlescent and unpredictable (Kumar 2011, p.18). As a result, a well-constructed political platform skill not be able to fit in every circumstance of business. virtually forbid discussions on a form-only(prenominal) planning have been issued recently (Robbins 2012, p.87). Firstly, a stiff planning whitethorn realise about rigidity to the accomplishmenting environment that makes counselling lack flexibility and selectivity, which leads managers to be simply tied on a specific course of action (Robbi ns 2012, p.87). Secondly, a formal planning may trap caters creativity and intuition. As a corporation needs individuals creativity and innovation to be improved, the result of formal planning may reduce the vision to an inflexible lodge routine, which will be a reception of disaster (Robbins 2012, p.87).Thirdly, planning may strangle managers strategic vision. There is a tendency that a planning curiously for the strategic performance of business only focuses on how to maximize organization financial benefits in the capital market. As a result, the managers may simply focus on the sphere of influence the community before long has, rather than diversion or reinvention in aims of company amplification in the future (Robbins 2012,p.87). Fourthly, a formal planning mess enhance success that maybe a receipt of failure. match to Robins (2012, p.87), managers may follow some precedential business cases that succeed before. Thereby, it is hard and averse for them to disc ard the successful run through of precedents when make a plan for the company. However, this plan may supporting managers from doing things in a newly way that would be even more successful because successful experience cannot work in every company environment, especially in current uncertain and changeable capital market (Robbins 2012, p.87). However, for the business long-term success, the importance of strategic planning in terms of inside for a business is incredibly meaningful (Topfer 2011, para.1).Firstly, an inbornly think planning can proffer an national analysis of organization that considers internal weakness of company (Ingram 2014, para.3). Through an internal management planning, managers of a company can instantly refer the lack of companys abilities and resources and then analyze the weaknesses may make up in the future information at the first beginning of a companys performance, such as the staff skill limitation, the limitation of its product radiat ion diagram or the dearth of technical and financial support (Flott 1997, pp.42-3). Thus, remedial measures, such as employing higher(prenominal) educated employees or rise of pulverisation equipment, can be well-timed acted. Consequently, financial loss or resources shortage can be effectively avoided during the operating room (Flott 1997, p.43).Secondly, an internally focus planning plays an effective role in helping managers identify company strengths as well (Robbins et al. 2012, p.90). Analyzing company strengths by finding out any unique resource or any performance the business does better than other companies, managers are able to disc over some competitive advantages (Ingram 2012, para.5). For instance, the world largest mobile company, orchard apple tree, they crawl in that they have abundant financial strengths, thence they fully take financial advantages by making considerable investment over $160 million annually in the area of innovation and design of products ( Clark 2014, para.1). As a result, orchard apple tree attracts millions of loyal customers somewhat the world and makes them willing to purchase the products perpetually because of the highest quality and best performance of products (Clark 2014, para.2). Thirdly, internal planning helps managers do some internal adjustment for increasing working efficiency.For instance, by thoroughly analyzing staff working capabilitiesin terms of education level, work experience and overall competence, managers can optimize the purpose of world resources. Effectively deploying different human resources into different working departments, where is suitable for distributively employee, can maximize their strengths in coiffure to achieve higher work efficiency and coordination (Loton 2007, p.373). As a result, the errors of ware and wastage that caused by staffs working against during the operation can be substantially avoided and declined. In other words that the operation constitute can be reduced and keep company moving effectively towards its objective (Robbins et al. 2012, p.86). Fourthly, it is also steadying for managers to determine whether the operation of organization is on the right racetrack and check how far they have drifted forth from the original objective by an internal planning (Topfer 2011, para.4). Internal planning is a reference point that can award managers to yield to any point of operation once the mistakes happened (Topfer 2011, para.3). The functions of a strategic planning which externally focused are little for companys success as well.An external planning can stomach an analysis that examines the threats and opportunities of company that independently exists in the external environment (Olsen 2010, para.10). According to Olsen (2010, para.10), the threats are obstacles that prevent organization from achieving its objectives and have negative effects on future development in terms of external while the opportunities refer to a positi ve fit in the external environment that will produce constructive contributions on organizations success. Through analyzing companys threats when makes an externally focused plan, managers are able to clearly identify, for instance, what the supply and cost of industry is in the location where operates and whether the craunch cost will significantly affect the loot of products (Robbins et al. 2012, p.87). A remarkable example of this is Apple Company. Apple has currently occupied the market of mobile phone over 60%, so a large inwardness of elbow grease force is required during the production (Worstall 2013, para.2).In order to have a lower labor cost, the production planning center of Apple decided that settled the factories into Asian countries because Asia have a comparatively lower labor cost and atomic pile of labor supply (Worstall 2013, para.1). A latest statistical data has been carried out that Apple has to pay more $4.2 billion to the production staff if Apple man ufactures iPhone in the US rather than in Asia (Worstall 2013, para.1).So, it is obvious that a company analyzing its external condition when makes an external plan is crucial to its objectives in terms of financial benefits. Furthermore, having an external plan is helpful for managers to find out the companys opportunities, such as a market gap that no organization is currently serving, a new field that can be stepped in for the purpose of exploring market to seek more financial return and developmental opportunities (Ingram 2012, paras 6-7). After analyze external environment of company, managers can timely dwell what products can affect market shell out and what changes are in consumers favor that may increase the sale of products (Ingram 2012, para.6).As a result, effective adjustments in terms of approach and innovation of products and can be carried out in order to remain companys long-term competiveness in the market and meet the customers demand immediately (Ingram 2012, para.6). Hence, the gross sales of product can be increase and more financial profits can be brought out. In conclusion, although having a formal planning may bring some negative effects on companys success, a well-constructed strategic plan in terms of internally focused and externally focused makes contribution to its financial profit and surviving from the market competition. To an internal plan, combining companys industry status with its strength, it can help company enhance its market position and do some positive adjustment in order to get a higher working efficiency and coordination, while identifying companys weakness, such as scarceness of resources, some remedial measures can be acted in advance in order to avoid financial loss in the further development.To an external plan, analyzing companys opportunities can help business seek new market in order to reach developmental potential. At the said(prenominal) time, an external plan can provide an external analysis that as sist managers with identifying companys threats, such as labor cost and supply. According to Apples example, choosing a most beneficial manufactory location not only can have a sufficient labor supply but also have plenty of labor cost. Overall, adhering a strategic plan both internally and externally for a company is constructive and meaningful in its long-term success.Reference appointFlott, LW 1997, Quality Control Corporate prep, Elsevier Science, July, pp.42-5. Ingram, D 2014, Internal & External strategic PlanDevelopment, Chron, viewed 21 April 2014, . Kumar, B 2011, Capital Market, Anurag Jain, New Delhi, India. Loton, C 2007, using good business planning to find out good governance, Keep heartfelt Companies, July, pp.372-5. Olsen, E 2010, Internal & External summary, OnStrategy, 5 April, viewed 1 May 2014, . Robbins, S, DeCenzo, D, Coulter, M & Woods, M 2012, Management The Essentials, 1st edn, Pearson, Australia.Topfer, S 2011, The Importance of Business Planning, NA SDAQ, 25 February, viewed 20 April 2014, . Worstall, T 2013, If Apple Brought iPhone Manufacturing To The US It Would Cost Them $4.2 billion, Forbes, 25 September, viewed 2 May 2014, .