Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Information Systems - Essay Example The spare capacity if available can be used for different purposes. The remote hosting at the third-party facilities as well leads the company to the curtailing of the costs while maintaining the internal control over hardware, software and communications and keeping its established relationship with the third party. Hosting at the Surebridge’s facilities, on the other hand, has the advantage of sparing the customer worry about establishing and maintaining its own IS infrastructure, investing into hardware etc. Moreover, customer receives over-the-clock access to the monitoring tools and gets a dedicated manager who is well aware of the company’s specifics and recent history. To make a sound choice, more information about both the options and the company’s particular needs is desirable in order to successfully match one with another. On the Surebridge’s side, additional required information would include price, total cost of ownership, connectivity and speed of connection, security standards with regards to transfer and processing of the commercial data, set-up time, reliability of the back-up system and assurance of operations continuity, additional services provided. On the company’s side, it would be necessary to know whether its operations and needs are quite similar to those of other companies in the industry, or does it need the customized solutions and treatment. It is also important to know if the company already has a modern IS infrastructure and some trained personnel, or an agreement on hosting with a third party in place. Moreover, the required speed and volume of processing stemming out of the scope of the company’s operations and necessity of the computers and IT infrastructure to be deployed for other purposes should also be considered. A possibility to visit Sharebridge’s facilities would be an exciting experience. I would like to start by looking at the

Physical Therapist Assistant Essay Example for Free

Physical Therapist Assistant Essay In my experience as Physical Therapist Assistant, I have come to learn that physical therapy is a profession in health care division which deals with the restoration and maintenance of the movements and function of individuals who were disabled by aging, injury, diseases, or accidents. This profession involves constant interaction between physical therapist to patients/clients, doctors, families of patients, caregivers, and even communities. Physical Therapists ( PT) and Physical Therapist Assistants ( PTA) are required to study the history of their patients, results of the physical examinations of the patients performed by medical professionals, results of laboratory examinations and imaging studies of the patients, before the therapist can establish a management plan for the patient. We can practice in different settings such as outpatient clinics and offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, education and research centers, schools, hospices, industrial workplaces, fitness centers and sport training facilities. We can also be assigned to different specialized section of the hospital we are working in, such as: cardiopulmonary where we handle patients with cardiopulmonary disorders or those who have undergone cardiac or pulmonary surgeries; geriatric or adult patients whose movements are affected by arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer diseases, hip and joint replacement, and balance disorders; neurological department where patients are afflicted with Alzheimer’s diseases, ALS, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s diseases, spinal cord injury and stroke; orthopedic department whose patients have problems with their musculoskeletal system; We are also trained in treatment and management of infants, children and adolescents with congenital diseases, developmental, neuromuscular, skeletal and acquired disorders; while in pediatric department; and patients with wounds and burns in the intergumentary department. The educational requirements of Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant have not much difference in the subjects we have taken. Both PT s and PTAs are required to take General Biology, Psychology, Pharmacology, Patho-physiology, Medical Technology, and Human Electives. However, Physical Therapists have additional subjects such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology. I have also observed that this profession is more suitable to men than women. This is due to the fact that this profession calls for a lot of physical exertions such as carrying and assisting temporary invalid patients. It is also advisable to anyone who wants to enter this profession to be physically, mentally, and emotionally strong. Physically, in the sense that since we will be dealing patients whose movements are not well-coordinated due to their injuries or incapacities, they will be a lot heavier the ordinary people. We also have to be mentally and emotionally strong, as to be able to possess patience and perseverance in understanding the attitudes of the patients for they may prove difficult to handle due to their incapacities. Due to the differences in their curriculum and educational background, there are also differences in the job description between a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant. Although they have to acquire licensure after graduation, the degree of the PT is in doctorate level while the PTA is that of an associate degree. In work area, they are both tasked with the assessment of patients, implementing the treatment of the patient, keeping and monitoring their patients’ records, communicating with patients as to the condition of their patients, and also communicating with other PT and selected healthcare professionals. However, the PT has more additional duties and obligations than the PTA. This includes the task of determining the plan care of the patient, the analysis of the evaluation and assessment results from physicians of the patients, establishing treatment goals for the patient, and managing various patient problems. The PT can assign the right tasks to the PTA and PT technicians while the PT can assign tasks to PT technicians only. Licensed PT and PTA are required to be a member of an association of physical therapist assistants such as the APTA or the American Physical Therapy Association. This association was first formed in 1921 and was called the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association. In the later part of 1930, this name was changed to American Physiotherapy Association and begun accepting male members. During World War II, the members of this association rose from 1,000 to 8,000 members due to greater demands for therapists. By 1940’s, it established its main office in New York, hired full-time staff, established a House of Delegates to create policies to be followed by its members, and changed its name to American Physical Therapy Association. From then on, the number of its members has swelled to more than 75,000 all over the United States. The main goal of APTA is to promote development and progress in physical therapy practice, research, and education. And assist its members in their problems regarding their work and profession. The mission of APTA is to improve the position in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the movement dysfunctions of patients. Aside from this, APTA also aimed to develop the functional abilities and health of the public. I have the privilege to interview a licensed physical therapist assistant and here are the excerpts: †¢ Why did you choose PT over other professions? I chose PT over some other profession for personal growth. You see ever since I was a child, I am very much fascinated by human anatomy. And because of this, I cannot afford to just sit back and see people suffer with their limited movements due to diseases and accidents. I then decided to take this course and profession to help people survive and rebuild their lives after their traumatic experience. Also PT has wider scope in theoretical and practical learning in school, and I want to see these principles and concepts being applied in the healthcare settings. †¢ What are the challenges involved in your profession? I find the way the interaction between the patients and me goes a big challenge. People are different. They have different attitudes, needs and wants, outlook, and so on. As such, it is very hard to interact with numerous patients everyday because the way you interact with one is not necessarily the way you would interact with the others. I mean, one patient would want to be pampered and spoiled while another would not want to be treated as if he or she was an invalid. Another challenge for me is how to motivate my patients for them to follow my instructions and the treatment plan I have propose to them. For a lot of people, the loss of functionality of one facility or skill could be very difficult to accept. Most of them would lose hope and sulk. This is, why as PT, I have to make him or her understand that we could still revive it, that we could still bring back that functionality or skill and that life can pretty much go back to normal. †¢ What advise do you give to those who aspire to become a PT like you? Well, for those who want to take up this profession, I advise them to be sure if this is really want they want in life; if they have compassion to other people specially those who are disabled. You see, this profession takes a lot of hard work†¦ physically, mentally and emotionally. One has to be patient enough in dealing with their patients, for cases handled by physical therapists require perseverance, hard work, and a lot of understanding. One must have flexible time in order to be able to attend to the needs and treatments of the patient. One must have the stamina in handling and assisting temporary disabled patients for they sure need a lot of help in their movements. One must also have the compassion to make the patient comfortable as much as possible, for mostly patients in this department are in a lot of pain with each movement they made. †¢ Is there anything you do to improve in your work? Oh yes, I do. As a matter of fact, I always update myself on any development with regards to the new treatment program being discovered by researcher in this department. I also attend seminars and study program abroad about the latest trend in giving therapy. I also keep myself well informed about the latest drug developed for patients in this area. †¢ How do you keep yourself fit and healthy in this kind of profession? As it is taxing and strenuous in this field of work, I take large doses of Vitamin C to strengthen my immune system, and multivitamins to give me this energy needed in assisting patients and treating their dysfunctions. And a lot of sleep, and most of all, clean living – meaning no smoking and drinking excess liquor, to maintain the balance needed. Works Cited â€Å"About APTA. † APTA. 2009. 09 February 2009 http://www. apta. com. â€Å"About the Profession: Physical Therapist Assistant. † Midlands Technical College. 2009. 09 February 2009 http://www. mtc. com â€Å"APTA History. † APTA. 2009. 09 February 2009. http://www. apta. com â€Å"Physical Therapy. † Wikipedia. 2009. 09 February 2009. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Physical therapy.

Essays --

On November 28th, 1942 a fire broke out in Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston. The fire killed approximately 492 people, injuring 166, and impacting numerous others (Cocoanut Grove Fire). This event became known as one of the deadliest nightclub fires of its time. The causes for such a devastating event can be analyzed using utilitarian ethics presented by John Stuart Mill. The decisions made by the owners of the nightclub will be evaluated as being right or wrong based on utilitarian theory. The utilitarian ethics theory in a nutshell basically states that â€Å"the good is the well-being of all, impartially considered (Riley 68).† What is emphasized in utilitarian theory is that the greatest good be produced for the greatest number of people. This brings up the question of what â€Å"good† actually is. Many utilitarian theorists believe there are two kinds of good, intrinsic and instrumental. Intrinsic good is good considered just by itself while all other things are instruments for gaining the intrinsic goods (Schinzinger 55). Mill believes that the only intrinsic good is happiness and thus the emphasis can be rewritten as the greatest happiness produced for the greatest number of people. In other words, happiness is basically the only thing desirable as an end in itself. However, once again we ask the question of what happiness really is. When explaining his utilitarian theory, Mill separates happiness into two types, the higher and the lower (Mill Ch.2 ). Mill defines the higher happiness as being that of humans including such qualities as justice, creativity, morality and nobility. On the other hand, the lower happiness is that which is associated with animals and is purely pleasure based. Using these two types of happiness, Riley c... ...at the owner did not act like Socrates dissatisfied but instead he acted like a fool. In other words, in this case the owner did not act like a smart man with dissatisfaction because of lack of money, but instead he acted like a fool with plenty of money. This fool believes that having more money is the ultimate happiness, when in reality it is only a stepping-stone towards happiness. In the aftermath of the Cocoanut Grove fire, building codes were amended by adding two outward-opening exit doors next to revolving doors, clearly marking exits that could be unlocked from within and keeping every exit unobstructed, requiring sprinklers and emergency lighting. (Boston Fire). However, due to poor decisions and management, the rapid spread of the fire and the intense heat & toxic smoke resulted in the majority of people inside the Grove to never have a chance to escape.

Lauching a Lebanese Beer Company Essay

Introduction 961 Beer has a fascinating history which illustrates to aspiring entrepreneurs that with hard work and determination, even crazy business ideas are able to succeed. At a time when building were being destroyed and the city of Beirut, Lebanon was in shambles, the founders of 961 Beer decided to move forward with founding Lebanon’s first craft brewing company – a surprising fact because this region of the world begin the tradition of brewing beer. As discussed below within the framework of a SWOT analysis, several factors contributed to the success of the company, and will play an integral part in the company’s future as it expands to meet demand. SWOT Analysis A SWOT analysis is meant to drive a company into meaningful action to capitalize on its strengths to seize opportunities as well as protect itself from outside threats or internal weaknesses. Strengths 961 Beer is fortunate in that it benefits from several internal strengths. Organizationally, the company is simplistic: with few employees and condensed management, the company is able to benefit from the strong direction of a select few. In addition, the few people involved, particularly Hajjar and Henrik, have a passion for food and drink and enjoy the process of providing high quality wine to their customers. In addition, with less â€Å"baggage† the company is able to quickly innovate and adapt to changes in the customers tastes. Hajjar is also very passionate about food and wines of the region, leading to his dedication to the success of 961 Beer. He provides leadership that focuses more on the product itself, in order to ensure that it will be a beer that the Lebanese will be 1 proud off. As a recent CEO, Hajjar also appears to bring a substantial amount of capital to initially invest in the business. However, money runs out quickly, and now 961 Beer must pay for itself. The 961 Beer product line also has several strengths. The beer is of high quality because it was produced using only fresh ingredients and in small batches. The company is able to produce several new beer styles, and it heavily uses Lebanese products in brewing its beer. This gives 961 Beer a unique advantage over other beer options, and it attracts customers who are looking to try something new, all while support Lebanese products. Several areas of marketing also have specific strengths. 961 Beer was able to coin the catchphrase â€Å"Are you resistant to change? † which took off in a time when the country was suffering from the effects of war. â€Å"Change† is a simple idea that is very popular in a downtrodden country, and by associating itself with such a concept, 961 Beer is able to appeal to a large group of potential customers. To further this concept, the packaging is deliberately â€Å"under-designed† and meant to be seen as simplistic, pure, and natural, which will attract customers interested in such aesthetic characteristics. The pub is also strategically placed in Beirut’s bustling nightlife scene. This helps to increase 931 Beer recognition and build brand loyalty among new customers. The pub also helps to provide as a gathering place for people to come and education themselves about the brewing process and try various types of beer. Weaknesses Like most entrepreneurs, 961 Beer was started by founders who had very little idea of what they were doing. By trial and error, Hajjar was able to brew batches of beer in his kitchen for several months until the beer began to improve. Although 2 Organizationally, the company is operating at capacity and is simply unable to produce any more for its additional customers. Also, it does not appear that 931 Beer is able to adequately predict how much demand is set to grow. Because the company is still new, there is little money for expensive advertising. This means that customers will be less mainstream, and more trendy, with the ability to follow the latest trends on the internet. Opportunities 961 Beer is the first craft beer in Lebanon in recent memory, even though Lebanon has a history in beer brewing. Education of customers leads to a fun, exciting experience that allows customers to â€Å"experience change† by trying more types of 961 Beer. This opportunity to provide a personal touch will give customers a lasting positive impression of 961 Beer. Personal interaction with customers allows the company to collect feedback on its beers and make adjustments. Customers are interested in supporting companies that heavily use Lebanese products. Particularly when the country is plagued by war, providing people the opportunity to work and be part of 931 Beer is a great way to create loyal customers. Advertising on social media is an effective way of reaching the younger, trendier crowd that is more along the lines of who is frequenting the bars and drinking on a regular basis. Threats Clearly, the colossal threat to the company’s survival is the place of its headquarters. Lebanon is routinely in wartimes, and has been through several wars with neighboring countries ever since 961 Beer began in 2006. Unfortunately, visitor levels to the 961 Bar decrease when conflict increases, which makes sales plummet. The competitive environment is monopolistic. The local beer market was monopolized by Almaza, which was acquired in 2002 by Heineken. In total, Heineken 3 controlled about 70% of the local beer market at the time 961 Beer was founded. With so much power, Heineken has pricing power that 961 Beer cannot match. Other bars became more reluctant to sell 961 Beer because the bar was seen as a threat to their own business. 961 Beer will need to befriend these bars and show them that the bars can enjoy more success by joining 961 rather than going against them. Many customers are not accustomed to drinking anything besides commercially processed, mass-produced beer from large competitors. This means that 961 Beer must educate their customers about the different types of beers and convince them to try 961 Beer. Evaluation Plan: Expand outside of Lebanon Based on the analysis performed above, it is clear that 961 Beer must expand out of Beirut, Lebanon in order to remain successful. While this will increase the risk of lesser quality or require the use of non-Lebonese products, expansion is required to ensure the company’s long-term success. Several steps must be taken before the expansion, all while 961 Beer continues to grow business in Beirut and manage bar operations. First, 961 Beer must address its capacity issues. 961 Beer seems to have had some difficulty in predicting the amount of beer it needs to brew in order to meet the growing demand. An analysis of their books will be helpful to garner a better idea of what demand will look like in the future, accounting for their company’s growth rate. Next, 961 Beer needs to establish relationships with businesses in neighboring cities and countries. Bottling and shipping beer from Lebanon is unrealistic with high likelihood of war, so 961 Beer will need to establish microbreweries within these other locations. Quality can still be maintained by ensuring that Lebanese ingredients are still used in the brew, but costs can be recuperated by charging customers in those 4 countries a higher premium for the same beer. Finally, 961 Beer needs to join international beer festivals in other countries in order to garner worldwide interest and to further increase recognition and demand among worldwide customers. There are several major risks that could undermine this plan for expansion. Clearly, the largest threat to 961 Beer is the ongoing threat of war in Lebanon and neighboring countries. Unfortunately, there is little to nothing that can be done to stop this threat. Without expanding into other countries, a war in Lebanon could wipe out the entire company. However, as discussed above, 961 Beer can minimize this risk by establishing separate microbreweries in other countries so that there is no single source where 961 Beer is brewed. Nonetheless, establishing other microbreweries increases another risk: the risk of uneven and unequal quality. 961 Beer can lessen this risk by brewing its â€Å"brewmaster’s select† along with seasonal beers to appeal to customers in the new countries. 5.

Administrative Law Philippines

1. Administrative Findings Given Great Weight in Court Sebastian F. Oasay, Jr. vs. Palacio del Gobernador Condominium Corporation and Omar T. Cruz,  [G. R. No. 194306, February 6, 2012. ] LINK: http://lexoterica. wordpress. com/2012/03/05/february-2012-philippine-supreme-court-decisions-on-labor-law-and-procedure/ Appeal; factual finding of NLRC. Findings of fact of administrative agencies and quasi-judicial bodies, which have acquired expertise because their jurisdiction is confined to specific matters, are generally accorded not only respect but finality when affirmed by the Court of Appeals.Factual findings of quasi-judicial bodies like the NLRC, if supported by substantial evidence, are accorded respect and even finality by the Supreme Court, more so when they coincide with those of the Labor Arbiter. Such factual findings are given more weight when the same are affirmed by the Court of Appeals. In the present case, the Supreme Court found no reason to depart from these princip les since the Labor Arbiter found that there was substantial evidence to conclude that Oasay had breached the trust and confidence of Palacio Del Gobernador Condominium Corporation, which finding the NLRC had likewise upheld.Gatus vs. SSS [G. R. No. 174725, January 26, 2011] LINK: http://sc. judiciary. gov. ph/jurisprudence/2011/january2011/174725. htm The sole issue to be determined is whether the Court of Appeals committed grave abuse of discretion in affirming the finding of the ECC that petitioner’s ailment is not compensable under Presidential Decree No. 626, as amended. xxx The burden of proof is thus on petitioner to show that any of the above conditions have been met in his case. The required proof is further discussed in  Ortega v. Social Security Commission[17]:The requisite quantum of proof in cases filed before administrative or quasi-judicial bodies is neither proof beyond reasonable doubt nor preponderance of evidence. In this type of cases, a fact may be deem ed established if it is supported by substantial evidence, or that amount of relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to justify a conclusion. In this case, substantial evidence abounds. xxx The questioned Decision deemed as established fact that petitioner is a cigarette smoker; but petitioner vehemently denies this, saying there is no competent evidence to prove he had that habit.What petitioner would like this Court to do is to pass upon a question of fact, which the ECC, the SSS, and the Court of Appeals have used to deny his claim for compensation. This is not allowed under Section 1 of Rule 45, which states that â€Å"[t]he petition shall raise  only questions of law  which must be distinctly set forth. â€Å"[21]  Hence, questions of fact may not be taken up in a petition for review on  certiorari  such as this case now before us. As we have held previously:A question of fact exists when the doubt centers on the truth or falsity of the al leged facts while a question of law exists if the doubt centers on what the law is on a certain set of facts. There is a question of fact if the issue requires a review of the evidence presented or requires the re-evaluation of the credibility of witnesses. However, if the issue raised is capable of being resolved without need of reviewing the probative value of the evidence, the question is one of law. xxxThe matter of petitioner’s cigarette smoking, established by two competent government agencies and the appellate court, is thus a matter that cannot be questioned before us via petition for review. There is no doubt that petitioner deserves sympathy because even the benefits already given to him were questioned after the SSS found that he was a chronic cigarette smoker. For humanitarian reasons, as he pursued his claim all the way to the Court as an indigent litigant, and due to his advancing age, we would like to clarify that what had already been given him should no longe r be taken away from him.But he is not entitled to further compensation for his condition. We have once more put great weight to the factual findings of administrative agencies and quasi-judicial bodies, namely the SSS and the ECC, as they have acquired expertise in all matters relating to employee compensation and disability benefits. As we have held in  Ortega v. Social Security Commission[25]: It is settled that the Court is not a trier of facts and accords great weight to the factual findings of lower courts or agencies whose function is to resolve factual matters.It is not for the Court to weigh evidence all over again. Moreover, findings of fact of administrative agencies and quasi-judicial bodies, which have acquired expertise because their jurisdiction is confined to specific matters, are generally accorded not only respect but finality when affirmed by the Court of Appeals. 2. Decisions not stating facts and the law Saballa, et. al vs. NLRC [G. R. Nos. 102472-84. August 2 2, 1996] The Issue The petitioners raised the lone issue of whether or not: RESPONDENT NLRC GRAVELY ABUSED ITS DISCRETION AMOUNTING TO LACK OR EXCESS OF JURISDICTION WHEN, DESPITE THE OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY, IT DECLARED THE RETRENCHMENT OF PETITIONERS VALID AND LEGAL. † Petitioners argue that while the  NLRC  claimed to disagree with the factual findings/conclusions of the arbiter, it did not state what particular findings and conclusions it could not go along with; and while the Decision purports to apply the requisites for a valid retrenchment, the public respondent did not specify what those were.Further, citing  Lopez Sugar Corporation vs. Federation of Free Workers,[15]  petitioners claim that private respondent failed to show by convincing proof the concurrence of the requirements for valid retrenchment, and among other things, failed to show that the losses sought to be prevented were substantial and reasonably imminent. On the contrary, according to petitioners, the evidence on record clearly shows that the enforcement of the retrenchment program was attended by bad faith. The Court’s Ruling NLRC  Decision ArbitraryThe petition is meritorious. This Court has previously held that judges and arbiters should draw up their decisions and resolutions with due care, and make certain that they truly and accurately reflect their conclusions and their final dispositions. [16]  A decision should faithfully comply with Section 14, Article  VIII  of the Constitution which provides that no decision shall be rendered by any court without expressing therein clearly and distinctly the facts of the case and the law on which it is based.If such decision had to be completely overturned or set aside, upon the filing of a motion for reconsideration, in a subsequent action via a resolution or modified decision, such resolution or decision should likewise state the factual and legal foundation relied upon. The reason for this is obv ious:  Ã‚  aside from being required by the Constitution, the court should be able to justify such a sudden change of course; it must be able to convincingly explain the taking back of its solemn conclusions and pronouncements in the earlier decision. 17]  The same thing goes for the findings of fact made by the  NLRC, as it is a settled rule that such findings are entitled to great respect and even finality when supported by substantial evidence; otherwise, they shall be struck down for being whimsical and capricious and arrived at with grave abuse of discretion. 18]  It is a requirement of due process and fair play that the parties to a litigation be informed of how it was decided, with an explanation of the factual and legal reasons that led to the conclusions of the court. A decision that does not clearly and distinctly state the facts and the law on which it is based leaves the parties in the dark as to how it was reached and is especially prejudicial to the losing part y, who is unable to pinpoint the possible errors of the court for review by a higher tribunal. 19] Based on the foregoing considerations, we find the assailed Decision arbitrary in its naked assertion that:  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"(A)pplying the requisites (for valid retrenchment) to the instant case, we lent credence to respondent’s evidence supporting the fact that it was suffering financial reverses (pp. 118-136). Hence, complainant’s separation is valid, due to retrenchment. † The Decision does not indicate the  specific  bases for such crucial holding.While it  enumerated  some of the factors that supposedly weighed in favor of private respondent’s position,  i. e. , theNEA’s foreclosure letter; the  NPC’s disconnection letter; private respondent’s Income Statement; the fact that the employees’ union agreed to the â€Å"forced leave† policy instead of the drastic measure of retrenchment; and the impossibility of re instating the petitioners â€Å"considering the financial losses for 1988 alone not to mention the losses incurred for 1989 and wage increases imposed by the government (pp. 13-141,  rollo),† the public respondent nevertheless did not bother to explain how it came to the conclusion that private respondent was experiencing business reversals, nor did it specify which particular data and document it based such conclusion upon. This can only be because the private respondent failed to show convincingly by substantial evidence the fact of its failing financial health, and that such retrenchment was justified.Our observation is bolstered further by the Comment of the public respondent where it tried to rationalize its ruling by saying: â€Å"It is to be noted that private respondent x x x is a big and reputable company and for them to admit that it is in distress is a bitter pill to swallow, yet they must accept the sad situation that they are in. This representation believes i n the veracity of respondent’s x x x position. † Even resorting to the records does not help.The termination letter dated October 18, 1988[20]  stated that the reason for the retrenchment was â€Å"to avoid Coop financial losses. † However, the imminent loss sought to be forestalled by the retrenchment of petitioners was not actually indicated or specified. Page 118 of the records is the demand letter of  NEA  for payment of private respondent’s arrearages as of June 30, 1988. It warned that the account in the amount of approximately P8. 5 million should be settled within 30 days otherwise  NEA  will exercise its right to foreclose.But the records do not show that any property of private respondent was ever foreclosed nor that the savings from the salaries of the retrenched petitioners were to be used to pay for the arrearages; neither was it shown that private respondent did not have the resources to pay said obligation. Page 119 of the records is a Notice of Disconnection stating that the private respondent was required to pay twenty five percent of its outstanding bill to the  NEA  or face power disconnection on July 29, 1988.But private respondent did not show that such disconnection was effected then nor that the allotment for petitioners’ salaries was to be used to pay for this bill. The private respondent in its motion for reconsideration asked that the labor arbiter take judicial notice that  NPC  eventually disconnected its power supply on April 10, 1989, but this only means that the private respondent must have been able to pay up and settle its account on or about July 29, 1988, as it was not disconnected until April 10, 1989.By October 18, 1988, the losses, if any, sought to be proven by these documents would already have been sustained, so there could not have been any imminent loss which was to have been forestalled by the retrenchment of petitioners effected at that time. In other words, these abovementioned documents did not show any expected loss which made the retrenchment reasonably necessary, nor that such retrenchment was likely to prevent the expected loss.We do not deny that the private respondent would suffer losses as a result of a foreclosure or power disconnection, however, it failed to show how these threatened events eventually affected the cooperative’s financial health, if they ever happened at all. Besides, they are irrelevant because the imminent loss was supposed to come after October 18, 1988, months after these incidents. Moreover, pages 120-136 of the records (referred to in the assailed Decision) are the financial statements of the private respondent which are  unaudited  by independent external auditors and are without  Ã‚  Ã‚  accompanying explanations.This Court has previously held that financial statements audited by independent external auditors constitute the normal method of proof of the profit and loss performance of a company. [21]  And since private respondent insists that its  critical financial condition  was the central and pivotal reason for its retrenchment and forced leave programs, we therefore fail to see why it should neglect or refuse to submit such audited financial statements. Apart from that, we noted that the said unaudited statements were filled with erasures; some entries were even handwritten, and different typewriters were used.There is therefore serious ground to doubt the correctness and accuracy of said statements. Additionally, these statements require further explanations before the accounting procedures of private respondent can be understood. Thus, the Court is wary of according them any probative value, especially since respondent Commission seems to have treated them in a similar fashion by not discussing them in its Decision. In brief, we hold that public respondent gravely abused its discretion in rendering the challenged Decision without adequately explaining its factu al and legal

The Most Common Place Names in America

The Most Common Place Names in America Is there a place name that exists in all 50  U.S.  states? It depends on what you count as a city, town, or village- for example, whether a township name counts as a town and whether youll count county names as well, as they also contain populations. Sources vary widely as to what is the most prolific place name throughout the United States. This piece follows World Atlass numbers for count and MSN for the largest city with that name. Washington (88) Although Springfield is commonly thought of as the most prolific place name in the United States, Washington is the most common, according to World Atlas, with 88 place names. There are even more if you count places where Washington is only a portion of the name. Springfield (41) Springfield is in second place, coming in with 41 cities and towns named it, the first being in Massachusetts, naturally, in 1636, after a city in England. Its a long-running debate among fans of the animated TV series The Simpsons as to which state the family actually lives in, because Springfields are seemingly everywhere and the TV series makes a point never to specify which state theyre in. Franklin (35) In third place is Franklin, with 35 cities and towns named after founding father Benjamin Franklin, who was integral in the Declaration of Independence, served as an ambassador to France, and helped establish the U.S. Postal Service. The most populous Franklin city is in Tennessee and has  68,549 residents as of 2017. Greenville (31) A lot of city and town founders must have enjoyed the scenery where they put down roots, as the name Greenville is next, with 31 U.S. instances. The name appears coast to coast. One of the first founded was in South Carolina,  in 1786. Bristol (29) If there are any city names that sound as if it were plucked straight out of Britain, the place name of Bristol has to be at the top of that list. It has 29 cities and towns named after it in the United States, and in Britain, its historically been a commercial center and important seaport. Clinton (29) The first tie on the list comes up here, with the moniker of Clinton also notching 29 instances in the United States. New York state alone has three Clinton place names, the village, town,  and county of. The most populous city by that name is in Maryland, with more than 39,000 inhabitants, and the city in Arkansas wasnt named after its governor turned president but after New York governor DeWitt Clinton. Fairview (27) Fairview might be popular around the country as a name, but the cities across the United States must be fairly small if the most populous is the one in New Jersey at just over 14,000 residents. Founders of these cities must have liked the scenery around their location and realized that the name Greenville was already taken. Salem (26) Of the 26 Salems in the country, the one in  Massachusetts is where the infamous 1692 witch trials were.  The city in Oregon is the largest, though, coming in at just over  160,000 in population. Madison (24) Known for his work on  US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, fourth president James Madison has 24 place names sprinkled throughout the United States that carry his surname. The largest city is the capital of Wisconsin, which has  243,122  people living there. Georgetown (23)   Being that Washington is tops, its no surprise that George towns  also make this list. The United States has 23 Georgetowns, in fact, though some could have been named for other Georges or even the former king of England. Georgetown, Texas, is the largest city, with a population of  56,102.

The Importance of a Strong Human Resource Department †Business Research Paper (200 Level Course)

The Importance of a Strong Human Resource Department – Business Research Paper (200 Level Course) Free Online Research Papers The Importance of a Strong Human Resource Department Business Research Paper(200 Level Course) There are many facets a modern day business must posses before it can be deemed as successful. One important ingredient of the pie is a strong human resource section. For the last 13 years I have been an executive for Target Corporation; two of these years serving as the human resource manager of a building. Target focuses heavily on the strong development of each team, and team member, in all of our 1350 buildings across the United States. In this paper, I will discuss the structure and core roles of a human resource manager at Target as it relates to my current position in the building. To get a realistic view of an HR in Target, you must first understand their place in the building. In Target, there are 5 executive positions, similar to assistant store managers. Each position, although in charge of different areas in the building, holds similar weight in terms of importance and authority. There is a front end manager in charge of the cashiers and food service section. Two sales floor executives who handle each side of the selling floor. A logistics manager who runs the backroom, and an HR executive in charge of people piece. Becoming a store manager requires that a person runs at least three of the five executive positions for one year. On my route to store manager statues, I was lucky enough to be placed in two different stores as the HR executive. The core roles for HR in Target revolve around one â€Å"theme†: right people, right place and right time. As a logistics manager currently, I rely heavily on my HR to follow this theme to ensure my success. It all starts with the â€Å"right people†. My HR is responsible for hiring me the best possible candidates. Even for entry level positions, HR executives are picky about the type of people they hire. All candidates are first given a personality test that places them in a red, yellow or green hiring statues. Once a candidate passes with a yellow or a green, they are then subjected to at least two interviews, one with the HR and one with me. Putting new team member in the â€Å"right place† is also an important key to success, for them and the store. I expect my HR each week to update myself and fellow executives as to staffing plans, guidelines and current statues. We discuss as a group any staffing downfalls, problem employees and any areas that extra training is required. The HR then writes action plans and distributes them to us as an executive staff. My HR constantly gets updates from our executive staff on how many new people we need, if any schedule adjustments must be made and any â€Å"human† issues that require support from the executive staff. â€Å"Right time† in the retail world is as important as having merchandise to sell. This last piece encompasses two important things. It might sound odd, but retail HR teams have just entered into their own â€Å"Christmas Season†. At Target, we have entered into fourth quarter and Christmas is just around the corner. Our staffing needs just went from 125 people in an average Target store to over 200. It is the HR’s responsibility for the acquisition, training and scheduling of all these new team members. Marta McGough, my current HR said â€Å"It has always been said that July through October is Christmas for HR’s, from November to January their job’s should be easy if the planning and executive happened earlier in the year†. The second piece to â€Å"right time† deals with the development and promoting of internal team members to management. With the addition of 600 new Target stores in the next 4 years, we are constantly looking for internal talent to be the leaders of tomorrow. It is Hr’s role to coach and train the team members in the building who want a career with Target. My current HR holds many mock interview sessions with team members, trains them on professionalism and grooms them for promotions. The process one must go through to get a promotion with Target is very strenuous. Before any team members I sent to district interviews, they must first acquire the seal of approval of the stores HR representative, only then will they be even eligible to interview for a hirer position. One thing that I am very thankful for in terms of HR support is what I like to call the â€Å"shield†. The HR is prohibited from participating in many interactions with team members such as corrective action and does not normally conduct formal training with team members, they just orchestrate the interactions and ensure that all communication to team members is legal and productive. I personally have the tendency to say the wrong things that could potential put me in harms way with the legal system. That is all I will say about that. My HR I use as a shield to filter out things I can not do or I can not say to my team. The HR role constantly keeps up to date on legal trends and issues such as working off the clock, which has been in the news a lot lately due to our foe Walmart’s follies. A good HR plants their executives and is the little voice in the back of their heads keeping them in check as to the â€Å"right† things to do and to say. Research Papers on The Importance of a Strong Human Resource Department - Business Research Paper (200 Level Course)Moral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaThe Project Managment Office SystemOpen Architechture a white paperMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanResearch Process Part OneIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalThe Hockey GameBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of Self

How to Create a Bouncing Bubble Recipe

How to Create a Bouncing Bubble Recipe Just about any bubble solution will produce soap bubbles, but it takes a little extra care to make them strong enough to bounce. Heres a recipe for bouncing bubble solution and tips to keep bubbles from popping on contact. Bouncing Bubble Recipe 1 cup distilled water1 tablespoon liquid dishwashing detergent (I like Dawn)1 teaspoon glycerinBubble wand or straw to blow bubbles Simply mix together the ingredients and store it in a sealed container until youre ready to use it. While the recipe may work with regular tap water, distilled water produces reliable results because it doesnt contain extra minerals that could prevent soap suds from forming. The detergent is what actually forms the bubbles. Glycerin stabilizes the bubbles by making them thicker and reducing how quickly water evaporates. Basically, it makes them stronger and longer-lasting. You may get a little extra oomph from your bubble solution if you place it in the refrigerator to age overnight. Allowing time for the solution to rest after mixing it gives gas bubbles a chance to leave the liquid (which could prematurely pop your bubble). A cool bubble solution evaporates less quickly, which may also protect your bubbles. Blow Bubbles You Can Bounce Blow bubbles! Now, you arent going to be able to bounce them on hot pavement, no matter how hard you try. You need to aim for a more bubble-friendly surface. You can catch and bounce bubbles on the following surfaces: bubble wand, wet with bubble solutiondamp dishgloved hand, especially if you wet it with bubble solutioncool, damp grassdamp cloth Do you see a trend here? A smooth, moist surface is best. If the surface is too rough, it can puncture the bubble. If it is too hot or dry, the bubble will pop. It also helps if you are blowing bubbles on a calm day with high humidity. Windy, hot conditions will dry out your bubbles, causing them to pop. Need even stronger bubbles? Try this recipe for bubbles that wont pop.

The Difference of Children's Life Between Past and Present Essay

The Difference of Children's Life Between Past and Present - Essay Example The physical activities helped them achieve very strong and muscular physique. Contrary to that, children of the present age have almost no time for outdoor physical activities. The schooling system is so advanced that children find very little time for enjoyment and relaxation. Therefore when they do get some time, they tend to surf the Internet or play video games. Even during the major portion of the day when they are studying, they are constantly using computers and the Internet because the contemporary educational system heavily depends upon the use of technology. As a result of this, children of the present age gain weight because of sitting for hours and hours continuously. Most children of the present age are either overweight or obese whereas others are too skinny. â€Å"Exercise is an important part of any daily regimen and diet, but it is even more critical for children† (Breedon). Very few children of the present age have a physique that is comparable to the childr en of the past. Children of the past were not very sharp. The main reason for this might be there lack of interaction with technology. Children of the past had seen very little world. They used to remain only in the city where they were born. They would play there, work there, and live there. They had very little information or knowledge about the world beyond what they had seen. Children of the present age are very sharp and intellectual. Again, the main reason for this is their interaction with technology. Computers and television have made it possible for the children of the present age to see the world beyond where they are and remain in constant contact with their friends abroad. This has made the children of the present age far more intellectual and informed as compared to the... This report approves that the changed lifestyle has had mixed effect on children. The positive and negative effects of the change on the children are almost equal. The positive effects of the changed lifestyle on children include increased intellectual skills and competence in the use of technology, expanded social network, availability of more opportunities of academic and professional growth. The negative effects of the changed lifestyle on children include but are not limited to increased consumption of junk food leading to many diseases including diabetes and obesity, increased number of teenage pregnancies, distance from the elders especially the grandparents emotionally as well as physically, reduced practice of religion, and increased susceptibility to violence and cybercrime. Modern age children are not very obedient. This paper makes a conclusion that lifestyle of the modern age children is so different from their lifestyle of the children of the past that the two have very rare common elements. From the standpoint of diet and physical activities, children of the past were much more privileged and advantaged as compared to the children of the present age. From the standpoint of intelligence and general knowledge, children of the present age are much more advantaged than the children of the past. Children of the past were emotionally closer to their elders than the children of the present age.

A Good Manager Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A Good Manager - Essay Example Lynn Tilton is among the intelligence leaders and manager taking into consideration her behavior and positive traits she portrays and articulates in her routine services within the private equity and an auto-part company she owns. One of the bases of her leadership and management qualities is that she is honesty. As a good manager and a leader, you are required to raise the company bar even higher than the anticipated level keeping in mind that your employees are among the top reflection entity personnel who requires honest and ethical behavior value for the purpose of their effective service delivery. We learn that Lynn considers herself as an established leader and a manager who strips and flips not for men but her company which she says she hold that company long and close to her heart. Becoming a good leader and a manager too requires the ability of delegation, which comes because of brand vision finessing and characterized through organized and efficient business environment in any prevailing business. Trust and believe in your team, as a manager is the only key to delegate ability since this makes a manager to determine the strengths and weakness prevailing in any company and in turn capitalize on them for the purpose of profit maximization.

Inquiry into Samsung Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Inquiry into Samsung - Essay Example Samsung group has grown through acquisitions and mergers like the move to buy DongHwa department store in 1963 and two years later the acquisition of Saena paper industry followed. Samsung electronics were established by Samsung group in the year 1969. However, it was in the 1970s when Samsung made a decision to enter into industries petrochemical, heavy and chemical industries. This was followed by the establishment of a new Samsung shipping company. The Samsung heavy industry was established in 1973. The Samsung group procured Daesung heavy industry to develop the Samsung shipbuilding company. Samsung precision, which was later renamed to Techwin, was established in the same year. Samsung was rising at an extremely high speed and expanding its influence to expanding its industrial influence and empire. This positioned the company to the present day growth culture. Samsung group is known to be one of the companies that are leading in innovation. The company has been introducing the latest Smartphone and has increased its market share by introducing superior products like Smartphone and tablets. The growth of this multinational has been gradual but steadfast. Samsung was founded in the year 1938 by Byung-Chull. The company used to export fruits, vegetables and dried fish produced in Korea. The exports were destined for Beijing and Manchuria in China. The company then started small-scale manufacturing by establishing confectionary machines and flour mills. The company was incorporated in the year 1951. Samsung Corporation started to substitute imported goods with locally manufactured products through the establishment of the industry called Ceil Sugar in the year 1953. This was later followed closely by the establishment of Cheil industries. Samsung group then went ahead to acquire Feb Ankuk Marine and fire insurance in the year 1958. The company was later renamed as Samsung fire and marine insurance. This was followed closely by the acquisition of Jul Dong Bang Life insurance in the year 1963. The company was later renamed to Samsung life insurance in the year 1989 (Michell 2011). However, in 1983, Samsung group has begun to develop the interest in the field of semiconductors. Up to 1983, the company was known to develop semiconductors for the local market. The development of the 64k DRAM (dynamic random access memory) by Samsung Company marked a fresh beginning with regard to international influence (Michell 2011). This marked the beginning of production of many semiconductor chips for the international market from Samsung Company (Chang 2011). In 1985, Samsung data systems were established. The company was rebranded to Samsung SDS in 1986. The aim was to pave the way for Samsung economic research institute. In the following year, Samsung advanced institute of technology was developed as the company’s main research center. Samsung group acquired KOCA. This was a credit company which was renamed to Samsung credit card in the year 1 995 (Books 2011). Through this, Samsung Company was increasing asserting itself in the world of technology and financial security systems. Samsung began acquiring many international companies with an aim of asserting itself in the international market and increasing its market share. Samsung group faces incredible competition from other South Korean industries.

Respond to classmates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Respond to classmates - Essay Example There are various innovations that appease the audience for the benefit of the production crew. According to the various comments in the blog, historical inaccuracies can pose a threat or be harmless to understanding the past historical events. According to Champions comment, the inaccuracies depicted in a film helps an individual research deeper to know the exact historical facts. It is true that a majority of audiences are less concerned about the historical inaccuracies in movies and are too busy to recognize them. I believe inaccuracies in the ‘Titanic’ movie posed a threat to history comprehension. I disagree with Williams and Elliot. The two lovers, Jack Dawson and Rose Bukater, were not there in the original RMS passenger ship. This was an ideology brought to spice up the film. From the various comments in the blog, history shapes the present views of individuals. Though Champion asserts that understanding the present depends on how an individual will synthesize the historical information depicted in the film, historical inaccuracies hurt comprehension of the present. According to Williams, historical inaccuracies make a point about America and Americans. Films motivate groups and portray the general prevailing events in the world. Historical facts in films show comparisons between two historical times. The traits portrayed in a historically accurate film will immensely help in shaping the present day characters of people. For example, Williams asserts that most of the films produced during the period before mid 1900’s portrayed Americans as Hardworking and enduring people. Misrepresentation of this in a film will affect the way people will portray and see the present day America. As I read through the comments in the blog, I realized that I had not thought that historical inaccuracies can help in building comprehension of historical

Training Design Proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Training Design Proposal - Assignment Example The training course is based on conducting the performance review. The course is designed for managers and will take two days. The purpose of the training is to impart knowledge on how to use effective feedback skills when conducting performance reviews. As a system, training is an integrated part that measures performance against a criterion linked to strategic objectives (Blanchard 2013). The objective of this training is to improve feedback skills as lack of proper feedback skills results in poor performance within the organization. When managers fail to effectively deliver performance reviews to employees, then the result would be poor employee output and that would affect the overall performance of the organization. The training would entail variety, activity and participation. The learning outcomes for the programme is to identify the needs of the managers, develop a training programme that meets these needs, implement the developed programme and lastly, evaluate the effectiveness of the programme. The training is designed using the ADDIE model (Blanchard 2013). The model involves analysing the training programme, identifying the relevant design, developing the training programme, implementation of the design and evaluation. The content covered in the topic will be based on performance review. The training will cover the significance of performance review and effective systems for performance review. Also included in the programme are barriers and ethical issues governing performance review, solutions to the identified issues and feedback from the managers upon completion of the training. At this stage, the trainer should identify the needs of the learners, the existing knowledge that they have regarding the topic and the existing gap between what they know and what additional knowledge they need to know. In this case, the topic to be discussed during this

Architectural theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Architectural theory - Essay Example This has been accelerated by the technological advancements in the field that has further led to the expansion of knowledge of the design theory of architecture. When looking at the design theory in architecture it is vital we consider the newly founded styles of architecture that is; contemporary, post-modernism and modernism Looking at architectural style of modernism, it is a style that was founded in the early years of the twentieth century. The roots and good qualities of modernist architecture have been safe guarded and are displayed in Marseilles, France at Le Corbusier's iconic Unite d'Habitation. The modernist architects were against the ways of their predecessors who had ornamental architectural designs. These modernist architects were of a rather different perspective of architecture whereby their interest laid creating space and structure exactly the way it’s needed. The design of a simple structure that had a structure of the natural world that surrounded them is a good example of how modernist architects thought. ... This era came in the early 1970s. Postmodernism was more of a blend between modernism and the era that was before modernism. This was due to the fact postmodernist architects had decorative and ornamental features and additions to their designs of buildings. This architecture was therefore an improvement of their predecessors although it had decorations and unplanned angles. Over the years with the advancement in technology, the discovery of new architectural ideas and concepts and ultimately the expansion of the architectural field, post-modernist architecture has come to be more modifiable and also more sculptural. These properties of post-modernist architecture are a response to the prior modernist architectural look, design and movement. The post-modernist architecture has over time transformed into a more profound, less rigid and sculptural form of architecture for example: the work of famous post-modernist architect Richard Rogers which was design of the Centre Georges Pompidou museum in Paris, France and also the work of another famous post-modernist architect Frank Gehry which was design of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. When we talk about contemporary architecture we basically mean all the architecture that was developed in the 1980s. However this architecture has evolved over time due to the advancement in technology, the discovery of new architectural ideas and concepts and ultimately the expansion of the architectural field. Computer advancements have made it possible the simulation of architectural designs which has shed light into conceptual thinking and architectural styles. These computer advancements have taken the theoretical thinking and insight into recent architectural styles to new heights and have brought up a

Training Design Proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Training Design Proposal - Assignment Example The training course is based on conducting the performance review. The course is designed for managers and will take two days. The purpose of the training is to impart knowledge on how to use effective feedback skills when conducting performance reviews. As a system, training is an integrated part that measures performance against a criterion linked to strategic objectives (Blanchard 2013). The objective of this training is to improve feedback skills as lack of proper feedback skills results in poor performance within the organization. When managers fail to effectively deliver performance reviews to employees, then the result would be poor employee output and that would affect the overall performance of the organization. The training would entail variety, activity and participation. The learning outcomes for the programme is to identify the needs of the managers, develop a training programme that meets these needs, implement the developed programme and lastly, evaluate the effectiveness of the programme. The training is designed using the ADDIE model (Blanchard 2013). The model involves analysing the training programme, identifying the relevant design, developing the training programme, implementation of the design and evaluation. The content covered in the topic will be based on performance review. The training will cover the significance of performance review and effective systems for performance review. Also included in the programme are barriers and ethical issues governing performance review, solutions to the identified issues and feedback from the managers upon completion of the training. At this stage, the trainer should identify the needs of the learners, the existing knowledge that they have regarding the topic and the existing gap between what they know and what additional knowledge they need to know. In this case, the topic to be discussed during this

Evaluation of the Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme 1999 Coursework

Evaluation of the Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme 1999 to 2004 - Coursework Example Are key concepts easy to identify in the research report? b. Are key concepts explicitly defined? What meaning is given to them? c. Are the concepts used consistently throughout the document? d. Are key concepts consistent with the theoretical framing set for the study? With each other? e. Are the key concepts used in this study in touch with current times? Are they in keeping with the practices documented/reported in the study? Are they usefully explanatory? 3. Methodology 3.1 Research design a. Is the design clearly stated? b. Is it logical? c. Does it "match" the purpose and research question? d. Is the method used to select participants discussed explicitly? e. Is participant selection justified? f. Are participant characteristics clearly identified? g. What criteria did participants need to meet in order to be eligible for selection? h. Are incentives disclosed, and what effect might these have on the study discussed? i. Are the tools and methods used to collect data described s ufficiently? j. Is the data collection procedure or process is clearly described? k.Is the time frame is identified and does it match the stated purpose of the study? l.Is the time frame justified? 3.2 Information about research design specifics. a. Do the authors clearly identify what type of study they are conducting, and why? (e.g., a quasi-experimental study that focuses on some kind of intervention, a qualitative study examining a group of students engagement with popular culture in a range of contexts) b. Is the context for the study justified? (i.e., where physically were data collected and is this justified, given the research question etc.?) c. Is there enough information given about the logistics of the study that I could replicate this study or conduct a similar... The questions pertaining to effectiveness that were asked included the following: (1) Did the AGQTP State and Territory Projects provide professional learning activities for the teachers following the Effectiveness Terms of Reference? The findings said yes. There were â€Å"localized, long-term models of professional learning† to meet the needs of â€Å"a broad spectrum of teachers, from beginning to highly experienced.†(p. ii) (2) Did the programme increase teacher skills and understanding, especially the higher order skills and understanding? The findings said yes.(3) Was enhanced effectiveness in teaching achieved through the AGQTP? Yes, according to the summary report (p.ii).It was achieved through â€Å"partnerships with professional associations, universities, and other providers† (p. ii). (4) Was there effective undertaking in both the â€Å"State and Territory-based projects in priority areas?† (p. ii) Indeed, in all the priority areas, the consult ants found that significant achievements were realized. Literacy and understanding relevance to the overall curriculum had increased. Numeracy learning had improved with involvement of parents and other family members in the numeracy education of their children. Teachers’ mathematics skills were sharpened. Technology became a useful tool for teaching.

Customer Service Plan Essay Example for Free

Customer Service Plan Essay Customer service and commitment to our customers has been the driving force behind our brand. Widget strive to get it right first time, everytime.Incases where things don’t come out right we believe our professional workers will strive to correct the problem and our customers have the right to know what level of service they can expect from us all the time even in these times when we fall short of the very high standards we have set ourselves. Through our Vision and mission statement we make a commitment to our customers both internal and external. Mission Statement Passionate about exceeding the delivery of our customers’ service expectations by providing the very best in professional, value engineered widgets through our ever growing nationwide team of professional, caring staff. Vision Statement To be Australia’s number one national provider of quality widgets by empowering our staff to deliver our customers with the very best in quality, value and service. Our Product standards Our product is manufactured in strict accordance with the Australian quality standards and also taking into account the use of which our customers will subject our product. Our internal policies and quality standards support the high quality standards set in our vision and mission statement.Our product specifications are clearly presented in all our packaging materials and tested during the production process to ensure all tolerance limits are adhered to. Our main product is 12 mm black hole plugs which are made of plastic to cover ,conseal and decorate 12 mm diameter holes in cabinets,furniture,window frames,vinyl fences and elsewhere.Fits any 12mm diameter holes. These hole cover widgets practically work anywhere indoors and out .These are made from our factory with high –impact injection molded  plastic. These can come from different sizes as requested by our customers. All our products have a small tolelance limit of +1% or -1%. Specifications. Our product range will have the following features. Color:it will come in the range of black ,white or grey Fits hole size :12mm or as requested by customer Diameter:12 mm Length: 6mm Top diameter:15 mm Material:Polypropylene. Tolelance limit:plus or minus 1% Widgets outlines its description of its product in the policy and communicated to the customer to allow the customer to make any queries or complaints incase the product received its off specification. Pricing Widget ensures that its products are properly priced so that customers are able to afford the goods as well as profitability is maintained to allow the company invest in the quality and standards initiatives of the products. Widgets pricing is well thought as we do in other sectors of the business like marketing and branding, the price the customer sees on display is the price customers pay. There are no hidden costs. Our standard product 12 mm fits hole size will cost 12AUD /dozen and customers are requested to enquire from the customer service team for prices of any changes requested to the standard product. Delivery of goods Widgets aim to deliver all orders made either online or face to face within three days of the order being made.We aim to have a delivery process which ensures a reliable, secure and efficient service. If delays occur during deliveries and extra time may be required, customers will be contacted urgently to alert them of the next delivery times or else they can call our Despatch department directly on 1300 880 370. One day prior to your delivery we will SMS all of the important delivery information about your order to your mobile. If all the information is correct you will only need to text back OK. If there are any details that are not correct or you wish to change your delivery date please ring us on 1300 880 370. In order to offer our customers a better delivery service these terms and conditions replace any delivery and pickup conditions stated on your order form. TERMS CONDITIONS: 1. It is important that someone is at the receaving end to receive delivery of your purchase on the designated day. No specific time of delivery can be provided. A four hour time frame will be advised but cannot be guaranteed. 2. A minimum delivery fee of $75 (outside the Metropolitan area) is payable separately to the Carrier in cash or bank cheque. Delivery is free inside the Metropolitan area 3. Cash or bank cheque must be used to pay any balance of monies owing at time of delivery. Personal/Company cheques will NOT be accepted. For your convenience we can accept credit cards in store 48 hours prior to delivery, surcharges may apply. 4. Once arrangement for a delivery day is confirmed, there will be a minimum re-delivery charge of $75 if no person is at the delivery address on the day of delivery or the delivery is cancelled by the customer on day of delivery. 5. When receiving goods, please inspect thoroughly before signing Received in good order as any claims for scratches, marks, dents or other damages will not be accepted once signed. 6. Failure to collect or take delivery of the goods beyond 21 days from the date of contact by our despatch department will result in the sales order being cancelled and all monies paid will be forfeited. 7. All original packing wrapping will be left at the premises (delivery address). CUSTOMER PICK UPS Customer collection of goods purchased from Widgets stores can also be  collected by the customer in any of our distribution centres.. The customer must contact the Delivery department prior to pick up on 1300 880 370 to make an appointment. Same day pickup is not available. Pickup times at Distribution Centers Customers: Monday to Thursday 10:00am 12:30pm 1:30pm 3:00pm Carriers: Friday ONLY Other Policies and Procedures Customer needs Widget believes that it is important that customers needs are regularly reviewd to ensure that its products are inline with the changing times. Therefore time and again Widget carries out research to identify these needs and implement changes identified. Widget uses the RATER model to identify its customers needs since customers when assessing what they want will consider the reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy and responsiveness as they are being assisted. Using the RATER guide Widget will use the following techniques to gather customer needs Informal face to face discussions for its key customers Telephone interviews Email surveys Suggestion boxes Internet surveys. All information gathered for customers is protected by the Privacy act 1988 including how the information is collected,used and disclosed,its accuracy and how securely it is kept and general rights to access that information. Widget has a dedicated Customer service research officer who is responsible for ensuring that all customer data collected is securely kept and used for  its intended purpose only. Complaints and feedback If you have a complaint or if there is anything we can help you with, please let us know.Widget values feedback and appreciate the opportunity to follow up. Widget deals with all people from diversi background and does not discriminate anyone on the basis of age ,race,disability or sex. Our policy take into account the Age discrimination act 2004,Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986,Disability Discrimination ACT 1992,Racial discrimination Act 1975 and Sex Discrimination Act 1984. There are a number of ways you can contact us to lodge your complain and includes our Email at Widget123.gmail.com or phone at 08100300 or mail at Widget Australia,3/77 Manning street ,Bentley ,6102. Or you can also connect with us via Twitter or facebook Complain resolution process and timeframes Once we receive your complaints, we may ask you to provide supporting or documentation to aid us in investigations. This may include proof of identity, statutory declaration, receipts and so on. We aim to resolve complaints within 5 working days, however please note that some complaints may take longer to investigate especially matters to do with international orders. Managing records and data. Widgets collects alot of data of customers including physical addresses, names,date of birth and many more information. The Customer service research officer is responsible for keeping the data securely and is sorted by our secure information technology section. The Privacy Act 1988(the Act)  governs the obligations and responsibilities of companies in relation to the management of official records. Under this Act, each company has an obligation to maintain official records in its custody in good order and condition. This obligation applies not only to the capture, storage, maintenance and disposal of physical records, but also to records in electronic format. Widget policy is governed by this act and all measures necessary are taken to ensure that compliance is maintained.

Cultural Differences of Effective Leadership

Cultural Differences of Effective Leadership Motivation: Cultural Differences of Effective Leadership 1. Executive Summary This concept is concentrated on important aspects of cultural dimensions of the effective leadership. The key idea behind this study is to examine or know about different cultures. Describing the different cultures of leadership between England and France countries. Describing briefly about different behaviours and skills of the effective leadership in England and France. This study gives the differences among leaders, as they are from two different countries. McClellands Research on motivation is used find cultures of countries. The important fact, relationship and activities about leadership for effectiveness. The Hofstedess five dimensional theory is used to explain the cultural differences of two different countries. Explaining the cultural differences of England and France. Lastly the conclusion part describes or summarizes the outcome or result of the theory and differences of effective leadership between two countries. 2. Terms of Reference I am working as a leadership trainer expert who trains people to become the good and effective leaders so that they are successful in their jobs as leaders. I have done my masters on cultures, language and Identity. My client is a Consultancy called VASA which helps people with the recruitment process in England and France. They also provide other kinds of suggestion and consultancy services like further studies to students coming from abroad, like recruiting people from abroad. VAS is a very well known name in the UK in terms of reputation as organization. They have consulted me with the need of proper assessment of leadership qualities with different cultures mainly England and France. They have chosen me because I have been training the leader from both the countries for a long time. They need the assessment regarding what the different leadership differences are there culturally according to background of the country. The cultural aspects which can help the manager to manage the organization in a much better way and simple steps take advantage of such situations. The client requires this information to implement in their organization and also help their partners achieve better performance from their managers with the help of this assessment. 3. Overview of the situation Introduction The introduction starts with good back ground information about motivation to study and research. Then discusses about the problems with a conclusion for the research question. After this we discuss about the objectives of the motivation. Background Now we are in modern computer age and we are thinking to get computer system to communication the economic, political, cultural, technological industries have come together. The management skills and abilities for every organization or management are important to study. We are searching more activities of the leader among the different culture. This interest will be helpful for the managers to explain about the cultural differences. We are Living in a different cultural backgrounds and identifying the culture difference between effective leaders is necessary. These days the European managers understand many ideas and values for their country business and management and they understand the cultures of others. Problem Discussion The reasons for effective leadership are similar theories. The approaches are based on attribute, behaviour, power, conditions that are integrated. These approaches focus on the characteristics of effective leader, the groups and condition. The above five approaches shows the important dimensions of effective leadership and also interrelated or connected to the cultural dimension of effective leadership. Today the analysis of culture is deciding factor for leadership. The culture of effective leadership has infinite dimensions. The individual, supporters and the organization are inclined by different culture in the particular environments. The many different approaches interrelated to the cultural dimension of leadership. The cross-cultural studies are very important field of research. Today analyses of cultures have no supporting theories and also reactions with organization and leadership practices. â€Å"This cultural difficulty or complexity perspective suggests that culture in management settings is much more difficult, different, and contradictory than previously assumed acknowledged.† The effective leadership needed for more study. The many cultural theories are written by Americans. There are many questions are exists for managers to place on local managements that describes on leadership and cultures. The questions which are arise for managers to place leadership to sub managements as follows: †¢ What is background culture of leader and of the management? †¢ What are the cultures of effective leader? †¢ How can manger can the manger should decide for the organization? The skills and behaviour differ between the cultures. The effective leader should required good management skills and behaviour to mange an organization. The study problem What are the cultures the effective leader? What essential determents necessary for a good leadership describe between England and france? Objectives I can easily find out by taking two different countries. We are mainly focused on the determining which is essential in one country and not essential in other country for effective leadership. We will compare our own results with theories of cultural leadership in order to find proof for this assessment. Finally we will conclude some related and the different cultures of the leader. 4. Analysis of the situation: Preunderstanding The preunderstanding is an essential concept for conducting a research. The pre-understanding is done by handling with some responsibilities and challenges. Gaining of individual facts and experience which may provide problem before starting to examine. The lack of information to research on preunderstanding will force the researcher to put more time and effort to analyze particular problem. The general knowledge, personal attributes these are the different categories of Preunderstanding required for researchers. The real experience gained by exact knowledge also we can see the technical background. The exact knowledge getting via good circumstances. The general knowledge and exact knowledge is helpful when writing our opinion. Our background means creativity, strength, feeling contributing the term preunderstanding. The personal attributes categories are good for understanding and determination of the problem. Today we are studying in abroad so we can easily identifying the cultural differences in daily life. This experience will help us for analysis. According to Gummesson preunderstanding is â€Å"a part of understanding as a complete. The output after analyzing the problem is called as experience.† The researcher can understand the problem more by process of studying getting a new knowledge. Therefore preunderstanding is an understanding the product output, results and outcomes. Theories in effective leadership The important theories about effective leadership and cross-cultural differences are analysed here. First I am going to concentrate on theories about leader facts and behaviour and also Hofstadters cultural five dimensions for explaining the cross-cultural studies. Leadership and Leadership Effectiveness â€Å"There is more different description or explanation regarding the leadership as the people who have tried to describe the concept of leadership.† There are many ways to describe the concept of leadership with different meanings but researchers can explain according to their opinion. The common definition for leadership is â€Å"as a process of planning control by the leader on other people to structure of organization, guide lines and making possible relationships and performance in an organization.† â€Å"Leadership is a process to achieve particular goal with a group of individuals† The above definition indicates the goals and achievements of an effective leader in an organization. Effective leadership in an organization provides the good performance. The different hypothetical approaches are used to explain or describe the effective leadership. The attributes of the effective leader. The personal attributes of leader includes the leaders behaviour and skills and also relationship to success. The many researchers who point out the attributes of effective leadership for an organization. All the attributes of leader from the researchers should be variety of different attributes. The researches on attributes of the good leader. These modern theories test the importance of the attribute and skill approach. McClellands Research on Managerial Motivation McClelland analysed and studied the leaders motivation theory and he classified in to three different needs of managers required for organization that control their performance. The three types of needs are as follows: †¢ Need for affiliation (relationship). †¢ Need for achievement (successes). †¢ Need for power (authority). The need for affiliation identifies manager or head of the organization the leader wants to be liked and he is avoiding problems between his subordinates and supervisors in an organization. The need for achievement is connected with happiness (satisfaction); there is an aim to solve the difficult task to achieve some organizational goal. McClelland and winter describe about the need for successes â€Å"as a key for economic growth it promotes entrepreneurship.† finally McClelland and winter come to the conclusion that â€Å"the need for success is a great value for the leadership.† A person who has high need for power he is interested to acquire the higher power (authority) positions in an organization. He has capable to resolve or solving the problems with others. The need for power (authority) and achievement both are highly related if the power increases automatically we achieve the goal or specific task. The types of managers distinguished by McClelland and Burnham during their research as follows: †¢ Institutional managers a person who have a high power (authority) and low need for affiliation. †¢ Affiliation managers a person who have more need for affiliation than the need for power (authority). †¢ Personal power managers a person who have more power and low need for affiliation. After comparing different types of managers the Institutional managers are more effective than the Personal power managers. Three Skill Approach The skills of an Effective administrator or manager categorized in to three types: 1. Human skills (social skills) 2. Technical skills (Decision making, problem solving, structuring) 3. Conceptual skills (Conceptual skills) The leadership depends upon above three general skills the technical skills includes the knowledge about some activities, process, procedures (rules), different methods. The technical skills depend on the experiences, education and training. The human skill includes personal skills or social skills working with people. Human skills are related to the relational behaviour. The conceptual skill describes the ability to distinguish the different dependencies between the functions of the management. Behaviour of the Leader and Effectiveness Many researchers focused on leaders behaviour with different skills and behaviour approaches of the organization performance. CPE (change production employee model)-model introduced by Ekvall and Arvonen. This model consists of three categories for the different leadership behaviours as follows: †¢ Task-oriented behaviours †¢ Relations-oriented behaviour †¢ Change-oriented behaviour The task-oriented behaviours are also called as structure-oriented behaviour identifies the all behaviour to improve the task. The relations-oriented behaviour also called as employee-oriented behaviour. This identifies the relation between manager and subordinates, this is mainly focus on understanding their problems, providing the solution and helping them to develop in an organization. The change-oriented behaviour is latest category contains behaviour concerned with encouragement and management development. Culture The culture helps to identify the different peoples from the world. This culture enables the people who have same values and same way of life (attitude). The culture is learned by own and this concept starts building through interface with others. This concept builds from the people who are living in the same culture. Organizational and national cultures are different concepts in which the national cultures differ more in values but in organizational level differ in symbols. When analyzing the different national cultural concepts through Hofstede dimensions the national culture is complicated due to ethical, regional groups. Hofstedes Five Dimensions Hofstede conducted information about the cross-cultural management. The main aim of Hofsteds was to identify the employee values in different countries from the world. The Hofstedes five dimensions which is used to identify the characteristics of every country. The five dimensions are a frame work to explain the different cultures of the every country. The Hofstedess Five Dimensions are as follows: 1. Power distance Index 2. Uncertainty avoidance Index 3. Individualistic or collectivistic beliefs 4. Masculinity and femininity 5. long-term orientation vs. short-term-orientation The first dimension called as power distance Index (PDI) and provides the relationship between the countries. The definition for power distance according to Hofstede â€Å"The degree to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.† The France is at 68th rank and England is at 35th rank according to theory. The low power distance shows low dependence between the subordinate and superior in an organization. If the result after identification the PDI is high means the dependence high between the superior and subordinates. The 2nd dimension is called uncertainty avoidance Index and uncertainty avoidance . This dimension defines uncertainty about future need for technology, laws and rules for reducing the uncertainty. The ratio of uncertainty avoidance between England and France, the France is at 68th rank and England at 35th rank. So the uncertainty avoidance in England is higher than the France. The third dimension is called individualistic or collectivistic beliefs. The individualism refers to single but collectivism refers to groups. The groups are important compare to individual. The England is at 90th rank and France is at 71th rank. So the individualistic are higher dimensional value in England compare to France. The fourth dimension is called Masculinity and femininity. It describes the varieties between work and goals existing between genders. The masculinity culture is related to work and describes the roles of gender. The masculinity culture gives more importance to relations. Then England is at 66th rank and France is at 43th rank in comparison of masculinity and femininity. England is in lower dimension value compare to France. The fifth and last dimension is called long-term orientation vs. Short-term orientation enables whether a culture is future-oriented or present-oriented. Comparison between England and France, the England (25th rank) is in higher dimension value according to Hofstedess theory. 5. Solutions and recommendations (conclusion) Lets specify conclusions about effective leaders in England and france. I have described the leadership attributes differ between these two countries. The differences are identified and analyzed with a cultural analysis. Concerning McClellands difference among three types of needs of a leader, I concluded that effective leaders are having low need for affiliation, a high need for achievement and strong social power orientation. In England the need for achievement even more important than in France. The effective French managers have a strong socialized power. I am also explained the three skill dimensions for an effective leadership. But French effective leader required most technical skills to solve the problem. The French leaders are friendly and worried about relationships. The results for cultural differences of the effective leader performance are slightly different in the skills. We could use Hofsteds theory to match the results to the cultural difference in England and France. The results are explained by using the Hofstedes theory. The France country have higher rank in uncertainty avoidance compare to England, this indicate a high need for structure to reduce irregularity. The Hofsteds five dimensions often give a way towards behaviour but do not cover information regarding leadership behaviour. This five dimension theory has been proved as highly significant to certain behaviour skills. This theory very useful to understand the cultures of different countries. 6. Forecast and Outcomes : From this study we can understand that the importance of different cultures and their diversity which has to be considered for becoming a good leader of the people with that cultural background. We can see in the future that there will be a lot of research to be done on the field of cultural leadership qualities. The possible outcome of this is that it will help us understand and manage people as leader in a much better and efficient way so that we can be more effective in the management. 7. References: Leaders who make a Difference. European ManagementJournal Hofstede Cultural Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors,Institutions and Organizations across Nations. pentice hall Europe .sondergaard,m(1994),hofsteds consequences:a study reviews citations and replications leadershipcrossroads.com/mat/Effective leeiwan.wordpress.com/2007/05/28/motivation-not-the-leaders www.essays.se/about/thesis+on+motivation+and+performance

Blanco Review :: essays research papers

The book, Please Stop Laughing at Me by Jodee Blanco, is an inspirational story about the abuse she endured during her years at school. She had to deal with physical, verbal, and emotional abuse throughout her school year. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. I can remember back in elementary school being the new kid. The kids made fun of me because I was new, but once they gave me a chance they liked me. In junior high some kids would call me names, but that was it. Verbal abuse is all that I had to deal with on occasion. This is nothing compared to the things that Jodee endured through her years of school.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story begins with Jodee’s description of how she was victimized in a 4th grade Catholic grammar school; coming to the defense of deaf children that were being treated cruelly. She supplied the school officials with names and was labeled a â€Å"tattletale.† No one would talk to her, recess was spent in anguish, and she would find garbage and spoiled food in her book bag. As she progressed into 5th grade some of the social atmosphere began to shift in subtle but profound ways. Being accepted into a clique was all that mattered. Instead of being admired for class participation, as in earlier years she was laughed at and labeled as â€Å"teacher’s pet.† She said the rules were simple â€Å"shun or be shunned—if you weren’t willing to go along with the crowd, you would become the reject.† Sixth grade Jodee enrolled at a private academy and the first few months were without incident. Jodee reveled in having friends and tried to do everything right to stay in their good standing. The trouble started when she called her mother to leave a party early. Jodee begged her mother not tell what was going on with the twelve year olds—but they were all caught in the act. Monday morning at school she found her favorite suede shoes floating in a toilet bowl of urine with a note attached—â€Å"Bitch, this is just the beginning.† She was cruelly treated, spit at, beaten, and shunned on a daily basis. Her parents were sympathetic to her dilemma and finally forced her to see a psychiatrist. She was placed on medication that made her very sleepy. The psychiatrist said that â€Å"kids will be kids and that possibly she was looking for attention from her parents.

Race and Ethnicity Essay

The ongoing struggle to fight the skin color prejudice in the contemporary American society is portrayed in Michael Jackson’s song â€Å"Black or White. † Whereas the racism is defined as a superior behavior against other race-thus making it inferior, the singer refers to this term as â€Å"See, it’s not about races, just places, faces, where your blood comes from is where your space is. † Michael Jackson, one of the most influential artists in the music industry, calls for equality in how people view and behave towards each other. The question, which this master thesis investigates, does it matter if you’re black or white, is clearly answered by the singer: â€Å"It don’t matter if you’re black or white. † Jackson was trying to influence his society to act in a similar way and he calls for them to live their lives by Dr. Luther’s dream â€Å"†¦. judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. † However, almost thirty years later, it still seemed only as a dream because he sang: â€Å"I’m tired of this Devil†, where the bad is being represented by the prejudice. At the same time, he clearly states: â€Å"I’m not gonna spend my life being a color† – this is where he makes his conclusion. This can imply that even though he doesn’t discriminate and would like to see color prejudice gone, he is still being discriminated against. While being the most prominent artist in the music industry, he still calls himself â€Å"a color† and he rebuts against it and wants to be seen for the person he is and not the pigmentation of his skin. It is widely known that Michael Jackson had many facial plastic surgeries and it is controversial whether or not he altered his skin color by chemical peels or was it the disease called vitiligio that changed his face color to white. Therefore, it can be speculated that he modified skin to appear white, which ultimately is his vision. It can be further questioned – since Michael Jackon can’t win his struggle for racial equality, did he give up and go white – just to end his inner battle? Will all his suffering come to closure since now he looks white? Is this the true answer? It may be deemed as so since the skin color is the guide of one’s position in the society where being white claims supremacy-control and power. It should be noted that Michael Jackson is one of the greatest musicians of all times, having sold over 750 million records worldwide. He has accomplished so much in his life, yet still feels inferior and calls for racial equality in the world. His vision for a better world to live in, free of racism, ends on a sad note: â€Å"It’s black, it’s white†. To summarize, through decades, the blacks have fought to be equal, as the American nation shall guarantee those rights, yet, the society is still divided into the superior, the whites, and inferior- the blacks (and other people of color). Blacks have always been portrayed as the dirty, the poor, the lesser-of-a human type whereas the whites are seen as the dominant, the good type. Again, Jackson does not agree with this stereotype in saying: â€Å"I ain’t second to none. † Moreover, he claims that he will no longer be scared and mentions historical symbol of a KKK group: â€Å"I ain’t scared of your brother, I ain’t scared of no sheets. † With his passing in 2009, many of his inner struggles come to the end, but will the next generation start working on being color-free as the king of pop envisioned? America has always struggled with racial issues, especially those of black and white. Some them included racial segregation, education, workforce, banking and even seating on the bus. Black people continuously tried to â€Å"break thru† into community, but were always pushed aside as dirty, poor and unwelcome. We, in modern times, see the United States of America as a country that treats everyone equal. Americans should all be all equal, no matter what race, color, religion or any other characteristics they have. After all, we all remember year 2009, which is when Americans elected their first African American President. Question that comes to mind – why â€Å"first African American President,† not just simply their 44th President? So – the race and color of your skin does matter in modern times. My analyses of selected books, academic journals, films and music video will concentrate and argue if Americans indeed discriminate against race or if it is history and no longer exists in American life. First, I would like to take into consideration the iconic Michael Jackson, one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest singer and performer of the 21st century. Not only his songs deserve a closer look, but also his lifestyle – ideas, fears and the public opinion. â€Å"Black or White† by Michael Jackson and Bill Bottrell is a one of the greatest singles in Michael’s career. It was released on November 11, 1991. What inspired Michael to particularly select these two topics? Black or white – as implied in the song, he sings about skin color. Songs starts in Africa, possibly showing Jackson’s â€Å"beginning† – he is black. In one of the scenes, Michael sings â€Å"I ain’t scared of no sheets; I ain’t scared of nobody† – while he is walking through fire images – which is being compared to KKK and its torch ceremonies. Here, he is portraying his painful vision of KKK and its vision. Later, the performers sing â€Å"I’m not gonna spend my life being a color. † What a great statement. Michael, throughout his whole life and his career, shows us his inner and constant fight for a non-racial America. Being black himself, he had struggled and finally came to the top, but still did not achieve the level of happiness – which is â€Å"no color† in his country. Later, Jackson sings on Statue of Liberty’s torch, again possibly reminding us about the KKK, and at the same time – the Statue symbolizes liberty, which for him will be color-free, no discrimination America. We shouldn’t forget about Michael’s actions in this video. In the original version, he is smashing the car, windows and the inn exploded. However, later he had to edit this version to minimize his violent behavior, however. He altered it by adding four racial graffiti messages onto the windows that he was smashing. As I suggested earlier, Michael Jackson is portrayed as an angry black man who simply hates the discrimination against black people and shows his feelings by destroyed his surroundings, as he was being destroyed himself –just for being of black color. In is interesting to observe, the Jackson, when asked to change his destructive aggressive music video, he indeed did change it, but didn’t forget about this hostility towards discrimination. He had just portrayed it differently (graffiti). First message reads: â€Å"Hitler Lives,† then â€Å"Nigger Go Home,† â€Å"No More Wetbacks,† and finally â€Å"KKK Rules. † It can be argued if Michael Jackson is simply smashing windows with those painful ideas – is destroying them – to make a better world? Finally, the song comes from the album â€Å"Dangerous. † What did the author have in mind? Are all of those issues, painful experiences and the fight for non-colored America dangerous? It can be argued that yes. Jackson showed us the dangerous side of being black, where he was always forced to fight and that causes different sorts of trouble. In â€Å"Black or White,† Michael brilliantly portrayed two core problems people were facing daily: black or white. As we look at his lifestyle and constant metamorphoses, Michael Jackson had numerous surgeries that altered the color of his skin and make him â€Å"white. † It is very controversial as many sources quote that Jackson had a condition where one looses a pigment of his skin, called vitiligo. However, Michael Jackson public image is seen as a person who constantly tried to be white, therefore, sought surgeries to help him attain this goal. Michael Jackson shows us that it could have probably been easier to make himself white and not struggle for color-free America, where everyone is equal, no matter of who there are or what they look like. It would also be important to analyze some of the lyrics from Jackson’s music video. He sings: â€Å"I had to tell them I ain’t second to none. † It can be understood that he no longer is accepting the fact that black is â€Å"second,† which is worse, just because of the color. He continues: â€Å"And I told about equality† – he tells us he wants to be considered equal, despite his skin color. Next verse, he has really had enough of being pushed around because he is black â€Å"I am tired of this devil, I am tired of this stuff, I am tired of this business. † Finally, he talks about racism in: â€Å"See, it’s not about races, Just places, Faces, Where your blood, Comes from, Is where your space is, I’ve seen the bright, Get duller, I’m not going to spend, My life being a color. † Here Michael Jackson compares himself to simply being a â€Å"color. † He is less than a human being only because he is not white. He is â€Å"black. † Again, he accents his refusal of living his life being black. He wants to be equal, equal to white. It should be also noted that throughout video, Michael Jackson is wearing black and white clothing (white shirt, black blazer, white accents on his right arm and nails, black shoes, white socks). He seems to be a person caught in a black-and-white world and struggles to change it, showing his pain. However, at the very end, he turns into a black panther. This transformation may symbolize him as a black man who will fight for his rights, yet, still remain black. In book â€Å"The Color of Credit: Mortgage Discrimination, Research Methodology, and Fair-Lending Enforcement† Stephen L. Ross and John Yinger present racial issues and argue the importance of skin color in banking. It should be noted that this book was published in 2002, year where we all think that American people are equal, especially on racial basis. Therefore, why and how does the skin color come into play in banking? First, the American lenders take many factors into consideration when disbursing the mortgage. Such factors include many details such as the creditor’s ability to repay the loan – where the lender accesses the potential risk of losing the loan. There are many different lenders and they base their information on statistics, demographics and make final decision based on the risk factors. Research showed that mainly blacks would seek loans, which are not favorable to all lenders. Therefore such bank does take race into consideration when reviewing for application for credit. It is also shown that blacks will most likely work with subprime lenders (44%) with comparison to whites (only 4%). Blacks generally cannot use the prime mortgage market due to their poor qualifications, thus creating the black to white ratio of getting the mortgage – with figures of 2. 28 denial for prime market and 1. 27 for subprime. At the same time, limited research shows that blacks-even though have some qualifications as white – would remain in the subprime market and thus be charged higher fees. Equal Credit Opportunity Act says: It shall be unlawful for any creditor to discriminate against any applicant, with respect to any aspect of a credit transaction—on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex or marital status, or age (provided the applicant has the capacity to contract). (U. S. Code Title 15, Chapter 41, Section 1691) This would mean that all people should be treated equally in banks, when doing business in banks, no discrimination in credit transaction. However, authors argue that the bank may take a different look at the person and who they are in â€Å"business necessity† can be proved. Therefore, even while it is regulated by law, certain discriminatory practices can and do exist. Later, it would be rather hard to prove that the lender discriminated based for example on race. All regulations are not very clear and courts find it hard to find such a connection of discrimination. It is implied that blacks, with poorer ability to repay, living in lower income communities, must face subprime, expensive mortgages – to possibly make as much money as possible in the shortest time-so if the black borrower defaults on his payments, the lender wouldn’t lose its investment. This is to compare with the white borrower who lives in the richer-type setting, is more likely to meet his payments, therefore, he is offered a prime mortgage rate, without the necessity to further secure the loan. It can be argued if blacks and whites are treated equally, despite many regulations. On one hand, the lender must adhere to all necessary regulations, but on the other hand, such institution can make necessary decisions to make that mortgage profitable – thus, taking all factors into consideration in the application process. We can further analyze that race and color of skin does matter when one is being evaluated for such an application. It is believed that whites pose a lower risk to a financial institution than blacks. This also means, as authors point out, that black are less likely to be approved for a higher-priced home than a white person, which causes the real estate agents to discriminate and not show the more expensive houses to blacks. Maybe they don’t discriminate, they just know that lender is not likely to approve a black person in comparison to the same application of a white person? It is particularly important to note that authors point out that ‘‘on average, black mortgage applications have higher loan-to value and debt-to-income ratios than do white applications. ’’ In closing, it should be noted that while many regulations exist, there is no proof that racial discrimination has gone away and some research suggests that blacks still have lower approval rate in comparison to the whites. It is said that race does play a key role when the lender looks at your mortgage application.