Performance management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Performance management - Essay Example Studies have revealed that the simplification process has produced results that have not only been conflicting but also ambiguous. Due to the disadvantages stated above, Ferreira & Otley's formulated the performance management framework that clearly describes the operation and structure of performance management system. Researchers have emphasized that to obtain accurate results that are essential in developing skills and knowledge on management performance, it is important to use theoretical foundations. Managers of an organization need to select rational theories that will guide them when analyzing performance of an organization (Chapman, 2007p. 664). Performance management approach usually involves many processes that take place in an organization. These processes include analysis, measurement, control, and planning. The mechanisms employed in performance management systems are formal and informal controls. The controls are usually dependent on the size of the organization because larger firms use administrative controls (Margret, 2010 p. 210). Performance Management Framework by Otley’s In the year 1999, Otley developed a framework that was to provide a guideline in the study of the operations of management control systems. He focused on five areas that included identification of the main goals of an organization. ... The fourth area that Otley emphasized was the implications of either achieving or failing to achieve the targets set in an organization. Lastly, he focused on monitoring the performance of an organization. Levers of Control framework Simons proposed the levers of control (LOC) framework in the year 1995. These included beliefs, boundary, diagnostic and interactive control systems (Simons, 1995:p177). Simons’ framework was based on four major concepts especially core values, the risks, the variables of critical performance and strategic uncertainties. The belief system controls the core values while the risks are regulated by the boundary system. The diagnostic control system controls the critical performance variables. The main function of the diagnostic control is to monitor, assess and provide rewards based on the different levels of performance. Lastly, the interactive control system regulates the strategic uncertainties in a company. The levers of control framework have fa cilitated the study of the interaction between boundary systems and beliefs (Collier, 2005:p321). The LOC framework was criticized because of its incompatibility with the informal controls that exist in many organizations (Hutzschenreuter, 2009 p.10). However, the employment of LOC framework facilitates the assessment of the balance between positive and negative controls (Ferreira, 2002: 053). The Performance Management Systems Structure The existing frameworks had a number of limitations that prompted researchers to develop an extended framework. The extensive framework highlights the main aspects of performance management system, and provides foundation for the development of further investigations. The performance management system focused on several areas including organization structure,

Reflection Essay- Zenur Levon Negotiation Process

Reflection Essay- Zenur Levon Negotiation Process Reflecting upon role play activity experience is an essential ability for all experts to grow better administration and communication skills, disagreement decision and improve future execution. To think back on the play that was directed as group work a week ago has permitted taking an interest understudies to pick up administration and negotiation skill. This paper will reflect upon the part that I personally played in this role-play action, and in addition fundamentally investigate our execution as a group work. It could be contended that our group performed well in general; yet more negotiation, communication and management abilities could have been moved forward. This paper will remark upon the group work, business communication style, and procedures and propose likely upgrades in future exercises. Our groups included four individuals and were altogether appointed with a specific part inside the role-play. Reflecting upon my part as CEO Levon and one of Negotiator, I felt at the time this did not by any means suit my identity profile. Largo and Johns (2008) state than guaranteeing close matches between role-play and genuine identity characteristics will probably deliver positive outcomes. For me, maybe the most difficult and challenging part of being allotted this in this role was working and discussing viably with our group in a reasonable and decisive way. Incidentally, I felt uneasy consulting with other colleagues who I felt had their own plan and appeared to be unwilling now and again to bargain. Looking back, this was one of the greatest difficulties I confronted in this action. Be that as it may, it additionally permitted me to construct my abilities and trust in these areas over the quantity of weeks we were included in the role-play. For me, the negotiation process with the Zenur Company advanced exceptionally well and expected an agreeable outcome. At first point both group shared company brief introduction and before making proposal Zenur discussed Levons current market situation and Levon also talked about Zenurs weakness. As a Levon negotiator we are very much interested in full acquisition. Finally discussion end with profit and management sharing in 80:20.The way that both groups were executing Win-Win an integrative collaborative procedure came about gainful for both groups. Indeed, even through outcomes was lower than our goal, it was over the BATNA and resistance indicates and esteemed please both groups (Barnett ORourke, 2011) and as our strategies was likewise intensely worried with building solid relationship with other organization we trust that we accomplished a fruitful outcome. All through the arrangement each issue was examined on at an opportunity to help achieve a result that was adequate for both groups. Because of each groups sharing data and their inspiration to accomplish a specific outcome made it was anything but difficult to cooperate to achieve common understanding over each issue. The gathering utilized Collaborative Style (I Win You Win) strategy (Bovee, Paul Thill, 2012)to attempt and accomplishes a result that is valuable for both groups. For example we settled down at 450 million dollar commonly against offer cost of 500 million dollars with one board part position in Levon from Zenur staff. The negotiation with Zenur was great anyway it was done rapidly and felt somewhat surged. As we continued through the transaction so rapidly we had overlooked some minor issue that had been not talked about. We could have utilized Salami methodology in better route by putting our request before other organization in parts and slowly (Atherton, 2014). This issue may have likewise been credited to our absence of structure with our arrangement points. Despite the fact that our arranging was finished well we didnt examine that we have wanted to. Through the transaction the primary issues were centered around anyway we missed some comparable issues by not alluding to our arranging from among the bargain procedure. All in all, to reflect upon the part I have attempted among the group role-play assignment, it can be kept up that an awesome practical experience has been learnt and learnt about business communication. In remarking upon the group flow, and the scholastic writing that has upheld the taking in this semester, it can be contended that another sets of information and comprehension has been designed and implemented. Likewise, it has been especially essential to wind up distinctly a reflective essay writer and that in undertaking such perceptions enhances ones as well as improves specific knowledge. References Atherton, T. (2014). NEGOTIATING SKILLS The Salami Tactic. Retrieved 14 February 2017, from http://www.tony-atherton.co.uk/articlenegsalami.htm Bovee, C.L, Paul, C Thill, J.V. (2012). Business Communication Today. (11 Ed.). USA: Pearson. Barnett, S., ORourke, S. (2011). Communication: organisation and innovation (3rd Ed.). Pearson Education New Zealand. Largo, E. Johns, M. 2008, Sensing of change management rulemaking for the 21st Century, Swan Page, London.

The Impact of The Internet on Society :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

The Impact of The Internet on Society Entertainment just isn't the same ever since our society has had Internet access. Now, all anybody has to do to get cheap entertainment at their own expense is type in a sub-topic on a hot web site, and their entertainment pops up. Some web sites will ask for a credit card number, and others will just let you download movies, music or whatever for free. For instance, there is a web-site called, "real money casino." You can just sit on your computer, win real money, and have it wired straight to your account. All you have to do is be 21 years of age and give them your social security number. Really, anybody can sit at home and say they are 21 and use there parents credit card to pay for the charge. Ok maybe its not that easy but I bet you it is pretty easy. Just think of how easy it is to lose money from the casino's computer nerds, who wire a little of your money out of your account and straight into the casino's account. I have had the chance to personally go to a casino and see what its like on the inside. I got to see how the gambling business really works. I was only about 11 years old when I went, but I remember everything about it. The casino is a common for people who live near my way. It is called, "Black Hawk Casino". Now, people under 21 aren't allowed in the casino like before. This is because too many people were getting angry at the fact of a little kid sitting there and watching them while they played. Maybe they thought kids were bad luck or something. Right when I walked in the casino, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. There were shiny slot machines everywhere, guards, cameras, and sounds of people winning. The sounds were like if you've ever took all of the change out of your piggy bank at once, the sound of all that change clinging together. It's just like music for your ears. It was awesome. I couldn't wait until I turned 21. Who would want to sit at home and play on the Inte rnet when they can get up and go to the casino in person? It's got to be ten times better and more fun. The Impact of The Internet on Society :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers The Impact of The Internet on Society Entertainment just isn't the same ever since our society has had Internet access. Now, all anybody has to do to get cheap entertainment at their own expense is type in a sub-topic on a hot web site, and their entertainment pops up. Some web sites will ask for a credit card number, and others will just let you download movies, music or whatever for free. For instance, there is a web-site called, "real money casino." You can just sit on your computer, win real money, and have it wired straight to your account. All you have to do is be 21 years of age and give them your social security number. Really, anybody can sit at home and say they are 21 and use there parents credit card to pay for the charge. Ok maybe its not that easy but I bet you it is pretty easy. Just think of how easy it is to lose money from the casino's computer nerds, who wire a little of your money out of your account and straight into the casino's account. I have had the chance to personally go to a casino and see what its like on the inside. I got to see how the gambling business really works. I was only about 11 years old when I went, but I remember everything about it. The casino is a common for people who live near my way. It is called, "Black Hawk Casino". Now, people under 21 aren't allowed in the casino like before. This is because too many people were getting angry at the fact of a little kid sitting there and watching them while they played. Maybe they thought kids were bad luck or something. Right when I walked in the casino, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. There were shiny slot machines everywhere, guards, cameras, and sounds of people winning. The sounds were like if you've ever took all of the change out of your piggy bank at once, the sound of all that change clinging together. It's just like music for your ears. It was awesome. I couldn't wait until I turned 21. Who would want to sit at home and play on the Inte rnet when they can get up and go to the casino in person? It's got to be ten times better and more fun.

Separation of Powers in Botswana

SEPARATION OF POWERS IN BOTSWANA Government The constitution implicitly recognises the separation of powers by dealing with each of the three organs of government in separate and distinct provisions. The executive is dealt with in chapter IV, sections 30-56, the legislature in chapter V, sections 57-94 and the judiciary in chapter VI, sections 95-106. Executive The whole of chapter IV of the constitution deals with the executive. Part I deals with the President and Vice President, part II with the Cabinet and part III with the executive functions. In spite of this, section 47 explicitly vests executive functions on the President.The President is not elected directly by universal suffrage but rather indirectly under section 32 after parliamentary elections from the newly elected members of Parliament. He can only hold office for an aggregate period of 10 years and if the office falls vacant, the Vice President takes over. The President appoints the Vice President and such number of Mi nisters and Assistant Ministers as are determined by Parliament. They must all be members of Parliament at the time of their appointment. If not, then before the expiration of four months after their appointment they must become members of Parliament or vacate the position.This therefore means that there is no strict separation of powers in Botswana. Executive power vests in the President and section 49 states that the Vice President acts as his â€Å"principal assistant† and works under his directions. He is responsible for such business of government (including the administration of any department of Government), that the President may assign to him. The usual pattern has been to assign a specific department to the Vice President. On the other hand, cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers are responsible for advising the President with respect to policy and such other matters that he may refer to them.Nevertheless, section 50 makes it clear that the cabinet shall be respo nsible to Parliament for all things done by or under the authority of the President and Vice President in the execution of their duties. This generally means that the cabinet as a whole, including the President are collectively responsible to Parliament. Ministers are also individually responsible to Parliament and the public at large for the running of their ministries. Legislature Parliament, according to section 57, consists of the President and the National Assembly.The latter is composed of the President, as ex officio member, 57 elected members, and 4 specially elected members. Although Botswana has earned considerable praise for maintaining a full-fledged liberal multi-party democratic system since independence, one party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has won all elections since independence and remains a dominant party in a system marked by a weak and fragmented opposition parties. The Botswana parliament exercises three main functions viz, the making of laws, control ling public finance and scrutinising and controlling Government.Section 86 vests on Parliament the â€Å"power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Botswana. † Legislation only becomes law under section 87 after it has been assented to by the President. Another important function of Parliament, which is provided for under sections 117 to 124, is to control the use of public finances. As a result of this control, Government must obtain legislative authority before it can engage in certain financial activities such as levying taxes, imposing rates, and charging fees. The final function of scrutinising and controlling Government is carried out in at least three different ways.The first of this is through question time, motions and ministerial statements. The Standing Orders of the National Assembly allow any private member of Parliament to address a question to a Minister relating to a public matter for which he is responsible. An alternative to question time is the motion, which enables a member to move a motion on any topic by giving three day’s notice of his intention to do so. Besides Parliament, there is also the Ntlo ya Dikgosi, which until the constitutional amendments of 2005, was known as the House of Chiefs.According to section 77, it is to be composed of â€Å"not less than 33 nor more than 35 members,† some of whom are persons performing the functions of kgosiin certain specified districts, some appointed by the President and others selected under section 78(4)(c). The Ntlo ya Dikgosi although having some role to play in the law making process is not a second chamber of Parliament in any sense. Its limited role in the law making process is specified in section 85, which enables it to: i) consider the copy of any Bill, which may affect the designation, ecognition, removal of powers of Dikgosi or Dikgosana; affect the organisation, powers or administration of customary laws; affect customary law, or the ascertain ment or recording of customary law; or affect the tribal organisation or tribal property. ii) be consulted by any Minister on any matter on which he desires to obtain their opinion; or iii) discuss any matter within the executive or legislative authority, which it considers it to be desirable to take cognizance in the interests of the tribes, and tribal organisations it represents and make representations to the President or send messages to Parliament on this.The Ntlo ya Dikgosi therefore only plays a consultative and advisory role. The Judiciary In Botswana, the constitution in section 127 implicitly distinguishes between superior courts and inferior or subordinate courts. Section 127 of the constitution in defining â€Å"subordinate court,† states that thisâ€Å"means any court established for Botswana other than the Court of Appeal, the High Court, a court martial, or the Industrial Court. Generally, the jurisdiction of superior courts is neither limited by the value of the subject matter nor geographically and they tend to deal with the more important and difficult cases.By contrast, the jurisdiction of inferior courts is limited both geographically and according to the value of the subject matter of the dispute. Another distinctive feature of inferior courts is that they are amenable to the supervisory jurisdiction of the High court. The most important inferior courts in Botswana are the Magistrates’ court and the customary courts. Another important distinction is that between courts of general, ordinary or normal jurisdiction and courts of special jurisdiction. Courts of general jurisdiction are those, which deal with practically any kind of case, whether civil, or criminal, that may be brought before them.On the other hand, courts of special jurisdiction may deal only with stated and limited kinds of issues. The courts of general jurisdiction are organised in a hierarchy and consists of (i) the Court of Appeal, (ii) the High Court, (iii) the Magistrates’ Courts and (iv) the Customary Courts. This structure reflects the dual system of laws operating in the country in that the first three courts are concerned primarily with administering the common law and statutes enacted by the legislature while the last courts deal essentially with customary law. The courts of special jurisdiction onsist of the land tribunal, the juvenile court, the court martial and the industrial court. Those who adjudicate upon disputes in the superior courts, consists of the Judge President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Justice of the High Court and such other judges of the High Court and the Court of Appeal as Parliament may prescribe. Their role in the administration of justice is set out in Part VI of the Constitution. These constitutional provisions and other laws regulate matters such as their appointment and dismissal, their tenure, their status and their independence from the other two branches of government

My reasons for applying for admission to Cerritos College

My father, a CEO of a mid-sized logistics company in South Korea, has always stressed the importance of receiving a good education to me. After graduating from high school he did not to go to college because he wanted to earn by building his own small business, instead of spending money on college tuition.For the first few years, his business seemed to run satisfactorily. However, he had a difficult time in managing his business with the lack of education he received. Whenever he had to make some important decisions in operating business he realized that he was not competent enough to make smart and sound decisions.Eventually, his first small logistics business failed. This was a major turning point for my father. He immediately enrolled in college with a major in Business Administration. After graduating and armed with a degree, my father felt empowered with the education he received and set off to try his hand on fulfilling his goals in business. His present success proves that a c ollege education really makes a difference.My dream is to become a CEO of a company like my father. My father encouraged me to study in the United States, where the quality of education is high and where most of the famous and successful CEOS of big corporations have received their education.For one to dream big, one has to start with small steps. Thus, my short-term goal is to be accepted into  Cerritos College and receive both good grades and experience cultural diversity. My mid-term goal is to transfer to Stanford University after completing  an associate  degree at Cerritos College. Lastly, becoming an influential  CEO of a big company is my long-term goal.Recalling the phrase I read from economy section of the newspaper, â€Å"To become a successful CEO of  a company  the person has to be good at making  decisions, both fast and reasonable decisions†.I  already proved that I have an excellent potential  in becoming a successful CEO of a company  by m aking the right decision and that is  choosing Cerritos College, the ideal place to equip myself with  lots of knowledge and valuable experience which are core requisites for accomplishing my dream.

Competitive Advantage of Jollibee Essay Example

Competitive Advantage of Jollibee Essay Example Competitive Advantage of Jollibee Essay Competitive Advantage of Jollibee Essay 1. ) How was Jollibee able to build its dominant position in fast food in the Philippines? What sources of competitive advantage it was able to develop against McDonald’s in its home market? Ans. ) Jollibee was able to coup up very well during the oil crisis in 1977 with their innovative ideas. They have forecasted that the surge in oil price will have direct and adverse effect on the ice cream sector since the production costs are much higher for Ice cream business, thus they have migrated to Burgers. This idea of moving to a new segment has clearly shown the ability of the decisive management team to act sharp at times of market crisis. The way in which the strategic decisions are carried out during this period was remarkable. It has defeated the existing cut-throat competitor Mc Donald’s and leading foreign investors at that time by producing more at a cheaper available price in the market. They have invested their cash flow much on the production and delivered products that are delicious to the major customer base. The sales has grown tremendously which led to claim the dominance in the market and has become a leading brand passing ahead of McDonald’s. They took over Greenwich Pizza to enhance their market strengths by a way of consolidation and had a JV with DeliFrance. The approach was rational in the beginning days and they have studied the pulse of the American customer by introducing big burgers to counter Big Mac’s. The credit is to be awarded to the expert management team who has done intense R D of the market and planned their finances accordingly. Even though a new brand in the market in has stood firm to the rough waves of its competitor without giving any chance of tarnishing their brand value and market share. Sources of Competitive advantage: The major source was being the new and first of its kind competitor to the existing big brands in Philippines and attracting the customers with their products in delivering customer specific requirements, tastes and preferences. One interesting learning here is that Jollibee being a new entrant in the market has attracted the customers by understanding their tastes, which McDonald’s was unable to get hold of. It’s small in number and has hit the right button of â€Å"Customer Satisfaction† as per the region preferences. It was so flexible that a big brand like McDonald’s couldn’t withstand the variety of items Filipinos prefer in their menu list attracting the locals with reasonable prices. The timeliness and strategic analysis of the market is the key to its huge success in Philippines. 2. ) How would you evaluate Tony Kitchner’s effectiveness as the first head of Jollibee’s international division? Does his broad strategic thrust make sense? How effectively did he develop the organization to implement his priorities? Ans. ) As the first head of Jollibee kitchner has a vivid and vibrant focus on generating a huge brand value culminating in to a world class company, he has the attention to detail at all minor aspects of the business ranging from the dress code, vision, research of individual markets, local markets, plans for strategic menus at different segments of the markets as per the local preferences are well planned. Opening of Franchise service Managers was a fantastic design, it has helped organizing the operational activities in a better and easy way in which proper control and management takes place centrally leading to commotion among the teams. Regular updates from regional level managers has boosted this system to overcome the negative feedbacks and rectify the same with immediate effect. Kitchner’s thinking of fast-mover advantages in the industry was very much adaptable that needs immediate attention and wide spread expansion. In terms of marketing this idea has helped attract wide range of customers as the system believes that advertisement and promotion plays crucial role in brand recognition and awareness among the people about the brand. The plan was so dynamic that it gets flexible as per the market segment and the targeted audience which led to the success of this strategy due to its progressive outlay. He developed strategies and that were implemented efficiently and effectively to make an international brand by forming international division. There were many criterion upon which it has reached to the existing volumes viz. dress code, catchy slogans, store ambience, packing, labelling and marketing. Administering right decisions at the right time was the key to the success of this business by hiring efficient managers who are experts in their respective fields and areas, and has made sure that it won’t hit the mistakes doe by its competitor. 3. ) As Noli Tingzon, how would you deal with the three options described at the end of the case? How would you implement your decision? Ans. Papua new Guinea, Hongkong and California were the 2 new regions given to the new international manager for further expanding Jollibee. The best option in my view for Tingzon is to have franchise in California rather than the other two, reason being CA has better market condition vis-a-vis other 2 regions. Daly city has very less foreign fast food chain competition which can be a value addition to the franchise to get hold of the base market opportunity. Moreover CA has more Filipino population compared to the other 2 regions as per the data available and most of the immigrants from Phillipines are working professionals. Thus they are economically rich and are suitable for purchasing their products of JFC, which was learnt from the previous experiences in the Middle east region. The menu may be designed as per the Filipino preferences and there will be reduced last minute changes to the order unlike ME experiences. Since, the CA option looks greener from the initial research perspective but at the same time we should undermine the other two options at this point of time. IF the franchise wants to attract a wider customer base of various cultures and nationalities the JFC should change the menu accordingly to fit into the vast culturally diverse regions like HK and PNG, if it has the plans to open stores in these regions. Tingzon should also focus on creating awareness among the customer about their products through a well-structured promotion plan through local digital media houses to print media. This will give the needed information about the new launch of the franchise to the wider customer needs.

Human Resoures Essays

Human Resoures Essays Human Resoures Essay Human Resoures Essay Providing medical and retirement benefits of some sort remains almost obligatory for many (e. G. , large) employers. (3) Benefits programs are much more complex than most compensation programs. Benefits rules and their advantages and disadvantages are very difficult to communicate and understand, particularly if an employee does not have experience with using their benefits. (Pages 562 563) Discuss the Social Security Act of 1935. The Social Security Act of 1935 was the establishment of old-age insurance and unemployment insurance. The act was later amended to add survivors insurance, disability Insurance. Hospital insurance, and supplemental medical insurance. Together, these provisions constitute the federal Old Age, Survivors, Disability, and Health Insurance (ASIDE) program. Over 90 percent of U. S. Workers are covered by this program. The mall exceptions being railroad, federal, state, and local government employees. An individual employee must meet certain eligibility requirements to be covered. To be fully Insured typically requires 40 quarters of covered employment and minimum earnings of $1 , 120 per quarter in 2011 Social Security retirement (old-age insurance) benefits for fully insured workers begin at age 65 years and 6 months (full benefits) r age 62 (at a permanent reduction In benefits) for those born In 1940. (Pages 567 568) Discuss defined benefit and defined contribution plans. A defined benefit plan guarantees a specified retirement benefit level to employees based typically on a combination of years of service and age as well as on the employees earnings level. The plan insulates employees from investment risk, which is borne by the company. In the event of severe financial difficulties that force a company to terminate or reduce employee pension benefits, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation provides some protection of benefits. A defined contribution plan does not promise a specific benefit level for employees upon retirement. Rather, an Individual account Is set up for each employee with a guaranteed size of contribution. The advantage of such plans for employers is that they shift investment risks to employees and present fewer administrative challenges because there is no need to calculate payments based on age and service and no need to make payments to the BGP. While many companies have both types of plans, defined contributions re much more prevalent within small companies. Page 1 AT 1 (Pages 569 570) As a manager, what retirement plan will you incorporate in order to combine the advantages of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans? One way to combine the advantages of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans is to use a cash balance plan. This type of retirement plan consists of individual accounts, as in a 401(k) plan. But in contrast to a 401(k), all the contributions come from the employer. Usually, the employer contributes a percentage of the employees salary, say, 4% or 5%. The money in the cash balance plan earns interest according to a predetermined rate, such as the rate paid on U. S. Treasury bills. Employers guarantee this rate as in a defined benefit plan. This arrangement helps employers plan their contributions and helps employees predict their retirement benefits. If employees change Jobs, they generally can roll over the balance into an individual retirement account. (Pages 573 574) U. S. Companies increasingly provide some form of child care support to their employees. Discuss. U. S. Companies increasingly provide some form of child care support to their employees. This support comes in several forms that vary in their degree of organizational involvement. The lowest level of involvement, offered by 36% of companies, is when an organization supplies and helps employees collect information about the cost and quality of available child care. At the next level, organizations provide vouchers or discounts for employees to use at existing child care facilities (5% of companies). At the highest level, firms provide child care at or near their worksheet (9% of companies). (Pages 575 576) What advice would you give an employer who is about to make hanged to his benefits program in attempt to control costs? It is useful to consider three factors when thinking about cost control strategies: (1) The larger the cost of a benefit category, the greater the opportunity for savings. This explains why many employers have targeted medical benefits for restructuring. (2) The growth trajectory of the benefit is also important. Even if costs are currently acceptable, the rate of growth may result in serious future costs. (3) Cost containment efforts can only work to the extent that the employer has significant discretion in hosing how much to spend in a benefit category. For example, an employer cannot make changes to legally mandated benefit programs. (Pages 578 579) Discuss the concepts of Homos and POS. Health maintenance organizations (Homos) and preferred provider organizations Page 2 of 13 (POS) are alternative health-care providers to the traditional fee-for-service health care allover systems. Homos pay Neal-care workers on a Nat salary Dads. I nee focus on preventive care, encourage outpatient treatment, and require employees to use only HOMO services. Employers contract with Homos to provide benefits on a repaid basis. POS are essentially groups of health-care providers who contract with employers or insurance companies to provide health care at a reduced fee. They differ from Homos in that they do not provide benefits on a prepaid basis and employees often are not required to use preferred providers. Instead, employers may provide incentives for employees to choose, for example, a physician who participates in the plan. In general, POS seem to be less expensive than traditional delivery systems, but more expensive than Homos. Pages 586 588) What potential risks do employers run when they choose to offer a legible benefits (cafeteria-style) plan? (1) High administrative costs, especially in the initial design and start-up stages. (2) Adverse selection. Employees are most likely to choose benefits they expect to use. As a result, employer costs can potentially increase significantly. Adverse selection also makes it difficult for the employer to estimate what benefits costs will be under the plan, e specially in small companies. (3) Employee dissatisfaction. Employers run the risk with flexible benefits plans that employees will select choices that will turn out poorly. As a result, employee dissatisfaction might increase. (Page 588) Discuss flexible spending accounts, citing their purpose, benefits, and drawbacks. A flexible spending account permits pretax contributions to an employee account that can be drawn on to pay for uncovered health care expenses (like deductible or coinsurance payments). A separate account of up to $5,000 per year is permitted for pretax contributions to cover dependent care expenses. The major benefit of such plans is the increase in take-home pay that results from pretax payment of health and dependent care expenses. The major drawbacks to such plans include the fact that funds must be earmarked in advance and spent during the plan year. Remaining funds revert to the employer; therefore, the accounts work best to the extent that employees have predictable expenses. (Pages 589 590) Discuss the Financial Accounting Statement (FAST) 106 rule. Financial Accounting Statement (FAST) 106, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, became effective in 1993. This rule requires that any benefits (excluding pensions) provided after retirement (the major one being health care) can no longer be funded on a pay-as-you-go basis. Rather, they must be paid on an accrual basis, and companies must enter these future cost obligations on their financial Page 3 of 13 spring 2014 statements. The effect on financial statements can be substantial. Multiple Choice Questions (Page 558) Although direct compensation is subject to government regulation, the scope Ana Impact AT regulation on Dentists Is Tar greater. Organizations so typically offer them that they have come to be institutionalized. Providing medical and retirement benefits of some sort remains almost obligatory for many (e. G. , large) employers. A large employer that did not offer such benefits to its full-time employees would be highly unusual. Benefits programs are much more complex than most compensation programs. (Pages 558 559) One reason for giving more responsibility to employees for retirement planning and other benefits is to increase their understanding of the value of such benefits. Page 560) The tax treatment of benefits programs is often more favorable for employees than the tax treatment of wages and salaries, meaning that a dollar spent on benefits has the potential to generate more value for the employees than the name dollar spent on wages and salaries. The marginal tax rate is the percentage of additional earnings that goes to taxes. (Pages 560 561) A factor that has influenced benefits growth is the cost advantage that groups typically realize over individuals. Organizations that represent large groups of employees can purchase insurance (or self-insure) at a lower rate because of economies of scale, which spread fixed costs over more employees to reduce the cost per person. Insurance risks can be more easily pooled in large groups, and large groups can also achieve greater bargaining power in dealing with insurance carriers r medical providers. (Pages 561 562) Most benefits fall into one of the following categories: social insurance, private group insurance, retirement, pay for time not worked, and familiarity policies. The percentage of employees covered by benefits programs increases with establishment size. Among the largest employers, these percentages would be higher still. Benefits and total compensation costs also increase with establishment size. (Page 562) Among the most important provisions of the Social Security Act of 1935 was the establishment of old-age insurance and unemployment insurance. The act was later Page 4 of 13 mended to add survivors insurance (1939), disability insurance (1956), hospital insurance (Medicare Part A, 1965), and supplementary medical insurance (Medicare Part B, 1965) for the elderly. Pages 562 563) More than 90% of U. S. Employees are covered by the program, the main exceptions being railroad and federal, state, and local government employees, who often have their own plans. Note, however, that an individual employee must meet certain eligibility requirements to receive benefits. Social Security retirement (old-age insurance) benefits for fully insured worker s begin at age 65 years and 6 months (full benefits). Although the amount of the benefit depends on ones earnings history, benefits go up very little after a certain level; thus high earners help subsidize benefit payments to low earners. Page 563) Cost-of-living increases are provided each year that the consumer price Index Increases. (Page 563) An important attribute of the Social Security retirement benefit is that it is free from state tax in about half of the states and entirely free from federal tax. However, the federal tax code has an earnings test for those who are still earning wages (and not yet at full retirement age). The earnings test increases a persons incentive to retire (otherwise full Social Security benefits are not received), and if she continues to work, the incentive to work part-time rather than full-time increases. Page 563) Established by the 1935 Social Security Act, unemployment insurance program has four major objectives: (1) to offset lost income during involuntary unemployment, (2) to help unemployed workers find new Jobs, (3) to provide an incentive for employers to stabilize employment, and (4) to preserve investments in worker skills by providing income during short-term layoffs (which allows workers to turn to their employer rather than start over with another employer). (Page 564) The unemployment insurance program is financed largely through federal and state taxes on employers. Page 564) Unemployed workers are eligible for benefits if they (1) have a prior attachment to the workforce (often 52 weeks or four quarters of work at a minimum level of pay); (2) are available for work; (3) are actively seeking work (including registering at the local unemployment office); and (4) were not discharged for cause (such as willful Page 5 of 13 misconduct), did not quit voluntarily, and are not out of work because of a labor spite. (Page 564) Workers compensation benefits fall into four major categories: (1) disability income, (2) medi cal care, (3) death benefits, and (4) rehabilitative services. Page 564) Employees are not covered when injuries are self-inflicted or stem from intoxication or willful disregard of safety rules. Approximately 90% of all U. S. Workers are covered by state workers compensation laws. Workers compensation benefits fall into four major categories: (1) disability income, (2) medical care, (3) death benefits, and (4) rehabilitative services. The system is financed differently by efferent states, some having a single state fund, most allowing employers to purchase coverage from private insurance companies. Self-funding by employers is also permitted in most states. (Page 565) The cost to the employer is based on three factors. The first factor is the nature of the occupations and the risk attached to each. The second factor is the state where work is located. The third factor is the employers experience rating. (Page 565) Group insurance rates are typically lower than individual rates because of economies of scale, the ability to pool risks, and the rater bargaining power of a group. This cost advantage, together with tax considerations and a concern for employee security, helps explain the prevalence of employer-sponsored insurance plans. (Page 565) The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985 requires employers to permit employees to extend their health insurance coverage at group rates for up to 36 months following a qualifying event, such as a layoff. (Page 1) Social security remains ten largest single component AT ten elderly overall retirement income (39 percent), while private pensions constitute 18 percent, and earnings from assets constitution percent. The remainder of the elderly income comes from earnings (24 percent) and other sources (3 percent). (Page 567) The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ARISE) of 1974 increased the fiduciary responsibilities of pension plan trustees, established vesting rights and portability provisions, and established the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Page 6 of 13 (BGP). (Page 567) A defined benefit plan guarantees a specified retirement benefit level to employees based typically on a combination of years of service and age as well as on the employees earnings level. Pages 567 568) Established by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ARISE) of 1974, the BGP guarantees a basic benefit, not necessarily complete pension benefit replacement. Payouts are not adjusted for cost-of-living changes. The BGP is funded by an annual contribution of $35 per (single-employer) plan participant, plus an additional variable rate premium for underfeed plans. The BGP does not guarantee health care benefits. (Page 568) Profit sharing plans and employee stock ownership plans are also often used as retirement vehicles. Both permit contributions (cash and stock, respectively) o vary from year to year, thus allowing employers to avoid fixed obligations that may be burdensome in difficult financial times. (Page 568) Defined contribution plans shift the investment risk to employees, have fewer administrative challenges and do not require payments to the BGP. They are preferred in smaller companies, perhaps because of small employers desire to avoid long-term obligations or perhaps because small companies tend to be younger, often being founded since the trend toward defined contribution plans. Defined contribution plans continue to grow in importance, while, defined benefit plans have come less common. (Page 568) Defined contribution plans do not promise a specific benefit level for employees upon retirement. Rather, an individual account is set up for each employee with a guaranteed size of contribution. (Page 568) Section 401 (k) plans (named after the tax code section) permit employees to defer compensation on a pretax basis. (Page 568) Defined contribution plans put the responsibility for wise investing squarely Page 7 of 13 on the shoulders of the employee. Page 568) The age at which investments are made, the different historical rates of turn AT Deterrent Investments, Ana ten need Tort Elaborations In order to counteract investment risk, affect the amount of income a person will receive upon retirement. (Page 569) The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires defined contribution plans holding publicly traded securities to provide employees with (1) the opportunity to divest employer securities and (2) at least three investment options other than employer securities. Page 570) A cash balance requires contributions from the employer only and is most generous to young employees who have many years ahead in which to earn interest. If employees change Jobs, they generally can roll over the balance into an individual retirement account. (Page 570) ARISE guarantees employees that when they become participants in a pension plan and work a specified minimum number of years, they earn a right to a pension upon retirement. These are referred to as vesting rights. Page 570) A summary plan description (SPED) describes the plans funding, eligibility requirements, and risks. (Page 570) Vested employees have the right to their pension at retirement age, regardless of whether they remain with the employer until that time. Employee intuitions to their own plans are always completely vested. The vesting of moneylender pension benefits must take place under one of two schedules. (Page 571) If more mobility across employers becomes necessary or desirable, the current pension systems incentives against (or penalties for) mobility may require modification. Increased employee mobility will reinforce the continued trend toward defined contribution plans [like 401 (k)s], which have greater portability (ease of transfer of funds) across employers. Page 8 of 13 (Page 572) Sick leave programs often provide full salary replacement for a limited erred of time, usually not exceeding 26 weeks. The amount of sick leave is often based on length of service, accumulating with service (one day per month, for example). Sick leave policies need to be carefully structured to avoid providing employees with the wrong incentives. (Page 572) The employer pays the employee for time not spent working, receiving no tangible production value in return. Therefore, some employers may see little direct advantage. There is no legal minimum in the United States, but 10 days is typical for large companies. Sick leave programs often provide full salary replacement. Vacation and other paid leave practices differ across countries and thus contributes to the differences in labor costs. Page 572) To ease employees conflicts between work and non-work, organizations may use family-friendly policies such as family leave policies and child care. These programs often have spillover effects on other employees, who see them as symbolizing a general corporate concern for human resources, thus promoting loyalty even among employee groups Tanat AAA not use ten programs possibly resulting in improved organizational performance. E vidence suggests that firms using family- roundly policies have better quality management practices overall that are positively associated with organization performance. Pages 572 573) Since 1993 the Family and Medical Leave Act requires organizations with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius to provide as much as 12 weeks of unpaid leave after childbirth or adoption; to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, or parent; or for an employees own serious illness. Employees are guaranteed the same or a comparable Job on their return to work. Employees with less than one year of service or who work under 25 hours per week or who are among the 10% highest aid are not covered. Pages 572 573) Since 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act requires organizations parent; or for an employees own serious illness. Employees with less than one year of service or who work under 25 hours per week or who are among the 10% highest Page 9 of 13 (Page 573) The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1 978 requires employers that offer disability plans to treat pregnancy as they would any other disability. (Page 574) The lowest level of involvement is when an organization supplies and helps employees collect information about the cost and quality of available child care. At the next level, care facilities. At the highest level, firms provide child care at or near their worksheet. (Page 575) Survey information on benefits packages is available from private consultants, the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLESS). (Page 576) One benefit-?medical and other insurance-?stands out as a target for cost control for two reasons. Its costs are substantial; they have, except for the 1994 to 1999 period, grown at a significant pace, and this growth is expected to continue. Second, employers have many options for attacking costs and improving quality. Page 578) Homos differ from more traditional providers by focusing on preventive care and outpatient treatment, requiring employees to use only HOMO services, and providing benefits on a prepaid basis. Many Homos pay physicians and other health care workers a flat salary instead of using the traditional fee-for-service system, under which a physicians pay may depend on the number of patients seen. (Pages 578 579) Plan design has been used to shift costs to employees through the use of deductibles, coinsurance, exclusions and limitations, and maximum benefits. Refer To: Table 13. 7 Page 579) POS differ from Homos in that they do not provide benefits on a prepaid basis and employees often are not required to use the preferred providers. Instead, employers may provoke Incentives Tort employees to condos, Tort example, a Pensacola who participates in the plan. In general, POS seem to be less expensive than traditional delivery systems but more expensive than Homos. (Page 579) Employee wellness programs (Peps) focus on changing behaviors both on Page 10 of 13 and off work time that could eventually lead to future health problems. Page 580) Active wellness centers assume that behavior change requires not only awareness ND opportunity but support and reinforcement. (Page 580) One kind of active wellness center is the outreach and follow-up model. This type of wellness center contains all the features of a passive model, but it also has counselors who handle one-on-one outreach and provide tailored, individualized programs for employees. (Page 58 1) All models are effective in reducing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, and lack of exercise). However, the follow-up model is significantly better than the rest in reducing the risk factors. Page 582) Piecemeal programs may not work well because steps to control one aspect (such as medical cost shifting) may lead employees to migrate to other programs that provide medical treatment at no cost to them (like workers compensation). (Page 583) Employers may be more likely to classify workers as independent contractors rather than employees, which eliminates the employers obligation to provide legally required employee benefits. Page 583) A workforce with a high percentage of women of childbearing age may care more about disability leave. (Page 585) Organizations are increasingly using web-based tools to personalize and aileron communications to individual employees. In addition, effective use of traditional approaches (e. G. , booklets) can have a large effect on employee awareness. (Page 58) Teleconference messaging is used to provide information on benefits and changes. Meeting s are used for local employees.

A Brief History of the Pledge of Allegiance

A Brief History of the Pledge of Allegiance The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was written in 1892 by then 37-year-old minister Francis Bellamy. The original version of Bellamy’s pledge read, â€Å"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic, for which it stands,- one nation, indivisible- with liberty and justice for all.† By not specifying to which flag or which republic allegiance was being pledged, Bellamy suggested that his pledge could be used by any country, as well as the United States. Bellamy wrote his pledge for inclusion in the Boston-published Youths Companion magazine – â€Å"The Best of American Life in Fiction Fact and Comment.† The pledge was also printed on leaflets and sent to schools throughout the United States at the time. The first recorded organized recital of the original Pledge of Allegiance took place on Oct. 12, 1892, when some 12 million American school children recited it to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of the voyage of Christopher Columbus. Despite its widespread public acceptance at the time, important changes to the Pledge of Allegiance as written by Bellamy were on the way. Change In Consideration of Immigrants By the early 1920s, the first National Flag Conference (source of the U.S. Flag Code), the American Legion, and the Daughters of the American Revolution all recommended changes to the Pledge of Allegiance intended to clarify its meaning when recited by immigrants. These changes addressed concerns that since the pledge as then written failed to mention the flag of any specific country, immigrants to the United States might feel that they were pledging allegiance to their native country, rather than the U.S., when reciting the Pledge. So in 1923, the pronoun â€Å"my† was dropped from the pledge and the phrase â€Å"the Flag† was added, resulting in, â€Å"I pledge allegiance to the Flag and Republic, for which it stands,- one nation, indivisible- with liberty and justice for all.† A year later, the National Flag Conference, in order to completely clarify issue, added the words â€Å"of America,† resulting in, â€Å"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,- one nation, indivisible- with liberty and justice for all.† Change in Consideration of God In 1954, the Pledge of Allegiance underwent its most controversial change to date. With the threat of Communism looming, President Dwight Eisenhower pressed Congress to add the words â€Å"under God† to the pledge.   In advocating for the change, Eisenhower declared it would â€Å"reaffirm the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future† and â€Å"strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.† On June 14, 1954, in a Joint Resolution amending a section of the Flag Code, Congress created the Pledge of Allegiance recited by most Americans today: â€Å"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.† What About Church and State? Over the decades since 1954, there have been legal challenges to the constitutionality of the inclusion of â€Å"under God† in the pledge. Most notably, in 2004, when an avowed atheist sued the Elk Grove (California) Unified School District claiming that its pledge recital requirement violated his daughter’s rights under the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. In deciding the case of Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, the U.S.  Supreme Court failed to rule on the question of the words â€Å"under God† violating the First Amendment. Instead, the Court ruled that the plaintiff, Mr. Newdow, did not have legal standing to file the suit because he lacked sufficient custody of his daughter. However, Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Clarence Thomas wrote separate opinions on the case, stating that requiring teachers to lead the Pledge was constitutional. In 2010, two federal appeals courts ruled in a similar challenge that â€Å"the Pledge of Allegiance does not violate the Establishment Clause because Congress’ ostensible and predominant purpose was to inspire patriotism† and â€Å"both the choice to engage in the recitation of the Pledge and the choice not to do so are entirely voluntary.†Ã‚   Pledge of Allegiance Timeline September 18, 1892: Francis Bellamy’s pledge is published in â€Å"The Youths Companion† magazine to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. October 12, 1892: The pledge is first recited in American schools.  Ã‚   1923: The original wording â€Å"my Flag† is replaced by â€Å"the flag of the United States of America.† 1942: The pledge is officially recognized by the U.S. government. 1943: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that requiring a person to say the pledge is a violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution.   June 14, 1954: At the request of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Congress adds â€Å"under God† to the pledge. 1998: Atheist Michael Newdow files suit against the school board of Broward County, Florida to get the phrase under God removed from the pledge. The suit is dismissed. 2000: Newdow files a lawsuit against Elk Grove Unified School District in California arguing that forcing students to listen to the words under God† is a violation of the First Amendment. The case reaches the Supreme Court in 2004, where it is dismissed. 2005: Joined by parents in the Sacramento, California, area, Newdow files a new lawsuit seeking to have the phrase under God from the Pledge of Allegiance. In 2010, the 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals denies Newdow’s appeal finding that the pledge does not represent a government endorsement of religion, as prohibited by the Constitution. May 9, 2014: The Massachusetts Supreme Court rules that because reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic, rather than a religious, exercise, saying the words â€Å"under God† does not discriminate against atheists.

Nutrition and Illness Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Nutrition and Illness - Research Paper Example The changes in dietary patterns in the population, increase in the use of tobacco and reduced engagement in physical activities have contributed to chronic illnesses, which are related to poor dietary habits. This paper gives a critical analysis on the nutrition practices of the world populations in relation to their contribution to the prevalence of chronic illnesses in addition to the implications on the nursing practice. Statement of purpose The chronic illnesses, which result from poor dietary habits, include obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and some types of cancer, stroke, and hypertension. These illnesses are caused by the changes in dietary life styles in the population and thus leading to disability. Death would also result from these conditions when they become worse. These illnesses affect negatively on the economy because of the high health budget due the loss of human resources (Daniel et al, 2011). Scientific evidence demonstrates that nutrition plays a major role in occurrence of chronic illnesses (Sticher, Smith & Davidson, 2010). Moreover, the alteration of a persons’ diet and changes in the physical activity plays a significant role in determining whether the individual will develop the illness later in life. However, it is notable that even though research on the relationship between diet and illnesses shows a contribution to chronic illnesses, policies and practices have not be en changed to ensure a healthy society. In the developing economies, the food policies are focused on preventing under nutrition but the focus on the chronic illnesses, which are caused by poor health, is neglected. Review of the Literature The energy balance equation determines the weight of an individual. The rate at which the body spends energy determines the health of that person (Burns, Gross & Zanin, 2010). When there is more consumption of calories and fats the chances of one becoming obese increases. The possibility of being obese is facilitated by food consumption, which is not proportionate to the energy breakdown. This is what leads to energy imbalance in the body, which is the basis for chronic obesity. The lifestyles of people have been changed by civilization and urbanization. There is reduced physical activity in urban areas as compared to the rural communities in the developing nations. The energy expenditure by the body is reduced drastically in a sedentary lifestyl e. The work environment in urban centers for example makes an individual confined to the work desk. Moreover, competition among businesses has led to long working hours, which does not allow people, time to engage in physical exercise. The prevalence of obesity is greater in developed countries as compared to the developing economies. In addition, urban centers have more obese people in comparison to the rural environments. This is a result to the differences in lifestyles. In developing countries and rural communities, the lifestyles of individuals promote physical activities, which encourage consumption of energy by the body. There has been a global epidemic of obesity and overweight because of the modern lifestyles which advance storage of fat in the body. Reduced physical activity is demonstrated by the fact that people drive to work. This promotes conversion of nutrients into fat for storage. Reduced physical activities eventually lead to accumulation of fat in the body that ca uses obesity and overw

Church and Baroque Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Church and Baroque Art - Essay Example Baroque is an artistic word commonly used in the 17th century describing the art movement, which occurred in the 15th and 16th century. Baroque artwork mainly focused on classism and romanticism. This style of artwork originated in Italy then moved to Europe during the period of protestant reformation and religious upheaval. At that time, money and power was common in Europe; thus, influencing baroque. These resources elaborated and created social standing of prominent luminaries in Europe. Baroque artist specialized in oil painting, sculpture, architecture and music. The main theme of the baroque period was Catholic Church because it supported, permitted and encouraged artistic works that depicted religious imagery. Before the religious upheaval of the 16th century spread across Western Europe, both music and art was common among the churches. However, religious upheaval of the 16th century had numerous impacts on the arts of the sixteenth and seventeenth century. This is because, d uring the Middle Ages, Christian art in Europe flourished. During the period, artworks dominated the churches making the popes to become the patrons of both art and architecture. After the 16th century religious upheaval, the Catholic popes continued to embrace art by encouraging most catholic churches around the world to imitate art forms. However, the protestant churches did not advocate for the cathedral buildings because they did not require huge structures for their simple religious purposes.

Finance and Financial Management assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Finance and Financial Management - Assignment Example hat; organization is a place where in different departments work together in order to contribute in the long run productivity of the company as a whole (Lauby, 2005). Among number of departments work in an organization, the name of finance department is one of them, which has its own recognition and importance from the standpoint of a company as it deals with the management of the funds of the company as a whole. Among different functions and operations, usually initiated by the finance department, the name of capital budgeting is one of them. The main theme of this paper is to analyze the capital budgeting stance of the company, mentioned in the case study as a whole. There are total four questions that require being answered accordingly in this particular report. The essence of investment is extremely important from the viewpoint of an organization and there are number of methods from which an organization can analyze the stance of investment as well as appraisal in a perfect and efficient manner. Under the nose of Investment Appraisal, the name of methods like NPV, IRR, Payback and PI comes heavily and each and every method has its recognition and importance as far as analyzing the competitiveness is concerned. Mentioned below table is showing the cash flow which would have been generated by Bodmin Plc by considering the above cost benefit analysis. Net Present Value (NPV) is one of the most important methods, used for the purpose of Capital Budgeting (Lawrence J. Gitman, 2008). Net Present Value analyzes the future cash flow at the present time. The table of NPV is mentioned below, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is yet another important methods that use in the process of capital budgeting. IRR is a point where in the future cash flow of a project or a company becomes zero (Bryman A, Bell E, 2007). Apart from the NPV, this particular method also used heavily by the companies and the analysis is mentioned below, A method that analyzes the efficiency of a

Epidemiology Project Interview Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Epidemiology Project Interview - Assignment Example So, my training in pharmacy and public health have prepared me to perform my job successfully. Oenga’s response: my interest in epidemiology was sparked by one of my uncles who was an epidemiologist. As an epidemiologist, my uncle Mr. Patrick Ongeri was very dedicated to his work and he really loved his work; my uncle inspired me when I was young and I resolved that I would be an epidemiologist when I grow up. Oenga’s response: for me, the main positive aspect of being an epidemiologist is that I find a lot of fulfillment it; I really love this job and I find it so fulfilling in life. On the negatives, I would say that this job is quite risky because one can easily end up getting an infectious and incurable disease like Ebola. Oenga’s response: yes I do a piece of advice to them. My advice to them is that if they want to be really happy in this carrier, they have to do it not for the love of money, but for the love of people whom they will be serving through this carrier; if they do it for the love of money, they may end up being frustrated because they will never get enough of it. Appreciation: As we conclude, I would like to sincerely thank you for giving me your time for this interview; thank you also for being so cooperative and for answering all my questions clearly and enthusiastically, thank you very  much.

Racism White Privileges and Stereotypes Research Paper

Racism White Privileges and Stereotypes - Research Paper Example The white privilege has conventionally played a big role in the success of white people in the USA in many walks of life. White privilege has provided people with opportunity to seek admission into the graduate schools in preference to the people of color. White privilege has helped the white students acquire national grants and scholarships for continuing higher studies while there have been more capable students of color that had also applied, but were not granted the scholarships. In the workplace, white privilege has been the cause of promotion for certain employees in presence of equally skilled and talented employees of color in the organization. History of White Privilege Around the early 1600s, 50 rich white people had got financial interests in the land in Virginia along with the Virginia Company of London. The Englishmen had been provided with the right of ruling the colony. Around the mid 1600s, there were as many as 100 servants for every single gentleman in the new Ameri can colonies. There have been numerous servant revolts in Virginia, at least ten of which have documented evidence. One of the most famous servant revolts that occurred around the mid 1600s was the Bacon’s Rebellion. In the year 1676, the free workers, farmers and servants of both the English and the African race stood up for their rights. They demanded salary and land. It was during the very revolution that Jamestown was burned. At the time of Bacon's Rebellion the English commission of investigation had shown more sympathy with the rebels than with the well-to-do planters who had engrossed Virginia's lands. To have attempted the enslavement of English-born laborers would have caused more disorder than it cured. But to keep as slaves black men who arrived in that condition was possible and apparently regarded as plain common sense. (Morgan, 1972, p. 25). In 1755, the Massachusetts Legislature assigned cost to the Indian scalp in the Bay Colony. The scalp of Indian men was so ld for 40 pounds while that of Indian females and boys below 12 years of age for 20 pounds. The Neutralization Act was passed in 1790. In 1830, President Andrew Jackson had passed the Indian Removal Act. There were several more discriminatory acts that were passed in the years to follow. President Abraham Lincoln brought a revolutionary change by emphasizing upon a need for the Americans to eradicate racial differences among them and categorization of the society on the basis of color or race. â€Å"Let us discard all this quibbling about this man and the other man, this race and that race and the other race being inferior, and therefore they must be placed in an inferior position† (Lincoln cited in Davis and Wilson, 2008, p. 181). Despite his efforts and of many that followed, white privilege has continued to be an integral feature of the culture of the USA to this date. White privilege is frequently reflected in the television programs, both overtly and otherwise. While the re are certain programs which overtly speak of white privilege, there are others which promote white privilege by under-representing it. One such program is the movie Crash that has won the Oscar award. Although apparently the story of Crash tends to reflect the issues and stereotypical images of people belonging to different races, white supremacy is not quite as much represented as it exists in the USA. The movie Crash has a very simple central theme; people belonging

Application of Law on Jasmine D'Loire's Business Essay

Application of Law on Jasmine D'Loire's Business - Essay Example Occupiers Liability Act 1957 and 1984 To begin with, Jasmine is supposed to understand Occupiers Liability Act 1957 and 1984 as this is applicable in her line of business. As stipulated in this act, this act shall have effect on determining whether the occupier of a premise, who in this case is Jasmine, are liable to any risk of suffering injury to other persons other than their visitors, who in this case could be her students and workers, due to the state of the premise as a result of things done or omitted to be done on such premises (Harr 2008). However, it is important for Jasmine to understand the contents of this act and how the act affects her business. For example, she needs to know who the law recognizes as the occupier of a premise and how such an occupier of the premise owe a duty to others. According to this act, an occupier of premises owes a duty to another (not being a visitor) in respect of any such risks as is referred above if she is aware of the danger or has reaso nable grounds to believe that it exist (Hodge 2009). On the hand, Jasmine should be aware that, by virtue of this act, owes a duty to another to see that the students or workers don’t suffer injury on her business premise by the reason of the danger caused. If such a risk happens, then she is liable (Schmalleger 2007). Health and safety at work act 1974 Although Jasmine is a sole proprietor, she might need some workers in her business; therefore, she ought to be aware of the health and safety at work act 1974. The health and safety at work act 1974 was enacted to make further provisions for securing the health, and safety of workers, and for protecting other people from the risk to health and safety in connection with activities of workers (Schmalleger 2007). In regard to JDL Dance Ltd, the health and safety act would be applicable in connection to its workers and students. In some situations, by coincidence, an instructor (worker) in JDL Dance Ltd may cause harm during train ing (for example, break of an arm) to a student, due to negligence and lack of knowledge. In this case, the student may decide to sue the business owner for the harm caused. In this case, Jasmine may be answerable for having incompetent worker in her firm (Maguire 2007). On the other hand, a worker in the JDL Dance Ltd may accidentally injure himself as a result of stepping on a slippery floor or on a broken pavement while on his duty. In this case the worker may sue JDL Dance Ltd, for failure to create a favourable working environment which caused the accident (Maguire 2007). Therefore, Jasmine is supposed to ensure that all the necessary equipments and the entire premise are safe for both her workers and students. In the health and safety at work act (1974), also stipulates that the bully’s behavior constitute a breach of employers duty to care under the health and safety at work act (1974), where employers are required to have a legal obligation to ensure both physical and psychological well being of their employees (Maguire 2007). A breach of this act is considered to have happened when the employer fails to take action when the employee brings a health and safety issue to their attention. When employees feel stressed while in their line of duty, this act interprets such a stress as consequence of the employer failure to

Racism White Privileges and Stereotypes Research Paper

Racism White Privileges and Stereotypes - Research Paper Example The white privilege has conventionally played a big role in the success of white people in the USA in many walks of life. White privilege has provided people with opportunity to seek admission into the graduate schools in preference to the people of color. White privilege has helped the white students acquire national grants and scholarships for continuing higher studies while there have been more capable students of color that had also applied, but were not granted the scholarships. In the workplace, white privilege has been the cause of promotion for certain employees in presence of equally skilled and talented employees of color in the organization. History of White Privilege Around the early 1600s, 50 rich white people had got financial interests in the land in Virginia along with the Virginia Company of London. The Englishmen had been provided with the right of ruling the colony. Around the mid 1600s, there were as many as 100 servants for every single gentleman in the new Ameri can colonies. There have been numerous servant revolts in Virginia, at least ten of which have documented evidence. One of the most famous servant revolts that occurred around the mid 1600s was the Bacon’s Rebellion. In the year 1676, the free workers, farmers and servants of both the English and the African race stood up for their rights. They demanded salary and land. It was during the very revolution that Jamestown was burned. At the time of Bacon's Rebellion the English commission of investigation had shown more sympathy with the rebels than with the well-to-do planters who had engrossed Virginia's lands. To have attempted the enslavement of English-born laborers would have caused more disorder than it cured. But to keep as slaves black men who arrived in that condition was possible and apparently regarded as plain common sense. (Morgan, 1972, p. 25). In 1755, the Massachusetts Legislature assigned cost to the Indian scalp in the Bay Colony. The scalp of Indian men was so ld for 40 pounds while that of Indian females and boys below 12 years of age for 20 pounds. The Neutralization Act was passed in 1790. In 1830, President Andrew Jackson had passed the Indian Removal Act. There were several more discriminatory acts that were passed in the years to follow. President Abraham Lincoln brought a revolutionary change by emphasizing upon a need for the Americans to eradicate racial differences among them and categorization of the society on the basis of color or race. â€Å"Let us discard all this quibbling about this man and the other man, this race and that race and the other race being inferior, and therefore they must be placed in an inferior position† (Lincoln cited in Davis and Wilson, 2008, p. 181). Despite his efforts and of many that followed, white privilege has continued to be an integral feature of the culture of the USA to this date. White privilege is frequently reflected in the television programs, both overtly and otherwise. While the re are certain programs which overtly speak of white privilege, there are others which promote white privilege by under-representing it. One such program is the movie Crash that has won the Oscar award. Although apparently the story of Crash tends to reflect the issues and stereotypical images of people belonging to different races, white supremacy is not quite as much represented as it exists in the USA. The movie Crash has a very simple central theme; people belonging

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

Modelo - Essay Example Modelo’s expansion strategy was made possible through its strategic alliance with its two main distributors; Bartisor and grambrinus, experienced, creative and knowledgeable subsidiaries with knowledge about local customers in the US market. This strategy ensured that the risk of increase in taxes is hedged. These distributors were delegated with all the value chain processes of the activities except production which was being carried out the parent firm, Group Modelo back in Mexico. They had autonomous control on decisions regarding the marketing, insurance, transportation and creatively marketing captains, from which a campaign that leapfrogged the Grupo Modelo’s sales emanated from in 1986. As pointed out in the report, wine is more competitive in Italy and Ireland unlike beer. Therefore, it will have an opportunity to attempt to enter these foreign markets by both mergers and acquisition from the local importers and distributors. They ca also adopt other strategic alliances with highly expertise- mature companies in this countries. It can be pointed out that, for the company to stand tall, it needs, a sharper differentiation, identifying and focusing on the key marketing that region and developing a creative Marketing development as a strategy

Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction Relationship

Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction Relationship The distinction between service quality and satisfaction was initially unclear in literature (Anderson and Fornell, 1994). There was considerable debate whether service quality is a cause of satisfaction (Cronin and Taylor, 1992; Parasuraman et al., 1985) or a consequence of satisfaction (Bitner, 1990; Bolton and Drew, 1991). Anderson and Fornell, (1994) contend that Satisfaction is a post consumption experience which compares perceived quality with expected quality, as contrasted to service quality which Parasuraman et al., (1985) refererred to as a â€Å"global evaluation of a firms service delivery system† . In support of this distiction the works of (Brady and Robertson, 2001; Cronin and Taylor, 1992; Frazer Winsted, 2000; Spreng and Mackoy, 1996) lead us to believe that satisfaction and service quality are distinct constructs and, that service quality is an antecedent of the broader concept of customer satisfaction. An accepted view is that the essential determinant of satisfaction is the confirmation/disconfirmation of pre-consumption product standards (Erevelles and Leavitt 1992; Oliver 1996). Several different comparison standards-each exclusively tied to positively aspects of product features and their implications for consumers-have been used in past research. By far the most common are predictive expectations of attribute performance, as incorporated in the expectations-dis-confirmation (ED) model of satisfaction response (Boulding et al. 1993; Oliver 1996; Tse and Wilton 1988). Desires based on features and benefits that are considered ideal or aspirational in the product domain have also been recommended (Westbrook and Reilly 1983). Other models use equity expectations based on what the consumer believes reasonably should occur given the product/service price (Oliver and Swan 1989) and experience-based norms de-rived from personal experiences or information received (Cadotte, Woodruff, and Jenkins 1987). Although these four types of comparison standards reflect the four principal satisfaction models articulated within the CS paradigm, past researchers probably have overemphasized the significance of predictive expectations and the ED model (Cadotte, Woodruff, and Jenkins 1987). lacobucci, Grayson, and Ostrom (1994) recently called for research into conditions that determine the use of certain standards over others and the possibility of multiple simultaneous standards, and new empirical work has begun to support these ideas (Spreng, MacKenzie, and Olshavsky 1996). A few CS paradigm researchers have gone beyond these cognitively toned model formulations to consider the affective nature of satisfaction (Oliver 1996; Westbrook 1987). Perhaps most intriguing is Olivers (1989) suggestion that there exist five different modes or prototypes of satisfaction: contentment (with its primary affect of acceptance or tolerance), pleasure (a positive reinforcement state that involves the evocation or enhancement of a positive, well-liked experience and a primary affect of happiness), relief (a negative reinforcement state occurring when an aversive state is removed), novelty (expectations of the unexpected that yield a primary affect of interest or excitation), and surprise (a primary affect of either delight or outrage as occurs when the product performs outside the range of expectations). Empirical examination of these modes has just begun, with initial results indicating a more parsimonious structure than originally proposed (Oliver 1996). Although satisfaction has been conceptualized in terms of either a single transaction (i.e., an evaluative judgment following the purchase occasion) or a series of interactions with a product over time, Anderson and Fornell (1994) note that nearly all satisfaction research has adopted the former, transaction-specific view. Indeed, several observers have chastised the marketing field for treating satisfaction as a static evaluation derived from a lone trial event, noting that comparison standards are likely to change with consumer experience (Iacobucci, Grayson, and Ostrom 1994). Among the few satisfaction studies that have adopted longitudinal designs, most remain wedded to the CS paradigm (e.g., Bolton and Drew 1991; LaBarbera and Mazursky 1983; Richins and Bloch 1991). References Cronin, J.J. and Taylor, S.A. (1992), Measuring service quality: a re-examination and extension, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 56, July, pp. 55-68. Parasuraman, A., Zeithaml, V.A. and Berry, L.L. (1985), A conceptual model of service quality and its implications for future research, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 49, Fall, pp. 41-50. Bitner, M.J. (1990), Evaluating service encounters: the effects of physical surroundings and employee responses, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 54, April, pp. 69-82. Bolton, R.N. and Drew, J.H. (1991), A multistage model of customers assessments of service quality and value, Journal of Consumer Research, Vol. 17, March, pp. 275-84. Brady, M.K. and Robertson, C.J. (2001), â€Å"Searching for a consensus on the antecedent role of service quality and satisfaction: an exploratory cross-national study†, Journal of Business Research, Vol. 51, January, pp. 53-9. Frazer Winsted, K. (2000), â€Å"Service behaviors that lead to satisfied customers†, European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 34 Nos 4/3, pp. 399-417. Spreng, R.A. and Mackoy, R.D. (1996), â€Å"An empirical examination of a model of perceived service quality and satisfaction†, Journal of Retailing, Vol. 72 No. 2, pp. 201-14. Anderson, E.W., Fornell, C. (1994), A customer satisfaction research prospectus, in ust, R.T., Oliver, R.L. (Eds),Service Quality: New Directions in Theory and Practice, pp.241-68.. Yi (1990) conceptualizes satisfaction as an attitude-like judgment following a purchase act or based on a series of consumer-product interactions.

Nuclear Weapons And The Development Of Nuclear Warfare Essay -- Nuclea

Nuclear weapons are the most powerful and destructive technology ever created. From the first notion that nuclear technology could be harnessed to create a bomb, massive amounts of time and energy (as well as government funding) have been invested in further increasing the destructive yield of nuclear weapons. The process of development was carried out independently by governments worldwide. Despite the segregation of groups of scientists and secrecy surrounding their discoveries, design strategies and problems remained basically the same in all development projects with similar solutions being realized more or less concurrently. The first and most basic fission bomb quickly evolved to produce higher and higher yields. Through discoveries and modifications, nuclear technology evolved to eventually produce fission-fusion weapons, which are what compose most of the nuclear arsenal today. Further development, ironic as it may seem, is highly unnecessary and unlikely (except, perhaps, t o increase efficiency) due to the ridiculous power wielded in every modern thermonuclear weapon. The popular modern threat of nuclear weapons is the possibility of terrorist groups acquiring the materials to produce bombs. 'Lo-tech' nuclear weapons are feasible and would seem highly desirable for such groups to possess. The home enthusiast might even flirt with the idea of creating his or her own nuclear arsenal. Assuming one could obtain 10-20kg of highly enriched fissionable material, this may not be such a romantic idea after all. There are a number of things anyone must know about nuclear weapons, however, before declaring themselves a nuclear power. Fission Weapons (Atomic Bombs) Fission weapons, or "Atomic Bombs", are based on nuclear fission. Nuclear fission occurs when the nuclei of certain isotopes of heavy elements (such as uranium or plutonium) capture neutrons. The result is that the nuclei become unstable and break apart into two smaller nuclei. This process converts some of the mass into energy and releases varying numbers of neutrons that go on to collide with other nuclei causing them to break apart and so on and so on. In nature this process is irrelevant due to the low natural occurrence and densities of radioactive isotopes. During weapons construction, however, isotopes are refined and concentrated to ultra-pure forms so that fission can occur at the ... ...can be added on. The fusion reaction can go on to start another fusion reaction and so on with unlimited yield. The most powerful weapon ever conceived was of a similar design. The Russian "Tsar Bomba" (King of Bombs) was a fission-fusion-fusion weapon with an additional fission jacket surrounding the third stage that would have produced a yield of at least 100 megatons if it were ever exploded. Without the additional fission jacket it still produced the largest nuclear explosion ever at 50 megatons. Works Cited Brown, Richard K. "Nuclear Weapons Diagrams" href="http://www.enviroweb.org/issues/nuketesting/hew/Library/Brown/index.html">http://www.enviroweb.org/issues/nuketesting/hew/Library/Brown/index.html "Nuclear Explosive Devices" href="http://www.accutek.com/~moistner/homepg1.htm">http://www.accutek.com/~moistner/homepg1.htm Sublette, Carey "The High Energy Weapons Archive: A Guide to Nuclear Weapons" <a href="http://www.enviroweb.org/issues/nuketesting/hew/">http://www.enviroweb.org/issues/nuketesting/hew/ "The Atomic Bomb" <a href="http://www.geocities.com/athens/agora/4526/index1.html">http://www.geocities.com/athens/agora/4526/index1.html Nuclear Weapons And The Development Of Nuclear Warfare Essay -- Nuclea Nuclear weapons are the most powerful and destructive technology ever created. From the first notion that nuclear technology could be harnessed to create a bomb, massive amounts of time and energy (as well as government funding) have been invested in further increasing the destructive yield of nuclear weapons. The process of development was carried out independently by governments worldwide. Despite the segregation of groups of scientists and secrecy surrounding their discoveries, design strategies and problems remained basically the same in all development projects with similar solutions being realized more or less concurrently. The first and most basic fission bomb quickly evolved to produce higher and higher yields. Through discoveries and modifications, nuclear technology evolved to eventually produce fission-fusion weapons, which are what compose most of the nuclear arsenal today. Further development, ironic as it may seem, is highly unnecessary and unlikely (except, perhaps, t o increase efficiency) due to the ridiculous power wielded in every modern thermonuclear weapon. The popular modern threat of nuclear weapons is the possibility of terrorist groups acquiring the materials to produce bombs. 'Lo-tech' nuclear weapons are feasible and would seem highly desirable for such groups to possess. The home enthusiast might even flirt with the idea of creating his or her own nuclear arsenal. Assuming one could obtain 10-20kg of highly enriched fissionable material, this may not be such a romantic idea after all. There are a number of things anyone must know about nuclear weapons, however, before declaring themselves a nuclear power. Fission Weapons (Atomic Bombs) Fission weapons, or "Atomic Bombs", are based on nuclear fission. Nuclear fission occurs when the nuclei of certain isotopes of heavy elements (such as uranium or plutonium) capture neutrons. The result is that the nuclei become unstable and break apart into two smaller nuclei. This process converts some of the mass into energy and releases varying numbers of neutrons that go on to collide with other nuclei causing them to break apart and so on and so on. In nature this process is irrelevant due to the low natural occurrence and densities of radioactive isotopes. During weapons construction, however, isotopes are refined and concentrated to ultra-pure forms so that fission can occur at the ... ...can be added on. The fusion reaction can go on to start another fusion reaction and so on with unlimited yield. The most powerful weapon ever conceived was of a similar design. The Russian "Tsar Bomba" (King of Bombs) was a fission-fusion-fusion weapon with an additional fission jacket surrounding the third stage that would have produced a yield of at least 100 megatons if it were ever exploded. Without the additional fission jacket it still produced the largest nuclear explosion ever at 50 megatons. Works Cited Brown, Richard K. "Nuclear Weapons Diagrams" href="http://www.enviroweb.org/issues/nuketesting/hew/Library/Brown/index.html">http://www.enviroweb.org/issues/nuketesting/hew/Library/Brown/index.html "Nuclear Explosive Devices" href="http://www.accutek.com/~moistner/homepg1.htm">http://www.accutek.com/~moistner/homepg1.htm Sublette, Carey "The High Energy Weapons Archive: A Guide to Nuclear Weapons" <a href="http://www.enviroweb.org/issues/nuketesting/hew/">http://www.enviroweb.org/issues/nuketesting/hew/ "The Atomic Bomb" <a href="http://www.geocities.com/athens/agora/4526/index1.html">http://www.geocities.com/athens/agora/4526/index1.html

The influence of ancient Indian philosophy Essay -- History, Classica

Think Classical India, and one instantly conjures images of an exotic land filled with mysticism and rich in lore. Now think Classical Indian politics and the first thought that comes to mind, the infamous caste system. To better understand the caste system, one must know that upon its initial introduction the caste system was foreign to Classical India. It was in actuality the political system ordained by the outsider Aryans, Indo-European nomads who would settle in and later integrate with Classical India through the conquering of its eastern and southern regions, soon going on to establish a stable and partially unified administration and spreading its influence across all of Classical India (Bentley & Ziegler 76-77). When the caste system, eventually renamed the varna [color] system by the Aryans, was definitively widespread among Classical India it provided a very detailed social hierarchy amongst the Indian and Aryan peoples which included well defined classes and roles for the people, and etiquettes regarding their respective class and role (Bentley & Ziegler 76-78). The question surmised from this context is how was it that such a discriminate system, which assigned semi-permanent unequal classes, justified? The answer lies within the philosophy practiced by Classical India itself. From sacred text, such as The Vedas and Upanishads, political declarations from the ruler, such as the Edicts of Asoka, and Hindu text, such as The Laws of Manu and The Bhavagad-Gita. Classical Indian Philosophy helped to justify and enforce the varna [caste] system by: explaining and defining the roles of the people, exaggerating the importance of dharma, karma and moksha in relation to their roles, and eventually dictating how one should act i... ...ds, or even the dictations presented in the Laws of Manu, these philosophies all helped to promote the notions of the role of the people in society, the duties one had to fulfill and the reasons for doing so, and the actions one should perform in regularity. By constantly retelling and reinforcing these concepts into the minds of the people, the philosophy was able to embed itself into the mindset of every person in Classical India. By taking away the choice of whether or not to listen to these philosophies, via repeated teachings that one had to follow dharma to find happiness, it was ensured that total dominion over a state, whether or not the subjects were aware, was possible. Humans can learn one very important lesson from Classical India, that with enough pre-programming any will could be forced upon a person, any thought inputted with resounding positivity.

Human Failure Essay

â€Å"4 1/2 minutes† is a story full of the darkest human emotions and human interaction at its worst. The main character, Miles, will take the reader through a journey and one will wonder why it ends so abruptly. Miles has already begun his torrential downfall eventually leading to his absence of mind and life. Kate Sheofsky wrote this story to show the realness of humans and not to put a sugar coating on it. The author told a weaving, intricate, and beguiling story of human failure in its worst form. Miles gets the full body tattoo to show that he is strong and that he will find acceptance   whatever the cause. Many colors are used in â€Å"4 1/2 minutes† that showcase the point of being strong and having courage. The author chose to use the color purple when she describes the tattoo Miles is receiving on his back. (Sheofsky) In army operations the color purple is used when naming operations that have multiple types of units involved. Whenever more than one type of unit is involved that means it is a joint effort. When Miles received the purple tattoo it was foreshadowing his oneness with the fish. Blue is most often associated with water and re-birth. Sheofsky writes â€Å"patches of blue as his skin is revealed† and this shows Miles is ready for his acceptance (Shoefsky). These colors foreshadow Miles and his strength; furthermore the main character and his name of Miles also have a hidden sense of power behind it. The name Miles has a hidden meaning behind it to show the strength of the character. Miles has an ancient meaning of soldier. In â€Å"4 1/2 minutes† the author states â€Å"His skin is young, but his expression is worn and battered. â€Å"Dark circles haunt his vacant eyes.† (Sheofsky) These words portray the average soldier through history. Soldiers are often young and overstressed beyond what the common person can even comprehend. After years of bloodshed and torment they often will have the vacant stare. This 1,000 yard stare is common with soldiers that have been pushed too far or have seen too many atrocities. Miles is one of these unlucky few that have been pushed past the point of rational thinking. He is tired of trying to deal with the emotional  range of depression. The strength of Miles unfortunately leads to his demise, consequently he does find the acceptance he was looking for. Acceptance is a natural feeling that humans strive towards. Acceptance means â€Å"Favorable reception; approval† (Dictionary) and the average human can only stand a certain amount of rejection before psychological issues develop. They may learn to accept rejection in its many forms, but no one strives for it. Miles was stabbed in high school with a buck knife by a group of men (Sheofsky). This shows that he was not accepted through his high schools days. This would have an impact and lasting repercussions on anyone. Constant rejection by peers will bring on a state of depression. Miles was obviously past the point of a normal depression and at the point of insanity. Miles believed the tattoos of aquatic life would help the fish accept him as an equal. It would take an inordinate amount of strength and passion to receive a fully body tattoo just to have a small moment of acceptance. Miles was so far gone that he chose to end his life just to have 4  ½ minutes of acceptance. The strength of Miles led him to insanity and his drive for acceptance. He decided paying the ultimate sacrifice was worth a small time of bliss. As he sunk to the bottom to meet his demise â€Å"a wide smile stiffened on his face† (Sheofsky) and this truly shows that he finally had acceptance in his life. The strength to take the ultimate sacrifice for this acceptance is the highest possible amount of mental breakdown a man can achieve. The use of imagery and metaphors helped show who the main character was and the effects society had on him. Even though he may have been insane he still had the mental and physical strength for a non-stop, full body tattoo and to allow himself to slowly drown and die. Sheofsky, Kate . â€Å"4 1/2 Minutes.† Short Stories. 01 2002. 11 Oct. 2005 . â€Å"Acceptance.† Dictionary.com. 4th ed. 2000.