Just off main street †summary Essay

In â€Å"Just Off Main Street† creator Elmaz Abinader portrays the physical and social obstruction among Americans and hyphenated Americans, for example, Arab-Americans who live in double affectability confronting character emergency, prejudice and different issues living in America. In the initial segment of the story â€Å"Crossing The Threshold† we learn of youthful Abinader, her family, their traditions and how they are isolated from the remainder of the families in their town. In the second piece of the story â€Å"Making A Writerâ€Å"Abinader clarifies how entering school changes her view on her personality that lead to the individual she is today. Abinader experienced childhood in a little Pennsylvanian town, her dad and uncle ran three organizations through which they served the area. From the store entryway Abinader saw no contrast between her dad and the individuals in the city. This thought before long changed when she met the two Barbie like young ladies in school, she understood there was nothing in like manner among her and different children. Despite the fact that they didn’t know how her way of life was, they ridiculed her. After she arrives at home she comprehends her life and that of her companions are isolated by the â€Å"magic door†. Since it’s a Wednesday Abinader’s mother arranged Arab luxuries which have â€Å"hypnotic† impact on her. The three young men and three young ladies of the Abinader family had after school obligations, commitment to God, compliance to guardians, and great school grades commanded the family. They gave little significance to collaborations that occurred outside the house. On siestas, family members visited, they ate together, moved and appreciated yet Abinader realized that her life inside and outside the â€Å"magic entryway â€Å"would consistently conflict, she could never be acknowledged by her friend and felt like a pariah. Abinader went to college of Pittsburgh when she grew up. That had nationality homerooms which spoke to various societies. The Syrian-Lebanese room, one she needed to see was bolted and expected consent to get to. At the point when she at last got into it, the illustrious outfitting and outlandishness of the room caused her to feel pleased. Before long she expounded on her legacy culture however she understood the Americans â€Å"exoticized† her. Concentrated on her composition, she expounded on her family and their history that was stifled inside. Her composing was still inside the door.Outside the entryway she felt unwelcomed. Abinader didn’t surrender and kept expounding on the issues on personality, culture, and so on. She took an interest in activism as a U.S resident, walked, dissented and made advisory groups. Her composing caused her to feel like an extremist as it passed on her message all the more legitimately.

75 Synonyms for Hard

75 Synonyms for Hard 75 Synonyms for â€Å"Hard† 75 Synonyms for â€Å"Hard† By Mark Nichol It’s simple to expound on how hard something is, on the grounds that such a large number of equivalents exist for that ambiguous word and its progressively formal cousin troublesome. A considerable lot of these terms are to some degree compatible (that’s why they call them equivalent words), yet and still, at the end of the day, the faculties are regularly somewhat unmistakable; do somewhat more research on use when you locate a promising variety for that theoretical (or is it obscure?) stating you’re endeavoring to artfulness. 1. Conceptual: disassociation from a useful reference that would help in cognizance 2. Obscure: troublesome as a result of specialized contemplations 3. Strenuous: extraordinary physical effort 4. Augean: terribly, overwhelmingly hard (an old style reference to the Augean pens, cleaned by Hercules as one of his incredible twelve works) 5. Backbreaking: tiring and regularly dampening physical exertion 6. Wounding: truly wearing and harming 7. Ruthless: terribly troublesome 8. Oppressive: genuinely or sincerely troublesome 9. Testing: requiring extraordinary exertion; may have a positive or a negative sense contingent upon setting 10. Complex: troublesome in light of various interrelated components 11. Muddled: see complex 12. Tangled: see complex; with an extra meaning of curving or interweaving 13. Remorseless: set apart by inflexible trouble that ignores the worker’s government assistance 14. Overwhelming: rousing a sentiment of incredible trouble 15. Requesting: reminiscent of an extraordinary duty of time and exertion 16. Troubling: causing passionate anguish 17. Effortful: requiring exertion 18. Subtle: hard to fathom, or sly 19. Demanding: requiring careful scrupulousness, or requiring persistent exertion 20. Depleting: troublesome as far as physical or mental effort 21. Imposing: debilitating as a result of anticipated trouble; additionally has a positive meaning of greatness 22. Baffling: delivering sentiments of misery or annihilation 23. Appalling: causing torment or languishing 24. Dreary: proving steady trouble or seriousness; can likewise mean â€Å"grim,† â€Å"gloomy,† or â€Å"sinister† 25. Overwhelming (additionally spelled tiresome): requiring unwavering or extraordinary exertion 26. Furry: troublesome (casual) 27. Brutal: too much troublesome 28. Overwhelming: including incredible exertion 29. Gigantic: reminiscent of incredible trouble 30. Barbaric: so troublesome as to appear past human ability 31. Insoluble: apparently too hard to ever be settled or settled 32. Scaring: so troublesome that the undertaking or prospect rouses dread or misery 33. Multifaceted: see complex 34. Included: see tangled 35. Knotty: see tangled 36. Worked: requiring wearying physical or mental effort 37. Arduous: see toiled 38. Pitiless: set apart by exertion that is by all accounts required with no respect for the government assistance of the specialist 39. Moiling: requiring a lot of exertion 40. Dangerous: reminiscent of danger of physical or mental mischief (casual) 41. Grave: see oppressive 42. Murky: troublesome in view of an absence of clearness or correspondence 43. Abusive: cruelly troublesome 44. Overpowering: too difficult to even consider doing or bear without misery 45. Agonizing: causing physical or mental distress or damage 46. Pick-and-scoop: reminiscent of extraordinary manual exertion 47-48. Hazardous/problematical: trouble in taking care of an issue 49. Rebuffing: trouble careless of outcomes of physical or mental strain 50. Recondite: hard to fathom as a result of lack of definition or the need to have more information 51. Unbending: rigidly troublesome 52. Thorough: trouble brought about by states of resoluteness or necessities of incredible exactness 53. Tough: reminiscent of conditions requiring quality and endurance 54. Genuine: requiring a lot of exertion 55. Extreme: troublesome due to the idea of prerequisites or requirements or on account of the need to consume extraordinary exertion 56. Barbed: loaded with challenges 57. Sisyphean: reminiscent of persevering, dreary work (an old style reference to Sisyphus, tormented in Hades by having to more than once roll a rock up a slope, at that point recover it when it moves down once more) 58. Solid: see inflexible 59. Difficult: see strenuous 60. Unpleasant: so troublesome as to cause strain or anxiety 61. Severe: troublesome particularly as a result of principles forced 62. Severe: see exacting 63. Obstinate: relentlessly troublesome 64. Sweat-soaked: reminiscent of incredible physical effort, causing sweat 65. Tall: see considerable (casual) 66. Burdening: see troublesome 67. Testing: calling for incredible exertion, as though to test one’s capacities 68. Prickly: see sharp 69. Sensitive: troublesome in view of the problem’s touchy nature 70. Tight: hard due to an absence of adaptability 71. Toilsome: see worked 72. Intense: truly or intellectually requesting (casual) 73. Dubious: see sensitive 74. Having a go at: requiring extraordinary continuance 75. Tough: see worked Need to improve your English shortly a day? Get a membership and begin accepting our composing tips and activities day by day! Continue learning! Peruse the Vocabulary classification, check our famous posts, or pick a related post below:50 Synonyms for â€Å"Leader†One Sheep, Two Sheep, One Fish, Two Fish . . .Verb modifiers and Hyphens

How to Write an Essay Fast

How to Write an Essay Fast Writing Fast and Without Procrastination Home›Tips for Students›Writing Fast and Without Procrastination Tips for StudentsWays to Do an Essay Quickly and Without ProcrastinationJust imagine that your written assignment is due in a couple of hours. Have you ever been in such a situation? Not only do you regret postponing it but also start to panic. Don’t lose your nerve! There’s still a chance of writing a good essay and getting a good grade.Just follow the simple tricks below:ResearchPrior to doing your essay, you must find some reliable sources. If you are pressed for time to conduct proper research, make sure that you at least flick through the materials you’ve got or read an analysis of the text.CollectAs you read the information at hand, pick the catchiest quotes pertinent to the chosen topic. Be careful to avoid plagiarism though and cite the sources properly.Devise a thesisIf you don’t know how to write a paper fast from scratch, think of a thesis. It’s the core element of any written assignment: a one- or two-sentence-long assertion that you’ll attempt to prove in the body of the paper. You may also use the quotes, which you have found, to formulate a thesis statement. It might be helpful, however, to gather information first, think of the body and the conclusion paragraphs, and only then start writing an introductory paragraph.Write topic sentencesWhen you’re finally ready with the introduction, think of up to five short statements that support your thesis. Some interesting quotes that are relevant to the theme of your essay are highly recommended. After that, carefully formulate fully developed supporting sentences out of the statements that you’ve got.ReorganizeWhen you’re done with constructing these sentences, make sure you arrange them properly to develop your argument step by step. Once you have done that, your vision becomes clearer and you may start to add some particular examples. Probably, you already have a profound con clusion in mind, so rush to jot that down as well. If you don’t really see the whole picture yet, don’t get discouraged and proceed with the next step.Expand the body paragraphsAdd your own thoughts and ideas about the arguments you’ve constructed. If you do use the quotes, definitely state your personal opinion about them. Rephrase, explain, and expand on your topic sentences until you paragraphs are 4-5 sentences each (naturally, depending on the length of the task). If you haven’t written an introduction and/or conclusion, it is high time you did that now.ProofreadMost certainly, you already have a well-organized essay with compelling arguments, clear explanations, and brilliant examples. However, there’s one more essential step left â€" editing. Generally, it’s advisable not to concentrate on grammar, spelling, and punctuation too much when you are in the process of writing. Instead, take some time to thoroughly proofread your written assignment and correct mistakes at the end. If you still have some time, ask your friend to take a closer look at it. Make sure your piece of writing is coherent and easy-to-follow for your future readers.Let’s imagine that you’ve learned how to quickly deliver an essay, but you still feel that you’ll unavoidably struggle to get down to writing your essay.Find some handy tips on how to fight procrastination and how to write a paper fast below:Eliminate all distracting factors. Mute your phone or switch it off. Lock yourself in a room, disable Wi-Fi, and concentrate on the task you have. Don’t be ashamed to use earplugs if you can’t stop some noises. Create the atmosphere that helps you sharp your focus and that’s paramount.Prepare a to-do list. List the tasks necessary to achieve your writing goal. Oftentimes, breaking a seemingly challenging and laborious task into small bits may help to motivate you to start earlier rather than put it on the back burner. Don’t ponder too much on how to write a rese arch paper fast but start doing that instead.Set tight deadlines. It’s impossible to overrate the importance of this point. Strangely enough, the deadlines (even if you set them by yourself because you have some other important business) more often than not give students a magic boost of energy and creativity to complete the task on time.Just do it. You know more than enough already, so don’t postpone it further. Promise yourself a nice treat after you’re done with the task. Bear in mind that the more distracted you get, the longer it takes for you to write the task.Time for the treat. Once you’ve handed in the task, you can celebrate the occasion. You’ve done it! Go to a local café, organize a get-together with your soulmate, or buy cinema tickets depending on your preferences.Many people tend to ask why it’s important to know how to write an essay fast and properly. There are some extenuating factors when you can’t possibly manage your workload, for instance, or may be you’re a perfectionist that finds it difficult to complete the task until you make sure that it’s flawless. There are actually a lot of cases that require you to know how to write an essay fast without sacrificing the quality. Maybe your laptop acted up or you’re snowed under with mountains of paperwork at school. Who knows, maybe a dog ate your notebook with home assignment or you met some aliens (ninjas or pirates) and had to fight with them for the Universe. Whatever your true reason is, without a shadow of a doubt, an outstanding story-telling gift will come in handy one day.Strategies for a successful essay are as follows:Proper preparation. Eminent chefs definitely know that preparation is absolutely the key to successful and quick service. These people cut, wrap, weigh, and measure everything they would need in advance, so when a rush hour comes, they already have everything in advance. So, to find out how to write your paper fast, ask skillful chefs for advice.Detai led research. Don’t be a lazybones and read as much as you can to truly develop your essay and make it interesting for readers. You may use highlighters or simply take some notes on the most important issues. Believe it or not, the more you know about the topic, the easier it is to compile a gripping essay.Create an outline. This can be helpful to organize your ideas and make your writing process less chaotic and stressful. Once you have the outline, you’re halfway through. So don’t panic, but concentrate on bright illustrations or particular details instead.Keep in mind, dear would-be writer, that there are several essay types: expository, argumentative, cause-and-effect, and analytical, to name just a few. Each of those has surely its own structure, but there are some typical components that will be suitable for all types of essay. For instance, any introduction should have a so-called “hook” and a thesis statement. The hook is actually a trigger that attracts readers’ attention and interest. You can use statistical data, a joke, a quote, a rhetorical question â€" there are myriad ways. Pay careful attention to your thesis statement, however. It must briefly state what you’re going to mention and basically, it sets the tone of your essay. If you don’t manage to convince your reader with your thesis statement, he/she will most probably stop reading (unless it’s your teacher that must evaluate this assignment). Make sure that the body of your essay is coherent and well-structured. Also, include supporting ideas to prove your point â€" be creative and demonstrate your own interpretation and stance on certain phenomena. At the end of the day, the conclusion must be a brief summary of the points mentioned throughout your essay. Nonetheless, be careful to avoid using new pieces of information.Some other techniques that you may find useful include:attempt to write an essay having a strictly defined amount of time,check out a Purdue OWL pageread so me blogs that might contain handy life hacks related to writing,change your attitude to the laborious task of writing and consider it to be a challenge that broadens your mind.All in all, get out of your comfort zone and rack your brain. Writing isn’t as difficult as you might think. Just study the topic, analyze it thoroughly, and finally get down to writing as soon as possible!

Sociolinguistics - Language, Dialects and Society

Language is central to social interaction in every society, regardless of location and time period. Language and social interaction have a reciprocal relationship: language shapes social interactions and social interactions shape language. What is Sociolinguistics? Sociolinguistics is the study of the connection between language and society and the way people use language in different social situations. It asks the question, How does language affect the social nature of human beings, and how does social interaction shape language? It ranges greatly in depth and detail, from the study of dialects across a given region to the analysis of the way men and women speak to each other in certain situations. The basic premise of sociolinguistics is that language is variable and ever-changing. As a result, language is not uniform or constant. Rather, it is varied and inconsistent for both the individual user and within and among groups of speakers who use the same language. People adjust the way they talk to their social situation. An individual, for instance, will speak differently to a child than he or she will to their college professor. This socio-situational variation is sometimes called register and depends no only on the occasion and relationship between the participants, but also on the participants’ region, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, and gender. One way that sociolinguists study language is through dated written records. They examine both hand-written and printed documents to identify how language and society have interacted in the past. This is often referred to as historical sociolinguistics: the study of the relationship between changes in society and changes in language over time. For example, historical sociolinguists have studied the use and frequency of the pronoun thou in dated documents and found that its replacement with the word you is correlated with changes in class structure in 16th and 17th century England. Sociolinguists also commonly study dialect, which is the regional, social, or ethnic variation of a language. For example, the primary language in the United States is English. People who live in the South, however, often vary in the way they speak and the words they use compared to people who live in the Northwest, even though it is all the same language. There are different dialects of English, depending on what region of the country you are in. What Sociolinguists Study Researchers and scholars are currently using sociolinguistics to examine some interesting questions about language in the United States: There is vowel shift occurring in the North, in which pattered alterations to vowels is occurring in certain words. For example, many people in Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago are now pronouncing bat like bet and bet like but. Who is changing the pronunciation of these vowels, why are they changing it, and why/how is it spreading?What parts of African American Vernacular English grammar are being used by white middle-class teenagers? For example, white adolescents might compliment a peer’s clothes by saying, she money, a phrase associated with African Americans.What will be the impact on language in Louisiana due to the loss of monolingual French speakers in the Cajun region of Southern Louisiana? Will the French features of language be sustained even when these French speakers are gone?What slang terms do younger generations use to show their affiliation with certain subgroups and to distinguish themselves from their parents’ generation? For example, in the ea rly 2000s, teenagers described things that they enjoyed as cool, money, tight, or sweet, but definitely not swell, which is what their parents would have said when they were teenagers.Which words are pronounced differently according to age, gender, socioeconomic status, or race/ethnicity? For instance, African Americans often pronounce certain words differently than whites. Likewise, some words are pronounced differently depending on whether the person speaking was born after World War II or before.Which vocabulary words vary by region and time, and what are the different meanings associated with certain words? For example, in Southern Louisiana, a certain breakfast dish is often called lost bread while in other parts of the country, it is called French toast. Similarly, which words have changed over time? Frock, for instance, used to refer to a woman’s dress, while today frock is rarely used. Sociolinguists study many other issues as well. For instance, they often examine the values that hearers place on variations in language, the regulation of linguistic behavior, language standardization, and educational and governmental policies concerning language. References Eble, C. (2005). What is Sociolinguistics?: Sociolinguistics Basics. http://www.pbs.org/speak/speech/sociolinguistics/sociolinguistics/.

Essay on Nucor Case Analysis - 1235 Words

Nucor Corporation – Case Study and Recommendations on Strategy Nucor Corporation – Case Study and Recommendations on Strategy Introduction Nucor Corporation: Competing against Low Cost Steel imports deals with leading steel manufacturer Nucor Corporation and trends in the steel industry affecting Nucor. Steel manufacturing is an old business, but is currently facing the fast changes associated with new technologies, the rise of globalization, and changes in cost and efficiency. To date, Nucor has maneuvered business cycles and market challenges to maintain a positive profit margin in every quarter since 1966 (Thompson, 2008). The company’s strategy of decentralized structure, focus on disruptive technology, unique employee engagement†¦show more content†¦The increased level of empowerment allows each division manger control over day-to-day decisions that will increase profitability. This key success factor contributes to mitigating threats related to price and cost including the cyclical nature of industry, raw material cost, and low cost competitors. Strong Employee Relations - Nucor’s employee relations practices were a key factor in their successful growth through the ability to produce steel at margins that could compete with imports. Perhaps Nucor’s most important key factor of success, the building of successful employee relations is more difficult to imitate by competitors than tangible business factors. Use of Disruptive Technology – Nucor has an extremely a strong technological focus. Their introduction of the mini-mill has proven to be industry changing with the manufacture of raw sheet for the auto industry. Additionally Nucor introduced the first electric arc furnace, continuous casting, the process to avoid reheating billits, and the twin shell furnace. The value added by Nucor technology in mitigating threats is proven by a high sales volume and steady profits. Strong leadership – While Nucor did have a decentralized management structure, it relied heavily on the aligned visions of managers under the charismatic leadership of Ken Iverson. The companyShow MoreRelatedNucor Case Analysis4059 Words   |  17 PagesIndividual Case Analysis BUS490 Comprehensive Examination Nucor Steel Corporation Written by: Lukas Kubilius Professors: Bonnie J. Straight Julian J. Prewitt Lithuania Christian College 2 March 2005 Overview of situation Nucor Corporation with 24 plants/divisions and 8,000 employees, operated in nine states recycling more than 10 million tons of scrap steel annually. Producing carboy and alloy steel in barsRead MoreNucor Case Analysis4046 Words   |  17 PagesIndividual Case Analysis BUS490 Comprehensive Examination Nucor Steel Corporation Written by: Lukas Kubilius Professors: Bonnie J. Straight Julian J. Prewitt Lithuania Christian College 2 March 2005 Overview of situation Nucor Corporation with 24 plants/divisions and 8,000 employees, operated in nine states recycling more than 10 million tons of scrap steel annually. Producing carboy and alloy steel in bars, beams, sheet, andRead MoreNucor Case Analysis Essay2164 Words   |  9 PagesNucor Corporation Case Analysis Section 1: Recommendations Recommendation 1: To expand more internationally by building plants in lower property taxed areas with low tariffs to ship products out. Recommendation 2: To put in place job descriptions for employees. By doing this it will save Nucor litigation fees and troubles if something arises in the workplace between the employee and Nucor about job duties, injuries, etc. Recommendation 3: Other than expanding internationally, Nucor shouldRead MoreNucor Corporation Case Analysis Essay2454 Words   |  10 Pages11/9/2010 Nucor Corporation Memo Response: Per your request I have analyzed Nucor Corporation and the steel industry. After performing both strategic and financial analysis I offer my recommendations. Executive Summary: Nucor Corporation was the most profitable steel producer in North America in both 2005 and 2006. It is regarded as a low-cost steel producer in the United States, and one of the most efficient and technologically innovative steel producers in the world. 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Nucor has been facing many industry challenges including the overall development of the industry. They are competing with foreign firms on cost and efficiency. Nucor has a low cost strategy because as they say their product is not necessarily very attractive. It does not have attractive or unique selling features other than its cost. The commodity of steel is in a very competitive market. Nucor understands that innovation

Understanding Poetry By Robert Penn Warren And Cleanth Brooks

As defined by Robert Penn Warren and Cleanth Brooks in his book ‘Understanding Poetry’ published in 1978, â€Å"poetry is a kind of saying. It is a kind that many people, until they become well acquainted with it, feel is rather peculiar and even useless. They feel this way for two reasons: the â€Å"way of saying† and the â€Å"nature of the said.† As for the way of saying, the strongly marked rhythms, the frequent appearance of rhyme, and the figurative language may seem odd and distracting; and as for the â€Å"nature of the said,† it generally contains neither a good, suspenseful story nor obviously useful information. Poetry, in short, may seem both unnatural and irrelevant. Yet poetry has existed from the time of the emergence of the human race from shadowy prehistory and has survived, in one form or another, in every society since that time. When we realize this, we may be inclined to consider the possibility that poetry only seems unnatural and irrelevant. We may even decide, on reflection, that it does spring from deep human impulses and does fulfill human needs. Probably its most obvious feature is its strongly marked rhythm. Rhythm is we know, the repetition of time of a perceptible pattern. Poetry, focuses on the feelings and attitudes in such a context, and not on the actions or ideas as such. Poetry is a response to, and an evaluation of our experience of the objective, bustling world and our ideas about it. â€Å"In the book, ‘A Poetry Handbook,’ written by Mary Oliver and

Consultation and Advocacy free essay sample

A collaboration of works was examined to answer the following questions. How do you see yourself related to advocacy or consultation as you become a professional within your area of specialization? Within your own definition, do you see consultation and advocacy similar or different? How does advocacy benefit the care provided for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families related to the specific specialty area that you plan to practice? Within the context of the examined works institutional and social barriers were also addressed. In an effort to further relate advocacy to the area of focus a hypothetical situation was created that tied in advocacy, consultation and collaboration. It is important to understand the role we have as advocates of social change and how that affects the individuals we serve. Counselors are encouraged to consider the role that their profession plays within the dominant culture to reconcile the role of healer with that of social change agent and to advocate for systematic change on behalf of clients (Moe, Perera-Diltz, Sepulveda, 2010). Advocacy for both clients and for the profession is essential for the future of counseling (Myers, Sweeny, White, 2002). A national plan for advocacy is needed; the effectiveness of this plan depends on professional identity, promoting a positive self image, and effective interprofessional collaboration (Myers et al. , 2002). The need for professional advocacy can be traced in the history of mental health counseling, dating back to the 1700’s when the advocacy for persons’ with mental illness emerged as a moral issue (Myers et al. , 2002). Mental illness expands across the board and includes various levels of intensity and includes dual diagnosed individuals. Prout and Strohmer (1998) note that persons with mental retardation often have been served in the mental retardation, developmental disability, and rehabilitation service delivery systems. However, when their problems extend into the mental health area, there appear to be some difficulties accessing the full range of services (p. 115). It has been a common occurrence that when a dual diagnosed patient is brought to the hospital in crisis they are often diverted or sent home without being properly assessed by the on call psychiatrist due to the simple fact that the psychiatrist is unable to distinguish if the presenting issues are related to the patients’ cognitive disability or their mental health disorder. This is where advocacy comes into play for our dually diagnosed clients. When mental health agencies are made aware of clients that are in crisis and can benefits from a respite from their residential setting, the mental health agency can advocate and collaborate with the treating hospital to provide crisis intervention. Myers et al. (2002) indicates that within any given setting the needs of clients can best be met through collaboration efforts of all professionals. Merriam-Webster defines advocacy as supporting a cause or proposal. Advocacy and consultation plays two diverse roles in the counseling field and serves two distinct purposes for clients and can be utilized simultaneously to achieve one desired goal. In other words, advocacy and consultation should be used together to optimize the successful outcome for any vulnerable client. According to Moe, Perera-Diltz, and Sepulveda (2010) scholars have identified that consultation and advocacy share conceptual grounding in modes of practice that encourage counselors to act outside of the counselor/client interaction. Practice such as collaboration with multiple groups may promote marginalization of vulnerable community members are used by advocates to achieve desired goals (Moe et al. , 2010). According to Knight and Oliver (2007) recent policy has emphasized the need for advocacy services for children and young people, developments that have gone hand-in hand with greater levels of participation of young people in decision making. Advocacy for young people is especially important, as they are a particular vulnerable group and have, traditionally, been even more excluded from decision making about matters affecting their lives. In today’s culture we readily accept the role of nurturer and protector of all vulnerable individuals and we may not understand how that might in fact be harming the individuals even at a young age. Society traditionally sees disabled children as being passive, vulnerable and in need of protection and that makes advocating for disabled children particularly challenging (Knight and Oliver, 2007). Many disabled children and young people are not used to being asked for their views and may not think that what they have to say is important (p. 423) Advocates must be cognizant that most children and adolescents have guardians and/or parents and have been taught at a young age that their opinion does not matter. Further more most if not all children and adolescents have been raised in a society where their parents and guardians have the ultimate say and the clients as minor have no rights. Looking at the lives of individuals down the line as they reach adult hood a common theme emerges. Stanley and Vahe (2012) established that advocacy in the mental health system promotes that advocacy strives to return decision-making authority to consumers and thus to empower them to play a more central role in their own care, treatment, rehabilitation, and life choices. Although not intended as treatment, advocacy may have therapeutic effects. It may reduce the barriers to fulfillment of consumers’ own goals for recovery and enable solutions to problems of everyday life. Advocacy also may reduce stigma that impairs consumers’ ability to improve their own life circumstances (p. 115). Moe, Perera-Diltz, and Sepulveda (2010) suggest that a practice mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was established to facilitate the equitable and effective services to individuals with disabilities by way of behavioral consultation and the use of functional behavioral analysis and assessments to promote empowerment of clients. Consider the case of a developmentally disabled adult whose behaviors have become increasingly problematic in his residential and day program setting. Michael is a 68 year old Caucasian male born with Down syndrome who resides in a group home setting and attends a day time activities program. Michael’s state appointed support coordinator reached out to the mental health agency, which is treating Michael for Bi Polar disorder. The state support coordinator requested the mental health agency complete a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) since Michael’s behaviors have increasingly worsened and medication changes have been unsuccessful. Michael’s support coordinator advises that Michael has been increasingly obsessive, aggressive towards group home staff, and been arrested twice for his aggressive nature and threats in the community. In this case, the mental health counselor along with Michael’s assigned case worker collaborated to complete a case review which will be utilized for the mental health agency to review the case and provide feed back and possible new interventions aside from medications. Following the case review, the mental health counselor will conduct interviews with the client’s guardian, group home provider, and day program provider to obtain a clear idea of the target behaviors, antecedents, and desired replacement behaviors in order to complete the FBA. Once all interviews are completed and the FBA is finalized it will be reviewed with Michael’s team consisting of state support coordinator, guardian, group home staff and day program staff. Interventions will be addressed and the team will be advised and trained on how to implement the interventions recommended in the FBA. In this scenario, it is evident that the mental health counselor requires a strong sense of professional identity to be an effective advocate for the client. The client is in need of strong supports that are capable of collaborating and consulting on his behalf in order for his treatment to be successful. The main goal for Michael’s team is to ensure his safety and keep him out of jail. Walsh and Bricout (1997) point out that family members and professionals can advocate for change in treatment of people with mental illness in jail. For some younger adults, jails have served as sites for containing deviant behaviors that in many cases are more reflective of mental illness than of criminality. Jails are not well-suited to the care of people with mental illness because they were not designed to serve that function. Problems associated with serious mental illness in jails include increased suicide risk, the need for extra staff attention, the disruption of normal jail activities, the potential for violence, and abuse by other inmates. Without proper care such people may experience a resurgence of symptoms and become less able to function in the community after release (P. 420-421). As Advocates it is fundamentally important to note as Walsh and Bricout (1997) suggested that mental health professionals must ensure that families and people with mental illness receive appropriate services during and after incarceration.

Billy Budd, Sailor essays

Billy Budd, Sailor essays Herman Melvilles Billy Budd, Sailor is evidently an extremely divisive text when one considers the amount of dissension and disagreement it has generated critically. The criticism has essentially focused around what could be called the dichotomy of acceptance vs. resistance. On the one hand we can read the story as accepting the slaughter of Billy Budd as the necessary ends of justice. We can read Veres condemnation as a necessary military action performed in the name of preserving the political order on board the Bellipotent. On the other hand, we can read the story ironically as a Melvillian doctrine of resistance. Supporters on this pole of the debate argue that Billy Budds execution is the greatest example of injustice. They argue that the execution is a testament of denunciation, deploring the shallow political order of a paranoid military regime. I do not wish to argue either side of this debate. I have pointed it out to illustrate that Billy Budd, Sailor is a text about princ iples of right conduct, or at least this view is held by critics. Is Veres conduct right or wrong? This is the basic question at stake. In this sense it is a text about moral values and ethical conduct. However, considering that Billy Budd, Sailor is an ethical text, what I find most curious about it is the mysterious absence of the emotion guilt. Here we have a story about two murders. Billy obviously kills Claggart and Vere (Although it is indirect, ultimately the decision is his) kills Budd. Neither of these murderers shows the emotion of guilt in the form of remorse. For a narrative which tries so hard to situate the reader in an ethical and moral position of choosing interpretations, isnt it somewhat ironic that the characters themselves dont exhibit that which would seem to be the most ethical and moral of emotions following the taking of a persons life? Where is the guilt? This is the question I have sought and fou...

Sexuality with the Disability

Sexuality with the Disability Introduction Disabled people have different needs from the rest of the people in the society. Both their habitual and educational needs are changing from what is conventionally known regarding the daily living culture such as the way in which people are dressed and groomed. This is also true when it comes to the vocational and social duties.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Sexuality with the Disability specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From research, the crux of the matter in this broad focus is mainly sexuality and the rights that the disabled have with respect to the sexual education and sexual expression. Other members of the society have stereotypical perspectives concerning those with disabilities. Such beliefs are not necessarily true though they are amazingly part of both the young and the elderly in society! This is specifically in relation to sexual behavior. The aim of this essay is to explore the a ttitudes that the society has regarding the sexuality of disabled people, the latest impediments faced by people with disabilities as pertaining sexuality and the way it affects sexual functioning. Overview It is within the last twenty years that researchers and other professionals began engaging and conducting studies on subjects that entail sex education and sexual expression among the disabled. Prior to this time, most researchers had confined themselves to the sexual dysfunction suffered by most heterosexual white men. Such impairment was as a result of injuries especially on the spinal cord. Currently, the research still borders on both the medical and rehabilitative aspects. It concentrates on the sexuality of women with disabilities and that of other disabled individuals. However, the focus of this research is still on the heterosexual majority. In the recent years, research in this area has been taking a sociopolitical dimension (Shuttleworth, 2007, p. 2). As other people wi thin the community, we are increasingly being informed of the human rights that the disabled are supposed to enjoy, given that it affects them socially, physically and mentally. Like the rest of the society, the disabled have different levels of potential with regard to reproduction, sexual response and sexual interest. It is imperative to note that like other societal members, people with disabilities have needs such as the need for affection, good interpersonal relationships and love. Studies show that even those with disabilities emanating spinal injuries, experience sexual arousal (Stolov Clowers, 2000, p. 79).Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Despite the fact that the world around us has started showing interest in the sexual needs of the disabled, a lot is yet to be done. Understanding the current attitudes that the society holds towards the sexual needs of t he disabled will be helpful in both imparting and inculcating positive attitudes that the society has towards them. The latest change in attitude is causing most Americans to respond reluctantly, to the realization that people with inabilities are also sexual beings who are wired with the need for sexual gratification, love and intimacy. Attitudes on Sexuality of people with disabilities The perceptions of most people in the society regarding the disabled, in light of sexuality, are often narrow-minded. They think that this category of people is not sexual in nature. The misinformed society, therefore, end up concluding that the only people who should have sex are the physically fit. The general perception is that people with disabilities are not supposed to be sexually active. This belief is held by both the young and the aged in the society, and is known to the disabled (Marini, Glover-Graf Millington, 2011, p. 57). It is a taboo to think of sex among the disabled and denying the fact that it exists has never nullified it. According to some studies, by the society not granting a meaningful sex life to the disabled, it is tantamount to withholding them their deserved basic human rights (Carroll, 2006, p. 479). The disabled that are in need of a sexual relationship do not just express it as disapproval to the popular notion that they are not sexual beings. The issues here are more practical. Prior to having a relationship, couples ought to meet. Either poverty or transport can bar the disabled from going out for purposes of socialization. In most cases, the institutional world encompassing the disabled appears to be insensitive to their need for sex and relationships. Lack of privacy is an issue for the disabled who reside in care institutions. Staff members may get into their bedrooms without notice. Relatives become overprotective for some disabled folks who stay at home. For the disabled that receive their spouses’ care, maintaining sexual mystique is not easy since their significant other has to dress, bathe or assist them to the wash rooms. Conducting a satisfactory sexual relationship is therefore challenging due to the absence of the required choice and control that goes with it.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Sexuality with the Disability specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, this makes it difficult for the disabled to have responsible sexual relationships. The disabled thus end up being marginalized and alienated, as a result of these attitudes. They also internalize the same attitudes held by the society towards them. Barriers faced by the disabled, with respect to sexuality In their dealing with sexuality matters, the disabled encounter several hurdles. First, they have a problem accessing information related to their personal situations, on suitable expression of sexuality, and required skills in sexual communication. Besides lacking a ccess to accurate information, they receive misinformation on sexuality, as a way of discouraging their interest. Second, they lack privacy in expressing themselves sexually. This is especially for those residing in institutional settings. With shared accommodation, it is difficult for them to express themselves sexually due to lack of privacy. These conditions may therefore cause people to engage in sexual behavior that is inappropriate. Consequently, the society then begins to put stereotypes on them. Third, women with disabilities encounter both sexual and physical abuse. This is because they are perceived as victims who may not be able to report such abuse. In most cases, crisis centers, police stations and other shelters are often inaccessible. In cases where they are present, officers doubt the women’s credibility judged from their state of health and competence (Smith, 1999, p.153). In addition, people with disabilities are viewed by some members of the society as bein g asexual. The stereotype began long time ago and could be witnessed in health institutions. Here, disabled adolescents were carelessly placed in hospitals to receive medical attention. Both boys and girls could be hospitalized in adjoining beds. Furthermore, due to their physical conditions, majority of the disabled are not free to move from place to place. Most are confined in their relatives’ homes or in other health care centers. Therefore, they have limited opportunities to move around, in a bid to establish meaningful relationships. This is opposed to the nondisabled individuals who have the freedom to go to different places where they can socialize and establish relationships that matter.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Reference list Carroll, J.L. (2006), Sexuality now: Embracing Diversity. Belmont, U.S: Cengage Learning. Marini, I, Glover-Graf, N.M. Millington, M.J. (2011), Psychosocial Aspects of Disability:Â  Insider Perspectives and Counselling Strategies, NY: Springer. Shuttleworth, R. (2007). Sexuality Research and Social Policy: Journal of NSRC. Introduction to Special issue: Critical Research and Policy Debates in Disability and Sexuality Studies. May 2007. Vol. 4, No. 1 Smith, M.B. (1999), The Reader’s Companion to U.S Women’s History, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Stolov, W.C. Clowers, M.R. (2000), Handbook of Severe Disability:Â  A Text for Rehabilitation Counsellors, Other Vocational Practitioners, and Allied Health Professionals, Washington DC: DIANE Publishing.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) - Essay Example This, through my lasting experience and interaction with various GIS software, I believe can be achieved at relatively low cost than expected. Using the GIS information in transportation, I believe can be of great help to city planning and organization. In respect to this, I can assure you the effective use of the following GIS applications in doing the following activities with the aim of restoring order and cost in the city. The GIS tool can be used in spatial analysis to locate areas of preference for various development activities at relatively lower costs compared to the other software. High costs are often incurred while constructing bridges, railway lines and roads within the city and beyond, especially when other tools are used in designing these channels. However, using GIS, we can analysis the spatial characteristics of the regions to be bypassed by these projects for reduced cost of construction. For instance, it is easier to design the routes for road, railways and water pipes construction by developing different elevation models on the GIS software. Assessing and accurately analyzing this data can then help us in coming up with the correct route for construction with minimum costs involved. In order to illustrate this using an example, it is often very difficult to construct roads and railway lines where the process has to involve cutting through a mountain or in a region with rugged terrain. in such Cases, many culverts and bridges, have to be constructed as these increases the costs of construction. By overlaying the elevation data on the GIS software, we can easily locate the various points to be avoided by the project, calculate the relative distance and costs involved and compare the results for better decision making before the actual process. This aids in proper planning and management of funds are hence very

Review on Data impediments to empirical work on health insurance Article

Review on Data impediments to empirical work on health insurance markets paper - Article Example it is found out that majority of the publicly available sources of data, that is commonly used by researchers are to carry out their study on the health insurance market shares, is unreliable. These data sources are said to portray great variability over the years and are relative to both a rational prior and to the inconsistency demonstrated in the health sectors discharge data. These data sources assume merger activities from specialized and from high professional findings. Their unreliability to the studying competition in the health insurance sector is revealed in their character to omit significant components of the market. Such omitted components may include the self-insured health plans. The article considers the private insurance industry that plays a more significant role in the health care sector in the United States. A large number of individuals in U.S purchase private insurance plans. Another significant number of individuals are covered through Medicaid while they are still enrolled in the private plans. The article compared the elderly people in U.S to the nonelderly. It was revealed that majority of the nonelderly individuals opt for the private insurance plans while 95 % of the elderly people are enrolled to the Medicare. Although a few numbers of the nonelderly are enrolled to the Medicaid, they are also found to have enrolled into the private plans. Only a quarter of the elderly people opt for the private insurance plans (Leemore et al. 11). According to this paper, the antitrust analysts and researchers cannot generate an accurate empirical analysis of competition in the health insurance industry through the use of a readily available market share data. These differences in shares and the concentration reported within different data sources would force researchers to choose among the competing data sets. The doubtfully high unpredictability within the data sets suggests

The importance of caterpillar inc in mining

The importance of caterpillar inc in mining Caterpillar Inc is the largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines in the world (Caterpillar Inc, 2010, p.1). It was started in 1925, and is based in Peoria, Illinois. Its operations are divided into three segments: machinery, engines, and financial business segments (Businessweek, 2010). With a global footprint, Caterpillar Inc.s product line boasts of more than 300 products, manufactured in twenty three countries (Caterpillar Inc, 2010). In the sections that follow, an internal analysis of the firm is carried out and its distinctive capabilities and core competencies evaluated. Its corporate, functional, and competitive strategies are also analyzed. Distinctive capabilities: The resource-based view of the firm asserts that an organizations resources and capabilities underpin the bedrock upon which the firms competitive advantage and strategy is based. While resources refer to the productive assets owned by the firm (Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny, 2008, p.12), capabilities refer to what the firm can do (Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny, 2008, p.12). Three types of resources have been identified: tangible resources, intangible resources, and human resources. As far as Caterpillar Inc is concerned, these are discussed below: Tangible Resources: Financial Resources: Caterpillar has a strong and healthy cash flow position. Net cash flows have increased from $592,000 in 2007 to $1,614,000 in 2008 and $2,131,000 in 2009 (Yahoo Finance, 2010). It enjoys strong market capitalization, which stands at $39.8 billion compared to only $6.29 billion for its closest competitor and the industry average of $1.71 billion. Its operating margins as well as price earnings ratio are well above the industry average (Yahoo Finance, 2010). Caterpillars sales revenues, profits, and other financial indicators have shown a consistent improvement over the years. For instance, sales revenues have risen from $30.3bn in 2004 to $51.3bn by 2008, surpassing the firms 2010 target of $50bn with two years to go. Over the same period, profits have risen from $2bn to $3.6bn. Other financial ratios have also witnessed a strong climb-up (Annual Report). The firm also boasts of an investment-grade credit rating as well as easy access to the capital (Caterpillar I nc, 2009). Marketing Resources: Caterpillar Inc has a marketing and distribution system that spans the entire globe. Additionally, it holds the market leadership position in the construction and mining industries as well as in the construction of natural gas, diesel, and industrial engines (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). With the broadest global footprint in the industry, it is very well diversified in terms of geographical spread and derives only 33% of its revenues in the US market. With over 300 products in its product line, its product base can be described as broad and well diversified which can help cushion it against downturns in specific product areas. Its customer service can also be described as superior, given that the firm offers among others quality assurance underpinned by a three year warranty, as well as fixed rate long-term financing tailored to specific customer needs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Physical Resources: Caterpillar Inc boasts of hi-tech manufacturing facilities spread in at least twenty three countries, and geared towards production in thirteen different industries. Under the Caterpillar Production System (CPS), it has a world class manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution system that are closely aligned with the flexible manufacturing philosophy (Caterpilar Inc, 2009). Intangible Resources: Technology: the number of patents which Caterpillar Inc has received has continued to increase year after successive year. By 2010, it had 620 patents. This is in line with its expenditure on RD which has grown from just $928 million in 2004 to $1.73bn by 2008 (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Reputation: the market leader in the construction and mining industries and in the natural gas, industrial, and diesel engine industries, Caterpillar enjoys strong brand recognition as well as a strong reputation for machines distinguished by their specialist expertise, durability, design, as well as dealer and service excellence. According to Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny (2008, p.12), resources by themselves cannot give a firm a competitive advantage but must be blended together to give the firm capabilities. Based on the inventory of Caterpillar Inc.s resources presented above, the firms capabilities can be given as follows: strong financial position which also gives the firm a high ability to finance innovation (RD) and working capital requirements, raise credit financing to expand its operations or investments, as well as the ability to finance its customers and dealers purchases over the long run. Strong innovation capabilities as evidenced by the increasing number of patents it holds and the sustained investment in RD activities. Supply chain efficiencies (flexibility, cost effectiveness, etc) as evidenced by its Caterpillar Production System (CPS). Strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities as evidenced by its global configuration of production, supply, and distribution facilities. Strong marketing capabilities as defined by its market leadership position, broad product portfolio (over 300 products in thirteen different industries), its strong brand recognition and reputation, and superior customer service and excellence. Selznick (1990) coined the term distinctive competences / capabilities to describe those things which the organization does extremely well relative to its marketplace rivals. In the case of Caterpillar Inc, its distinctive capabilities can be said to include: its innovation and financial capabilities as well as its well-diversified product base and geographical spread. Core competencies: Prahalad and Hamel (1990) define core competencies as those capabilities which are central to an organizations achievement of a sustainable competitive advantage. For the capability to be termed as a core competence, it has to meet four criteria as spelled out by the VRIO framework. It must be valuable, rare, inimitable, and the organization must be sufficiently organized to exploit it. While Caterpillar Inc has a very broad product line and wide geographical spread, this can be easily replicated by its rivals through a deliberate strategy of market development and product diversification. Its supply chain capabilities can also be easily replicated through undertaking demand and supply chain integration activities such as maintaining low inventory levels and adopting flexible manufacturing systems. Its main core competencies therefore are its innovation capabilities, its superior financial position, and its superior customer service. Strategy: Strategy formulation has been described as taking place at three levels: the corporate level, business level, and the functional level. Robbins and Coulter (2005) identify three types of corporate strategies. These include growth, retrenchment, and stability strategies. Traditionally, Caterpillar has pursued the growth strategy which involves aggressively expanding into new markets and introducing new products so that by 2008 it had more than 300 products. Apart from its domestic US market, it has spread to most countries in Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe and Middle East, and Latin America. However, prompted by the increasingly cyclical nature of the industries across which it operates as well as the recent global economic recession, the firm put brakes on its growth strategy and pursued a retrenchment strategy instead. This was characterized by cost reduction initiatives, closure of underperforming business units, and employee layoffs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). According to its annual report, the firms trough planning initiative has involved: Scaling down the number of its employees by more than 20,000, through voluntary as well as forced layoffs. Additionally, the firm has done away with many contingent workers (that is, temporary, agency, and contract employees). Reducing working hours as well as closing some plants temporarily in many of its global facilities. In some areas, the firm has introduced shorter working weeks. The firm has also undertaken various measures to optimize its supply chain management. These include reduction of inventories (which is expected to lead to lower inventory carrying costs), forging closer relationships with key suppliers, and the alignment of its logistical processes to conform to its flexible manufacturing system dubbed the Caterpillar Production System (CPS). It has drastically reduced compensation levels for its employees and managers, in some instances by as much as half. This is expected to drive cost savings. According to Robbins and Coulter (2005), firms which pursue the corporate strategy of growth have various strategic alternatives at their disposal. These include: concentration, vertical integration, horizontal integration, and diversification strategies. Of the four strategies, Caterpillar Inc has primarily made use of the diversification and horizontal integration strategies. Diversification involves expanding the firms scope of operations into other industries and product lines and this can be seen in the firms expansion to over 300 products and in thirteen industries. The horizontal integration strategy involves merging operations with other players in the same industry with a view of enhancing the firms competitive thrust and lowering competition in the industry. In the case of Caterpillar, this is evidenced by: Combination of its operations with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1965 in the Japanese market; joint venture with Navistar International Corporation which led to the creation of a new entity known as NC2 Global LLC in 2009; and a joint venture agreement with China Yuchai Machinery Co. Ltd in 2009 (Businessweek, 2010). The Ansoff Matrix has further identified the strategies which can be pursued by a firm deploying the corporate strategy of growth as: product development, market development, diversification, and market penetration strategies (Mercer, 1996). The firm has predominantly made use of the product development strategy which involves the introduction of new products for existing markets. Cases in point include the introduction by the company of next generation mining trucks, the first ever electric drive tracks in the industry, as well as the innovation of the revolutionary cat 175 engine (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). The market development strategy is also evident in the firms strategic posture, especially in its forays into more countries through geographic expansion. Some of the countries recently ventured into by Caterpillar include Saudi Arabia and India (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). At the business level, three main strategies have been identified. These include the overall low cost leadership strategy, the differentiation strategy, and the niche / focus strategy. The niche strategy has further been distinguished as either a differentiated niche strategy or focused low cost strategy. Additionally, an organization may follow a stuck in the middle approach where it simultaneously pursues two or more of these strategies (Porter, 1998). Of the three generic strategies, Caterpillar Inc can be described as following the generic strategy of differentiation. As its annual report (Caterpillar, 2009) attests, this strategy is based on two of its core competencies: its innovation capabilities and superior customer service. Functional level strategies are strategies which are implemented at the functional level in order to support the business level and ultimately, the corporate level strategies (Robbins and Coulter, 2005). For example, as far as the human resource is concerned, the firm continues to put a lot of emphasis on the training and development of its personnel. In 2008 for example, it spent up to $60 million in training and development initiatives. By ensuring that its employees are well trained and developed, the firm can see to it that creativity and innovation is fostered and that the staff are in a position to deliver exceptional levels of customer service. Its customer service strategy for example has involved offering three year warranties, and long term financing for customers and dealers (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Its manufacturing strategy has involved upgrading of its facilities. For example, in 2008, the firm spent up to $2.4 billion in initiatives aimed at modernizing its manufacturing infrastructure. Other functional level strategies include ensuring costs are kept within manageable levels while maintaining high quality standards through initiatives such as the Six Sigma program, and ensuring that the organization is aligned with emerging market needs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009).

feel safer now :: essays research papers

Feel Safer Now? 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order for organizations to function, there must be a free flow of information. This is a complex process, which becomes even more complicated when information is expected to flow freely from one government agency to another. This is the difficulty which plagued US agencies in the events leading up to September 11th. There were several sources of breakdowns in information present before the attacks in New York.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the large breakdowns in information was due to information overload. There are many agencies in the states which involve national safety, such as the FBI, CIA, NSA and DAINS. Each agency possesses vast amounts of information and it was difficult for the bureaucracies to decipher which information was credible and important from information that was inconsequential and trivial.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Insufficient amounts of information and inadequate flow of information strongly affected information sharing among agencies. First, each agency had different methods and rules for doing business. Because of this information was not uniformly documented or organized. This caused trouble when it came to relaying facts and suspicions to a different agency. Secondly, the agencies sabotaged adequate flows of information by being incredibly secretive with their own knowledge. Information was not easily or willingly shared between the agencies. Next, the agencies all had critical information about the pilots of the planes which crashed into the Trade Center but failed to adequately communicate their information. The NSA and CIA both held valuable pieces of the puzzle in catching Nawaf al-Hazmi but failed to piece them together to actually realize he was a threat. Lastly, because the FBI was only responsible for crimes already committed, information was not passed on from the CIA regarding al-Hazmi’s link to al-Qaida. These are all severe negative results from a system breakdown due to insufficient and inadequate flow of information.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Errors also occurred due to interpretation of information. The text states that written messages are more ambiguous and make differences in interpretation much more likely. A written request for a search warrant for a presumed hijacker (Moussaou) was sent to the US national security court. The writers of the request failed to include valuable French reports connecting Moussaou to al-Qaida. Another interpretation of data error was incredibly blatant. NSA intercepted a conversation in Arabic and failed to translate it. This missed message spoke of a â€Å"big event† planned for September 11th. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most of the errors leading to September 11th were those which seem to be errors in hindsight.

Farm Size and Efficiency Comparative Profit Analysis

1. Introduction The largest and biggest contributor to Bangladesh’s economy is the agricultural sector. Seen often as the ‘unsung’ hero of our growth revolution, it still serves as the most significant industry in this country. In spite of its large contribution to employment, relatively speaking, its contribution to GNP falls short of expectations. Hence, as with other developing countries, the agriculture sector in Bangladesh can be classified as predominantly being ‘traditional’.This implies that it is mainly comprised of small households that suffer from technological stagnation, unskilled labor, and supply chain and market linkage problems. In spite of this, a modern agriculture sector does exists which enjoys substantial economies of scale. It is a well established fact that with increase in scale of output, efficiency increases up to an optimum point and this paper will put this to the test by investigating whether this holds true in the agricu lture sector as well. 2. Problem statementIdeally, government policy should be directed towards increasing the capacity of the traditional agriculture sector in order to transform it towards a more modern one. However, with a weak local government structure, lack of strategic planning and corruption, effective government support towards this sector cannot be expected. Even if policy makers could come up with viable policies to help rural farmers, it would be very costly as most of these rural farmer’s are too small and dispersed in remote areas. Therefore, any aggregate development would either fail in cost effectiveness or fail in implementations.This leads to the point that increase in farm size needs to take place in the grassroots level This paper therefore will look into the possibility of rural farmer’s joining together to ‘pool in’ their limited technology, land, labor and skills to achieve some form of economies of scale that can increase their eff iciency and lower the costs. Such a framework could be done in the style of a producer’s cooperative. An agriculture cooperative is â€Å"a type of cooperative that unites agricultural producers for production or other activities needed by the members (such as processing, marketing of output, or supply of the means of production). An increase in efficiency can be contributed to a variety of factors such as improvement in technology, more efficient use of land, increase in skilled labor etc. While individual quanitative analysis is beyond the scope of this paper, a single variable can be used to do a comparative analysis to see whether belonging to a cooperative, through which there would be an increase in farm size, actually lead to any increase in efficiency. In terms of the variable, net profit of individual farmer’s not belonging to cooperatives and that of cooperatives will be used.Hence, a hypothesis can be developed at this point: The hypothesis will therefore t est the probability that belonging to a ‘co-op’ leads to increase in profit holding output constant. 3. Literature Review There has been extensive work done farm size and efficiency, and agricultural cooperatives as an extension. Oduol and Hotta examined the effect of farm size on the productive efficiency of smallholder farms in a land–scarce Embu district of Kenya.In particular, the study seeks to establish the relationship between farmsize and three components of productive efficiency, namely technical, scale and allocative efficiency, â€Å" Farm Size and Productive Efficiency: Lessons from Smallholder Farms in Embu District, Kenya Judith Beatrice Auma ODUOL1*, Kazuhiko HOTTA2, Shoji SHINKAI2 and Masao TSUJI3† There has been extensive work done on cooperative movement in the agriculture sector by leading academics.However, a point to be noted at the very outset is that there is clear evidence of a lack of study in this field in the South Asia region. T his is not only surprising but also indicates a clear need for research and investigation of this topic with a special focus on country’s like Bangladesh as South Asia is a primary producer of agricultural products. Assistant Professor Richard J. Sexton, in his paper â€Å"Factors critical to the success or failure of emerging agricultural cooperatives† provides a powerful insight into the strength and limitations of the cooperative movement in general.He argues that a solid foundation in supply chain and market linkage is critical if agricultural cooperatives are to survive. â€Å"Agricultural cooperatives and markets in developing countries† by ANSCHEL, K. R. ; BRANNON, R. H. ; SMITH, E. D. treats the matter more specifically in context of developing countries. In his study, it was found that belonging to cooperative movement gives farmers’ a form of ‘institutional’ support to carry out its production and marketing.Furthermore, a paper titl ed â€Å"Revitalizing Market-Oriented Agricultural Cooperatives in Ethiopia† conducted in cooperation with USAID’s Cooperative Development Program by Tesfaye Assefa provides insightful analysis on a comparative study done on a developing, agriculture developing country similar to Bangladesh. This study sheds light on the fact that developing countries are particularly in need of farmer’s receiving certain technical support in order to reduce their costs. Economic analysis on this issue has been dealt with fairly in the text â€Å"The economic theory of agrarian institutions†, Bardhan, P.K. (eds. ). – Oxford (United Kingdom): Oxford University Press, 1991. Finally, the future prospects and potential of the cooperative movement has been addressed in the paper â€Å"Future Roles for Agricultural Cooperatives† by Peter Helmberger where he argued that agricultural cooperatives will take on a larger role in the coming years with the rise in linkag e with large food retailers. A paper titled â€Å"AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVES: ROLE IN FOOD SECURITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT† investigated the link between the need for food security and the development of agricultural co-operatives.This is a highly important point as food security is seen as one of the major threats to the 21st century. The role of cooperatives into only being a profit making structure, but also a socially beneficial function in terms of addressing the question of food security should not be taken lightly. This is especially true in a country like Bangladesh where the current government is aggressively trying to address the problem of food security for one of the most densely populated countries.In terms of classifying the agriculture sector in a more academic sphere of economics, it can be deduced that a developing country’s agriculture sector is divided into the traditional agriculture sector comprising of unskilled, self sufficient rural households an d the modern agriculture sector consisting of a capital intensive, efficient, large scale producer. T. W. Schultz, in his paper highlighted the significance of transforming these traditional sectors into a more modern agriculture sectors and the possible consequences of these in the development process, Schultz T. W (1964),Transforming Traditional Agriculture, Yale University Press, New Haven. One of the underlying reasons for a larger farming structure in the form of cooperatives is the technological innovation that comes along with it. Bachman, K. L and Christensen highlighted the need to remove technological stagnation from the traditional agriculture sector in order to achieve long term development, Bachman, K. L and Christensen, R. P (1967), ‘The Economics of Farm Size’, in Southworth, H. M and Johnston, B. F. (eds), Agricultural Development and Economic Growth, Cornell University Press, Ithaca.Finally, Berry and Cline investigated the correlation in productivity a nd farming structure and found there to be a positive trend between increased output and productivity levels, Berry, D. A. and Cline, W. R. (1979), Agrarian Structure and Productivity in Developing Countries, John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. This study provided a case in point about the possible role of cooperatives in making the traditional agriculture sector much more productive. 4. Study methodology Secondary data from the available records of Ferdous Biotech Pvt. Ltd, an agro-based company based in Gazipur has been used to compile these statistics.The data has been derived from potato farmers that the company employs in the northern region of Bangladesh. Regional variations have been held constant while similar output levels have been selected between farmers belonging to ‘co-ops’ and not belonging to them so that a single variable (profit) can be tested. Further assumptions have been made in terms of seasonal variability being minimum and fertility showing unremarkable changes. The data was tabulated and statistic measures such as central tendencies, bar charts and hypothesis testing was undertaking to infer the data.SPSS software was used for most of the data analysis. It should be noted out that some of the data was filtered out due to create an appropriate sample. 5. Descriptive statistical analysis As seen in the frequencydistribution table that in each corresponding category of data with holding output constant, the farmers belonging to co ops show a signficinant rise in profits as opposed to those not belonging to co ops. While there are certain variations, there are not signficant enough to be inferred as statistically inconsistent. A clear trend analysis of the data can be seen from the chart seen above titlted Profitibality Study.For most data, belonging to to co-ops as signified by the blue bars shows a higher trend then the red bars indiciating profits by farmers not belonging to co ops. The measures of central tendency fo r these data show a significant variation. The middle values for each profit level stands at 75650 and 73100 respectively with the highest frequency for each category (with co op and without co op) standing at 60050 and 42400 as well. The average profit shown by farmers belonging to co ops stands at 81590 while those opting out of co opt standing at 79986.These values clearly shows that belonging to a co op does lead to better off profits as seen by the higher central tendency values in each category. This can be extended to be proved through the lowest values and highest values also. The lowest value for farmers in co ops stand at 14000 while those for without co ops are at 12500. Corresponding higher values are at 160300 and 159200, with the range standing at 146300 and 73100 for co-ops and without co-ops respectively. In terms of the quartiles, Q1 stood at 42075 and 41450 for co-ops and without co-ops while Q3 stood at 121925 and 118050 respectively.It is worth noting at this poi nt that from central tendencies along, it can be inferred that consistently, farmers belonging to a larger farm size in terms of co-operatives show a higher profit levels than those not belonging to such co-operatives. However, there is significant dispersion in the data that can be seen through the standard deviation for each data set standing at 46106. 9 and 45687. 8 respectively. Dispersion between the data as used for the development of the confidence interval, the standard deviation here stands at 8636. 9.In terms of the confidence level the range is at -2556. 076 to 5763. 74 As stated in the problem statement the hypothesis will there test the probability that belonging to ‘co-ops’ leading to increase in profit holding output constant. To analyze this, a hypothesis test was undertaken using SPSS and the results are presented below: Hypothesis T-Test One-Sample Statistics NMeanStd. DeviationStd. Error Mean Profits With Co-ops3081590. 166746106. 984718417. 94519 Pro fits Without Co-ops3079986. 333345687. 855448341. 42301 One-Sample Test Test Value = 0 tdfSig. 2-tailed)Mean Difference Profits With Co-ops9. 69229. 00081590. 16667 Profits Without Co-ops9. 58929. 00079986. 33333 One-Sample Test Test Value = 0 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference LowerUpper Profits With Co-ops64373. 535698806. 7977 Profits Without Co-ops62926. 207797046. 4589 It is clear from the above results that with the mean for co-ops consistently being higher than that of profits of farmers not belonging to co-ops that the hypothesis cannot be rejected. Therefore, belonging to co-ops does tend to show a higher profitability than in absence of it. . Summary The test results clearly demonstrate that belonging to co ops show a significant increase in profits. While there are certain variations in the data, these could be due to miscalculations due to large number of sample data or through farmer’s misinterpretation of market calculations as well. There are quite a few justifications for the results that have been shown. Clearly belonging to such co ops increases the technical capacity of the farmers to achieve lower costs and higher revenues leading to increase in profits.Through marketing economies of scale, they are able to sell at a better rate while their technical economies such as specialization and indivisibility of capital allows them to achieve the lower costs as stated above. In conclusion the data clearly supports the hypothesis that belonging to co-ops is a much better option for farmers then not doing so. This leaves us with the question – in terms of farm size and efficiency, is there a role for the cooperative movement? While the tests results clearly show hat belonging to co-operatives leads to an increase in profit, this point comes with strong qualifications because a profit function in itself cannot be used to make absolute inferences regarding efficiency. This is especially true due to the fact that most of the agraria n households belong to the traditional sector and as discussed earlier, they suffer from certain problems such as technological stagnation, unskilled labor and lack of capital. These serve as a major impediment towards achieving efficiency.While belonging to cooperatives may bring in certain economies of scale which may mitigate some of these problems, the underlying problem of transforming the traditional agricultural sector a modern one would need much more than just formation of co-operatives. It requires extensive long term technological and financial investment by the government and the non government sector. There is no doubting the role of agriculture in the economy of Bangladesh, but with regards to the extent to which it can contribute to an ever modernizing economy is up for debate.Appendix I – Output (Kgs) Profit (Co-ops)Profit (Without Co-ops) 2001400012500 2501750016300 3001880017500 3502320021300 4002780026800 4503210031050 5003750038600 5504360042400 6004820042 400 6505340052100 7005960060050 7506005062300 8006005064700 8506890066300 9007350070000 9507780076200 10008340084000 10508900087060 11009750096000 115010010598030 1200110500105500 1250115600110300 1300120300117200 1350126800120600 1400130100125200 1450141500139300 1500147300148200 1550152400151300 1600156900157200 1650160300159200

Affirmative Action Thesis - 3278 Words

affirmative action By: lauren Affirmative Action Thesis: Although many people believe that affirmative Action is a form of racism, it is actually used to help minorities find employment in an otherwise racist world. In the United States, equality is a recurring theme. It has flared into a fervent moral issue at crucial stages of American history: The revolutionary and Jacksonian Period, and the New Deal. In each era, the legitimacy of American society is challenged by some set of people unhappy with the degree of equality (Verba and Orren). Following the Civil War, Congress passed a number of laws designed to put former slaves on an equal level with white people. The Fourteenth Amendment made the freedmen citizen and prohibited states†¦show more content†¦Title VII of the act banned employment discrimination based on race, color, sex, and nationality, it also created a permanent equal employment opportunity commission to enforce its provisions. The act also for the first time included obligations not to discriminate to private employees, labor unions, and governmental agencies.(Urofsky 17). In executive order 11246, issued on September 24, 1965, Johnson require that federal contractors take affirmative action to recruit, hire, and promote more minorities. Two years later in executive order 11375 Johnson added women to the group covered by previous anti- discrimination order (Urofsky17). Each new order was a modification of the previous one. Increasing minorities and womens chances to compete in the job market. When Richard Nixon took office in 1969, he asked Art Fletcher, the Assistant Secretary of Labor and a black man himself, to find a way to enforce the hiring provisions of Title VII in a way that it would withstand court challenge. Fletcher did, and in 1971 Nixon unveiled the Philadelphia Plan. The Philadelphia Plan made federal contractors meet specific numerical goals in hiring minorities. Each contractor was to have nine percent of its work force be made up of minorities an d women. Even with all these Executive Orders, Civil Rights Act, and Amendments passed, only a small percent of minorities held position in the job force. In recent years, in order to combat job discrimination in the employment market,Show MoreRelatedAffirmative Action And The Civil Rights And Equal Opportunity Legislation Of The 1960s958 Words   |  4 PagesAffirmative action is a program that serves to rectify the effects of purportedly past societal discrimination by allocating jobs and opportunities to minorities and women. Affirmative action programs were an outgrowth of the 1950s and 1960s civil rights movements and the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity legislation of the 1960s. Close to fifty years later, the practice of affirmative action has been at the vanguard of intense debate more than any other time in its history. 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