Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Shakespeares Use of Subplots in King Lear Essay

Shakespeares Use of Subplots in King Lear - Essay Example The author has rightly presented that King Lear main plot revolves around Lear’s bad decision making that sees him disowning his own daughter Cordelia who is faithful to him and awarding his two treacherous daughters Goneril and Regan with a portion of his immense wealth. The subplot kicks in when Earl Gloucester and his two controversial sons get introduced into the story of the play, the illegitimate Edmund and Edgar the loyal one. A clear relationship is seen between the main plot and the subplot by two characters who assume the leadership and fatherly role, King Lear and Earl of Gloucester, they are both deceived by their children. Characters that constitute the subplot in Earl of Gloucester, Edmund and Edgar touch on the reflection on the major acts such as betrayal and madness hence highlight major themes. In William Shakespeare’s King Lear subplot development elaborated by Earl Gloucester, Edmund and Edgar's characters has been influential in giving a strong sens e of resonance, contradiction and complication to the major themes of father-child relationship, reconciliation and good versus evil hence strengthening the fact that subplot as a literature tool is an important asset in plays or stories plot development and helps to boldly portray the important message intended. Resonance as a subplot aspect in ‘King Lear’ resonates or binds the subplot and main plot and helps in bringing out the major theme the play was intended to portray. Father-child relationship is seen to be twisted in both positive and negative way.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Gambling on College Sports Essay Example for Free

Gambling on College Sports Essay Gambling on College Sports BY jawz03 Segment 3 Essay November 7, 2012 What Are the Effects of Legal vs. Illegal Gambling on College Sports? IVe been a sports fanatic since the day I was born. It didnt matter if I was playing or watching or cheering, I Just loved being around the game. I have always been very knowledgeable about it too, as I was well known and titled by extended family as the stat man. This of course referred to the often times erroneous and useless facts rattling around in my brain that I couldnt help but show off. Needless to say, this topic means a lot to me, especially being a college football player myself. I couldnt pass up this opportunity to dig deeper into a topic that has lingered in our country for years. The issues that pertain to gambling on college athletics have a vast range of opinions that stem from the questions; should gambling on college athletics be legal? What are the effects it has on the college athletes? Some argue that it will be detrimental to the game and some argue it has little to no effect, however most land somewhere in the middle. A common Justification against gambling brings up the numerous scandals of players taking illegal benefits or point shaving and in extreme ases these events leading to Jail or death. This side also argues that it allows players to get mixed up with the wrong crowd and put themselves in danger. Arguments for gambling site the economic reach it has in our country and the illegality will shrink the economy as well as not protect the players any more. Many people on this side think it will not be stopped so if gambling on college sports is illegalized, then every form of it will be illegal causing more trouble. My goal is to reveal those opinions and create a more complex understanding from various viewpoints, and hopefully bring a mall degree of clarification to others and myself. In the article, Even at Columbia, Gambling And College Athletics Collide found in the New York Times, Jack Curry and Adam Gershenson enlighten the readers about the gambling infractions that occurred in a Columbia University fraternity house. The authors begin by describing the situation and basic details of the gambling process. (They) would accept bets on sporting events from dozens of other students and then phone in the wagers typically from $40 to $200 each to a gambling ring based in Queens and operated by people with links to organized crime (Curry and Gershenson). They go on to unravel the situation further by stating that there were not only college athletes betting on the games, but even current and former players living in the house that was tirelessly on the phone collecting wagers. Curry and Gershens on then discuss the further investigations done by Columbia and the NCAA and the possible disciplinary action that the offenders can face. The authors then write about the numerous amounts of sports gambling incidents in the last decade and also how students and athletes looked upon the Columbia gambling scandal with lesser importance because of the lack of athletic excellence. The presence of a ambling operation with connections to organized crime at a school whose football team is best known tor a 44-game losing streak in the 1980s seemed incongruous (Curry and Gershenson). An athlete was also quoted saying, Its not like this is Arkansas or something. This is Columbia. Curry and Gershenson conclude their article by including a nationwide 1996 survey of college Division one athletes that reveals 25 percent gambled on other college sports and four percent admitted to gambling on games they had played in. I believe this is an article with good overall quality, even though it was written about 14 years ago in 1998. The time period constraint may lead to questions of relevance to readers in 2012. However, I think if you t ake all the dates and years out of the article, the purpose is still fulfilled and relays the same messages. The intent of the article was to inform about the events of the Columbia gambling ring, the reaction around campus, and the nationwide relevance. The authors Jack Curry and Adam Gershenson, are fairly unknown writers as far as I am concerned but that doesnt take away from the quality of the article because it was included in The New York Times, which only adds credibility. For this reason, there would be a nationwide udience because of the shear number of readers. Specifically, the audience would probably be more of the businessman or woman, who are the stereotypical readers of The New York Times. The exigence of this piece was the arrest of gambling ring participants at Columbia but also the fact that these types of gambling scandals had been becoming more and more common in that time period. This was a very eye-opening article for me to read and by far the longest and most in depth. Since it was written 14 years ago, it is a story that I was previously unaware of. It made me even more aware then I already was, of how long this problem has ingered in college sports. It mentioned, more then once, that there are bookies on every campus in America. This really made me think about how unbelievable the number of illegal bets being placed by college students and athletes must be. However, even though this article is depicting the illegal gambling as a bad thing, I think it unintentionally makes arguments for both sides of the issue. If gambling on college sports were acceptable, this would have been a legal act. Hypothetically if it were legal, it would cut down on crime like this, which is usually linked to people with other criminal activity going on. Disconnecting the link to other criminal activity would make it all around safer for bookies and bet placers and athletes, because frankly, I think that people will never stop gambling on sporting events. I had always just assumed that gambling on college sports should be illegal, but this article made me reconsider whether that would really be the smartest and safest resolution. In the article NCAA threatens to move events out of New Jersey from Sportslllustrated. com, the unnamed author introduces the proposed plan to legalize sports gambling in New Jersey as well as reaction from sports organizations ationwide. The writer kicks off the article by stating background information about New Jerseys push to legalize sports wagering. The article then goes on to describe the reaction from sports organizations, and goes in depth on the quotes from NCAA officials as well as their threats to move all playoff games out of New Jersey. It is also mentioned that The NCAA, NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB have collectively sued to block New Jerseys sports betting law from taking effect. However, there is also information and quotes from parties that are for the sports betting law. Quotes from State senator Raymond Lesniak and rnor Chris Christie demonstrate their support tor the new law. The article is concluded with talk of several new gambling options New Jersey is seeking to offer (NCAA Threatens). The author writes that these other options include in-state Internet gambling and the use of hand-held mobile gambling devices at the casinos as well as at horse tracks. I thought this article was fairly credible and factual as well. It did not have an author to add to credibility but being a Sports Illustrated article maintained its effectiveness. I believe this piece was intended to inform the audience of residents of New Jersey as well as pretty involved sports fans. People who would read Sports Illustrated would obviously Just be in it for the sports because that is the only information it obtains. This also acts as a constraint. The article cannot reach as much of the population because not everyone is a sports fan. The event that triggered this response was the attempt to make sports gambling legal in the state of New Jersey. My understanding of gambling in college sports was drastically upgraded by reading this article. It was an informative piece, so there was very little, if any, bias in the writing. The inclusion of statistics and legality of the topic really helped me understand why the sports organizations are hoping that the law will not pass. The shear amounts of money changing hands can lead to a lot of trouble, however for the same reason, legalizing that money could really boost economic growth. These types of pros and cons exist on both sides, making it an even tougher issue to sort out. My next source comes from a script from the testimony of Danny Sheridan before the Senate Commerce Committee on April 26, 2001. The testimony was for a hearing for the Amateur Sports Integrity Act (S. 18), which would determine the legality of gambling on college athletics. The first part of the testimony consists of Sheridan validating why his testimony should be considered by sharing his credibility and involvement in athletics. My name is Danny Sheridan, and I have been involved with sports and the sportsopromotion business for more than 25 years. I have published college and pro footballomagazines, written about sports in a variety of national publications, and have been theohost of a number of sports TV and radio shows Sheridan proclaims. Sheridan goes on to explain how he is also a friend of many high rofile athletes and he knows first hand the dangers that athletic gambling has on athletes. Sheridan also includes many statistics in his argument. An estimated 40 million Americans currently wager $6 billion illegally every weekend during the entire 20-week college and pro football season alone (Sheridan). The testimony is concluded by Sheridan stating that he appreciates the good intentions of trying to legalize gambling, but it would instead, result in negative effects. The rhetor, Danny Sheridan, is a very well known sports industrial component, which gives his testimony (and therefore my source) credibility. He presented this to the Senate Commerce Committee in hopes to persuade them to vote against legalization of gambling on sports. The fact that this is a testimony, instead of a highly publicized article restricts the extent his message. I found the script on his website, however it isnt an often visited site by the common Internet user, so the audience is a big constraint for this text. I found this testimony to be a great source for this project. It was interesting to read a text that wasnt Just a traditional article. My understanding tor the anti gambling side grew significantly, because it was so biased. The speaker does a great ob making his argument come full circle. For that reason, I came away from reading it with a slight lean towards supporting keeping gambling on sports illegal. Another interesting aspect is that this testimony was given in 2001. My previous source, about the gambling law in New Jersey, is a current issue, and the arguments made by Sheridan could simply be restated now with the same effects. It is astounding to see how such little progress has been made through the years. In the article Study Provides New Data on the Extent of Gambling by College Athletes, from netfiles. edu, Welch Suggs dissects a study done to determine the facts bout college athletes that gamble on sports. Suggs begins by introducing the parameters of the University of Michigan study that was released by the athletic department. The study, based on a survey of 758 football and basketball players, found that 72 percent of college football and basketball players had bet money at least once since entering college (Suggs). The author goes on to give further statistics that the survey revealed. Welch Suggs concludes the article with opposing viewpoint quotes from NCAA employee William Saum, and former NFL player Lynn Swann. Suggs last statement included next shifting attention to basketball referees o gain information about their gambling experiences. This was a questionable source to say the least. It had some solid content but the article opened as a PDF and my research failed to try and find the original homepage of the website. Likewise, the author was a mystery man as well. This text was very brief, but I believe the purpose was to inform about the findings of the survey revealed by the University of Michigan athletic department. However, the audience is hard to determine because of the unknown author and questionable website. If I were to pick an audience though, I would say it was intended for the adult college ports athlete because of the language and the inclusion of quotes from Lynn Swann. This text also has massive constraints, mainly for the same reasons as stated before. The website is random and in an odd format, therefore finding Suggs piece would be difficult to come across. The audience is extremely limited because of this, and the credibility suffers as well. Also, it did not include dates it the article, so the exigence of the piece suffers because the provoking event of the writing cannot be identified. The facts that are stated in this article hold strong relevance for this topic. It is more of an anti gambling article based on the information it presents, but it also gives a quote of the opposite viewpoint. Numbers dont lie, and the numbers from the study are very eye opening and convincing. It makes me think about how much gambling affects the games we love, without us even knowing. Since all the surveys were anonymous, nothing will develop in terms of punishment or solutions to the problem. In this sense, the article does a great Job persuading the reader. However, nowhere in the article did it give a date of the information or of when the article was ritten, so it is hard to put it in context and determine the importance. This, along with the briefness of the article, made it more difficult to shape my thinking about the topic. After analyzing the four sources included in this essay, I have yet to come to a concrete conclusion. I began researching the topic with the idea that gambling on college sports should be illegal and that all the ettects ot illegal gambling are bad. However, my research has muddied my view a little bit, which is actually a good thing because now I am informed more then I even have been. Being informed in such a ay makes me understand how this predicament has been able to linger around in our society and in our legal system for so long.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Waxing A Snowboard :: essays research papers

How to wax a snowboard   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There several ways to go about waxing a snowboard. Firs you have to determine what conditions you will be riding in. Then you will have to choose a wax. Say you are going to Vail and the snow condition are.... well lets just say the temp.. of the snow is about 20*. Well the thing you need to do is find a low temp. wax. The way you determine a low temp. wax from a high temp. wax is by the rating.. Low temp. waxes will be in a range from -20* to about 25*. A high temp. wax will be in a range from about 25* to 40*. There are waxes made for higher conditiond above 45* that are used in conditions that are referred to as, summer conditions. The wax that is used in summer conditions is a harder wax that will protect your board from sand, dust, and ice crystals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If you are riding in low temp. conditions with a high temp wax your performance will not be that good. If the conditions are going to go back and forth in temp. you should wax your board with a low temp. wax or you can use a wax that can be used in all temps. WAXING INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOT WAXING   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1. Select wax or waxes for correct snow temperature and condition.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2. Use in a well-ventilated area or with a respirator. (Only if you are hot waxing)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3. Heat iron below the 'smoking iron'; temperature.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4. Melt the smallest end of the wax on the iron and drip all over the snowboard.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5. Smooth out drips with iron.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6. Let wax completely dry then scrape with a plastic or metal scraper.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7. Buff wax with a buffing pad. IF YOU ARE DOING A RUB ON WAS YOU WILL NEED TO FALLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Integrating Technology for Better School Security Essay -- essays pape

Integrating Technology for Better School Security Using new technology for better school security is not always easy because it is difficult to address the correct problem with the right equipment, there also exists economic issues, and mental unrest among staff and students. School safety is an issue that has been concerning this country for many years. With the populations of our schools growing, the crime rates with in them have been as well. The student to staff ratio has greatly increased and there are concerns on how to regulate student behavior as well as crime prevention among students. Along with regulating student behavior, more security issues need to be addressed in order to maintain a safe school. For example, more schools have now been upgraded with better computer systems for the staff and students. Students now have computers in every classroom and better equipment for their specific classes. This new equipment is very costly and it is a long process for the school district to obtain. School security measures need to be taken to avoid the theft or damage of these new, expensive technologies. More needs to be considered before resorting to extreme measures of security for schools. The issue that the specific school is facing must be addressed in the correct fashion. Meaning that an analysis of the school and every aspect of it must be taken. The schools budget must be looked at, as well as history of misconduct and/or crime. A school’s financial situation must be one of the most important issues looked at when considering new security equipment. Most of the county’s school districts are already in a money slump right now. The budget for school funding is low and is getting lower by ... ...ist (1995). Risks to students in schools. Washington D.C. Office of Technology Assessment. (2003). Datastrip’s ID Cards, Bar Codes Scanner Ensure Student Protection. THE Journal, 31, 27-30. Blackburn, M. (2001). Mikulski urges U.S. funds for special education: The Sun, Local, 3B. Lane, K. (1996). The School Safety Handbook, taking action for students and staff protection. Lancaster, PA: Technomic Publishing. Schneider, T. (2001). Newer Technologies for School Security. (ERIC Digest No. 145) Eugene, OR: ERIC Clearinghouse on Educational Management. (ERIC Document Reproductive Service No. ED449550.) Trump, K. (2004) School Security Equipment and Technology, National School Safety and Security Services, http://www.schoolsecurity.org/resources/security-equipment.html Watson, R. (1995). A Guide to Violence Prevention: Educational Leadership, 52, 57-60.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Critical Film Review on Blood Diamond Essay

A movie filled with shark and unforgettable moments truly gels the substance. It portrays different motives and goals and how each character changes his methodology and ways but the dream remains the same. Each follows his dream and then realizes it. It portrays the various reasons that make a person into a killer. Some do it for survival, some to protect their family, some to escape their life, some for greed, some to win freedom and some because they have been brainwashed. The movie begins with Soloman Vandy played by Djimon Hounson being captured by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels when they invade the small Sierra Leonian village of Shenge. He is separated from his family while his son Dia is brainwashed that turns him into a killer. The movie revolves around two African men, Archer and Vandy with two completely different histories and then their fates become joined in a combined quest to recover a pink diamond. Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), an Anglo ex-mercenary from Rhodesia gets caught while smuggling diamonds and an American journalist Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly) who helps Soloman find his family and covers her entire journey and publishes the truth behind the diamond industry. The movie shot in South Africa and Mozambique is an adventurous, thriller movie with strong violence and social conscience, disturbing political and sociological insights. It shows a lot of bloodbath, atrocities, innocence of the farmers and the villagers and political unrest. It gives clear images of human cruelty and sufferings. I as an audience felt waves of different emotions, hope, pride, fear, mistrust, desperation and determination. I felt that each of the characters grew as the film progressed without being overly manipulative. The whole time it builds this tension if either of the two men will betray each other. The film is intended to be watched by all adults as it is an eye opener and gives us an opportunity to see the side of history we were not aware of. It covers the different social levels ranging from the big diamond tycoons to the poor farmers and villagers with journalist and diamond dealers in the middle. The movie brought an explosive impact on the diamond industry. Background knowledge The film puts a new spin to the diamond industry and the expensive, pricey stone that we wear around our neck and on our fingers. Set in the West African country of Sierra Leone during the 1990s, this movie is a historical-adventure-drama that covers a time when the country was in turmoil. Warlords, smugglers and the diamond association all play roles in killing and enslaving men to work on the diamond fields. The title ‘Blood Diamond’ refers to diamonds which are harvested, smuggled and traded to fund the purchase of weapons used in Civil War. Blood diamonds are stones that are increased the death toll and the violence in the region. The movie carefully conveys the message without really lecturing the audience. A right balance is maintained between a historical event and an action-drama entertainment. The movie shows Maddy Bowen publishing in her magazine the complete story of her journey which later led to a conference on blood diamonds that actually took place in 2000 in Kimberly, South Africa. The conference led to the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme that seeks to certify the origin of diamonds in order to curb the trade and smuggling of conflict diamonds. Conclusion A captivating plotline and an outstanding cast performance are few words that describe the movie. The movie captures the reality to a remarkable degree. I think it comes at par with other movies I have seen like Hotel Rwanda. There is a great deal of violence which is realistic and very fitting to what happened. Sierra Leone, one of the safest countries in the world gets involved in a civil war. I feel that the movie very accurately tells about the diamond conflict. I feel that Di Caprio did justice to his role, Connelly’s role was short but she was able to make the most of it and Housou truly deserves the Oscar. The ending was simply superb when Di Caprio dies in the mountains. It adds a realistic touch and is very sad as we see that he finally gets what he had dreamt of but he could not cherish it for long. The positive aspects of the movie far outweigh the negative bits. I felt the movie was a little outstretched and the length bogged it down a little instead of strengthening it. The conflict of diamonds, the conflict of Africa keeps you wondering if peace and harmony can ever be attained world wide. It left me with a thought of how violence can be put to an end and how these giant corporations be made to serve the third world, under developed countries and not vice versa. Reference http://www. moviehabit. com/reviews/blo_lg06. shtml http://review-online. blogspot. com/2007/03/blood-diamond. html

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Environmental Analysis of Barclays Bank Plc Essay Example

Environmental Analysis of Barclays Bank Plc Essay Example Environmental Analysis of Barclays Bank Plc Paper Environmental Analysis of Barclays Bank Plc Paper They face increasingly well- informed and energetic customers, determined legislators, and electorates ho are becoming environmentally aware. They have to adapt to changing economic and market conditions, fast changing consumer needs and expectations. Their business is influenced by global economic, political, regulatory, technological and other unpredictable factors. Consequently, they have to device their strategies, policies and operations to adapt to these changes in order to meet stakeholder expectations and satisfy consumer needs. In this assignment, try to describe and evaluate changing business environment of Barclay Bank Pal over the last five years. INTRODUCTION About Barclay Bank Pal Barclay is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail banking, credit cards, corporate banking investment banking, wealth management and investment management services with an extensive international presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. Barclay Group headquarters is at 1 Churchill Place in London, UK, but it has operations all over the world, with products and services to meet the needs of customers and clients in local markets. With over 300 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclay operates in over 50 countries and employs more than 144,000 people. Barclay moves, lends, invests and retests money for more than 48 million customers and clients worldwide. Organizational structure Barclay is made up of Clusters: Global Retail Banking, and Corporate and Investment Banking and Wealth Management, each of which has a number of Business Units. The third major area of the business is Group Centre, which comprises all our essential support functions. I-J Banking Industry Auks banking sector, following the IIS and Japan, is the worlds third largest and considered foremost in terms of: efficiency, dynamism and return on capital. In addition to having one of the largest commercial banking industries, the UK is also a major international centre for investment and private banking. The UK banking sectors strong international orientation is reflected in the substantial foreign presence and sizeable assets of foreign banks in London. It services 95% of the population with about 3. 5% of Auks workforce over a million workers. Banks and financial services contribute E ban to the Auks national output (6. 8% of GAP) and provide 25% Of total corporation tax (Been) to the UK Government. The main retail banks provide over mm accounts, clear ban transactions a year and facilitate 2. Ban cash tetrahedral per year from its network of over 30,000 free Atoms. Banks in the UK contribute well over El mm per year to charities and local community initiatives. UK banks are authorized and regulated by Financial Services Authority under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSML). Financial Services Authority is an independent non-governmental body which exercises statutory powers under the FSML. The FSML requires the FSP to pursue four objectives: to maintain confidence in the UK financial system; to promote public understanding of the financial system; to secure an appropriate degree f protection for consumers whilst recognizing their own responsibilities; and to reduce the scope for financial crime. Banks of England is responsible for maintaining overall stability of the financial system a whole. The Bank sets interest rates of UK and is also responsible for identifying and limiting systemic financial risk. ANALYSIS Barclay bank operates almost all over the world and hence its actions are influenced by the global economic conditions. Have used PESTLE framework to describe and evaluate business environment of Barclay Bank pal. It categorizes environmental factors into six main types: political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal. Lattice * Government stability * Taxation policy * Foreign trade regulations * Social welfare policies Economic factors * Business cycles * GNP trends * Interest rates * Money supply * Income distribution * Social mobility * Lifestyle changes * Attitudes to work and leisure * Consumerism * Levels of education Technological * Government spending on research * Government and industry focus on technological effort * New discoveries/dev elopment * Speed of technology transfer * Rates of obsolescence Environmental * Environmental protection laws * Waste disposal Energy consumption Legal * Monopolies legislation * Employment law * Health and safety * product safety The change in the business environment of Barclay bank The collapse of a global housing bubble, which peaked in the IS. S. In 2006, caused the values of securities tied to real estate pricing to plummet thereafter, damaging financial institutions globally. Questions regarding bank solvency, declines in credit availability, and damaged investor confidence had an impact on global stock markets, where securities suffered large losses during late 2008 and early 2009. Economy sees worldwide slowed during this erred as credit tightened and international trade declined. Governments and central banks responded with unprecedented fiscal stimulus, monetary policy expansion, and institutional bailouts. The subsequent emergence of a wider set of credit problems in mortgages and in corporate lending, and in particular in commercial real estate generated credit capacity constraints and economic slowdown. An initial focus on funding problems, with the failure of Northern Rock caused not by immediately evident solvency/credit quality problems, but by the drying up of the market for both securities credit assets and wholesale funding availability. Such funding issues were also critical to the problems of Bradford ; Bentley and HOBOS in September/October 2008. The UK economy was officially declared to be in recession on 6th May 2009. The Office of National Statistics said that Gross domestic product (GAP) fell by 1. 5% in the last three months of 2008, after a 0. 6% contraction in the previous quarter. Recession is generally defined as two quarters of successive contractions in GAP, which means the UK had been in recession since July 2008. Industrial production fell by a massive 3. 9 per cent over the quarter, while the dominant set-vices sector fell by one per cent. Unemployment had also risen to 2. 47 million in the three months to July 2009. It Was at its highest level in 14 years since May 1995. The KICK economy came out of recession in 2010, after figures showed it had grown by 0. % in the last three months of 2009. In the second week of January 201 0, UK unemployment fell for the first time in 18 month. The Auks production and service sectors each grew by 0. 1% during the quarter. The UK recession began in the April-to-June quarter of 2008, and was the longest I-J recession on record. During 18 months of re cession, public borrowing increased to an estimated El ban, while output slumped by 6%. Impact on Barclay Banks performance Barclay announced record profits of more than Ell billion for 2009 a 92% rise on the previous year. Its performance driven largely by a strong revival in its investment banking arm Barclay Capital. Profits were also boosted by sale of fund management business Barclay Global Investors, and the addition of the New York operations of failed investment bank Lehman Brothers at the end of 2008. The BIG sale added E. 3 billion to pre-tax profits. Barclay Capital contributed E. 5 billion of the banks underlying profit of E. 3 billion which was 13% down on sasss E billion. However, the banks profit was highly affected by the global economic slowdown and deteriorating economic conditions in the UK. Its UK Retail Banking profit before tax in 2009 decreased 55% (E mm) to Emma (2008: El mm), impacted by low interest rates resulting in margin compression on the deposit book and increased impairment charges which together more than offset well controlled costs and an improved assets margin. Impairment charges rose to Emma (2008: Emma), reflecting the impact of the economic recession across the business with continued pressure on corporate liquidity, rising default rates and lower set values. Barclay enforced strict criteria on new credit card applications, using a scoring system that takes over 400 variables into account when assessing an applicants likely ability to manage their credit. Around 50% of applications for credit cards are declined as a result. Strong income growth (2009) across the portfolio driven by increased lending, improved margins and foreign exchange gains, was offset by higher impairment charges, driven by the deterioration in the global economy. Impairment charges in the international businesses increased Emma, driven by higher delinquencies due to deteriorating economic conditions. UK portfolio charges were higher as a result of rising delinquencies due to the economic deterioration, especially in the loan portfolios, and the inclusion of Goldfish in UK Cards. The impairment charge in Global Retail and Commercial Banking increased by 85% (E,mm) to E,mm (2008: E,mm) as charges rose in all portfolios, reflecting deteriorating credit conditions across all regions. Impairment charges on loans and advances increased 50% (E,mm) to E,mm (2008: E,91 mm). The increase was primarily due to economic deterioration and portfolio maturation, currency movements and theology enhancements, partially offset by a contraction in loan balances. In Investment Banking and Investment Management, impairment was broadly unchanged at El ,mm (2008: El ,mm). The impairment charge against available for sale assets and reversed repurchase agreements increased by 41 % (Emma) to Emma (2008: Emma), driven by impairment against credit market exposures. Political During 2008, the UK government acted in the banking sector to recapitulate banks and guarantee toxic assets and deposits and new lending for essential infrastructure programmers. This was essential to shore up lending for nonusers and businesses and restore confidence in banks. Also it was vital to avoid the unprecedented banking crisis having even more wide reaching and catastrophic effects in the wider economy. This decision was not taken lightly and wasnt considered an easy ride for the banks. Banks wishing to participate in the Asset protection Scheme for example had to make additional lending to households and businesses. But the overarching priority in the banking sector was first to ensure the continuing supply of credit to the wider economy. This means returning the banks to solvency and profitability, ND maintaining financial stability. On 13th October 2008, the government nationalized the Royal Bank of Scotland (ORBS), taking up a 63 % stake in exchange for EWE billion of taxpayers money (now 84% owned by the government) on condition that no executive bonuses paid during 2008; no dividend until the governments Been of preference shares are repaid and the government appointed three directors; ORBS had to maintain mortgage lending at 2007 levels. On 31st October 2008, Business secretary Lord Mandelas waived competition law for takeover of Lloyd Tats takeover of Halifax Bank of Scotland creating the fourth biggest bank of Britain to calm uncertainty about the strength of HOBOS after a run on its shares. The combined bank accounts for a third of the mortgage market. Although the merged bank is smaller than Barclay, HASH and Royal Bank of Scotland, because it has less of an international profile than the Other banks, it is the market leader in terms Of savings by a huge margin. In order to shore up confidence in the banking system during 2008, the government injected money into Lloyd TTS Bank (E. Ban) and HOBOS (El 1 ban) and became owner of 43. % of the combined roof, directors were asked to receive sasss bonus in shares; no dividend until preference shares are repaid; government appointed two directors; Lloyd asked to maintain mortgage lending at 2007 levels for next three years. As the Financial Services Authority increased the capital ratio requirements for all UK banks, Barclay had been forced to raise E. 2 billion from Middle Eastern Investors on generous terms. A further El . Ban was being raised from institutional investors to strengthen its balance sheet. Chancellor Alistair Darling introduced a temporary one-off super-tax of 50% n bankers bonuses paid above E25000 between December 2009 and April 2010. Bankers still had to pay income tax on any bonus they receive as usual. The new tax was designed to discourage banks from awarding large bonuses to employees in the wake of the major taxpayer support they have received in the financial crisis. Consequently, Barclay paid IEEE million in windfall bonus tax for 2009. Sociological According to British Retail Consortium (BRB), more people are using cash to pay for their purchases amid growing consumer concerns about how much money they are spending. The global credit crunch is causing consumers to e more cautious with their money. Figures from the organization showed that cash was used for 60 per cent of all transactions during 2008, an increase of 54 per cent from 2007. Cash represented 34 per cent of all money spent in the retail sector during 2008, compared with 32 per cent in 2007. According to BRB, peoples enthusiasm for using cards is slipping as they are not only reluctant to borrow but also reluctant to use cards. A survey released on 22nd January 2009 by communications consultants Cohn ; Wolfe revealed the full scale of LIKE consumers anger with financial institutions. I-J consumers perceive their banks to be greedy and impersonal, according to the survey, which polled 852 consumers in January 2009. The study also revealed that 60% of consumers dont believe that their bank is looking after their best interests. When asked which words best describe the perception of their financial institution, consumers identified greedy (49%), impersonal (36%) and distant (34%). Positive and desired descriptions including ethical (2%), trustworthy (4%) and transparent (5%) were among the least common terms used by consumers to describe their financial institutions. Almost two thirds (64%) of respondents trust in financial institutions had weakened over the last 18 months. A lack of confidence in banks was further emphasized with 74% of consumers saying that they do not believe that their bank would help them recover any money they had lost in 2008. Respondents also identified the financial services they trusted most. Retail banks were comfortably (59%) the most trusted type of financial service. At the other end of the scale, investment broker (2%), insurance providers (5%), online financial service providers and supermarket retailers (both 6%) come off worst. Due to such negative attitude towards ban king industry and intense public interest and concern for banks and bankers pay, Barclay chief executive John Barley and president Bob Diamond both agreed to sacrifice bonuses for two years, 2008 and 2009. In late 2004, Chip ; PIN technology was introduced as a strategic response to tackle counterfeit and lost ; stolen card fraud in the face-to- face environment. Up until this point, UK consumers signed for their goods and services and only used their PIN for ATM withdrawals. During 2007, Barclay sent out PIN sentry machines to over half a million customers in an tempt to prevent online banking fraud. The PIN sentry reader is meant to be used once an online account holder has logged in to the banking site. After logging in, customers slot their bank debit card into the card reader, which generates a unique code which they must input before making a transaction. Also, retailers and banks are using more fraud screening detection tools and online fraud prevention tools, such as Mastered Secured and Verified by Visa, which make cards more secure when people are shopping online. This led to phone, internet and mail order fraud losses falling 19 percent from IEEE. Million in 2008 to IEEE. 4 million in 2009. Environmental Climate change has become the single biggest challenge the world faces at the beginning of the 21st century, and in response Barclay is focusing increasingly on its work on the environment, which includes both its direct and indirect impacts. Barclay remains committed to increasing its energy efficiency, and reducing its carbon footprint on an ongoing basis, as well as helping its supply chain reduces its emissions. In 2007, it invested in emissions trading capability, and moved into the consumer market with new lower-carbon products and services. An example is Barbarically Breathe, a new card that gives consumers incentives when they buy green products, and donates half its profits to environmental projects. In the wholesale market Barclay Capital has committed to the ELI emissions trading market to brings its full range of commodity trading and risk management expertise to bear to help clients manage their carbon risk. Since 2005 it has traded over 600 million tones of carbon credits, with a notional value of over $14 billion. Gal factors The global financial crisis resulted in a significant tightening of regulation and changes to regulatory structures globally. The changes in the legal framework, policies and banking r egulatory action, have an impact on Barclay businesses and earnings. The market for payment protection insurance (PIP) has been under scrutiny by the UK competition authorities and financial services regulators. In 2006, the FSP published the outcome of its broad industry thematic review of PIP sales practices in which it concluded that some firms fail to treat customers fairly and that the FSP would strengthen its actions against such firms. Barclay voluntarily complied with the Fags request to cease selling single premium PIP by the end of January 2009. On 21st February, the UK government introduced Banking Act 2009 which provides the Authorities with tools to deal with failing banks and building societies. The Banking Act provides a permanent and appropriate regime for the resolution of failing banks. It is a major step forward in the Governments programmer to strengthen stability and confidence in the UK banking system, in the wake Of the global instability experienced by financial markets. In order to discourage excessive risk taking by large banks, FSP published its new Remuneration Code of Practice in August 2009. The code states that firms should not encourage risk taking to generate short-term profit the focus should be on long term success. It required firms to give pay details to FSP so that it can monitor compliance. Barclay discretionary pay awards for 2009 were fully compliant with the FSP Remuneration Code which resulted in an increase in the deferred awards by approximately 70% and greater use of equity in deferral structures, particularly to senior staff. 100% of the discretionary pay awards for 2009 to its Executive Committee were deferred. RECOMMENDATION From previous chapters it becomes clear that Barclay bank operates in unpredictable and volatile business environment. In such circumstances, it is highly recommended that it should be clear about its strategic framework for the coming years and should maintain a sound financial and organizational footing that anticipates and adapts to the regulatory changes. It can achieve superior growth by diversifying its profit base by geography and by business line. It should focus intensely on cost reduction and risk management. It is required to create the internal framework, processes and culture to respond rapidly to new opportunities, threats and regulations. It is also required to re- establish trust and relationship with customers by fulfilling their needs with reduce innovation and customer centric approach. CONCLUSION The global economic slowdown and subsequent recession in UK and in many other countries of the world have changed the business environment in substantial way. Barclay Bank operates in a business environment which is highly influenced by political, economical, coloratura, technological, environmental and legal factors. In order to compete successfully, it has to adapt to changing business environment. Its performance in last five years shows that it has the ability to run the business profitably even in such deteriorating economic conditions where other players in the market trudged to survive. However, it needs to undertake a balanced set of strategic initiatives in such unpredictable and extreme volatile business environment which is beyond the organizational control.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Free Essays on Slaughterhous-Five

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is an anti-war book, focusing on what happened to one man during World War II and even includes some of Mr. Vonnegut’s experiences in Dresden during the war. There is only one character in this book, Billy Pilgrim. Possibly one of the least likely of any anti-war heroes, Billy is an optometrist before the war. When the U.S. joins the war, Billy is drafted. A scrawny person to begin with, his comical appearance is accentuated when he is given a uniform that doesn’t fit. Thrust into combat, he is quickly captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. He quickly experiences one of many trips he takes in time, seeing his entire life at one time. Transported by car to a POW camp in Dresden, he is even more comically adorned in a purple cape and silver boots. The town is soon under attack, and the Allies drop bombs on the small city, quickly killing thousands. The few survivors lived by staying in an air tight meat locker. Returning home, he marries an optometrist’s daughter, sets up his own business, and lives a normal life, or so he thought. The night after his daughter’s wedding day, he is abducted by strange aliens from the planet Tralfamador, who kidnap him and explain their way of life. He is forced to mate with a film star in a museum. The aliens tell him that they see all of life at once on a fourth dimension, and know when everything begins and ends. Their view of life is different, as the know that death is just one moment for someone, the try to focus on the happy moments of that person’s life. When Billy returns to earth, he says nothing of his experiences. Instead, he goes on a plane to an optometry conference in Montreal. The plane crashes and everyone dies except him. As his wife drives frantically to the hospital, the exhaust pipe falls off and she dies from carbon monoxide poisoning. His daughter put him in a home, and he snuck off to New York, where he told ... Free Essays on Slaughterhous-Five Free Essays on Slaughterhous-Five Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is an anti-war book, focusing on what happened to one man during World War II and even includes some of Mr. Vonnegut’s experiences in Dresden during the war. There is only one character in this book, Billy Pilgrim. Possibly one of the least likely of any anti-war heroes, Billy is an optometrist before the war. When the U.S. joins the war, Billy is drafted. A scrawny person to begin with, his comical appearance is accentuated when he is given a uniform that doesn’t fit. Thrust into combat, he is quickly captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. He quickly experiences one of many trips he takes in time, seeing his entire life at one time. Transported by car to a POW camp in Dresden, he is even more comically adorned in a purple cape and silver boots. The town is soon under attack, and the Allies drop bombs on the small city, quickly killing thousands. The few survivors lived by staying in an air tight meat locker. Returning home, he marries an optometrist’s daughter, sets up his own business, and lives a normal life, or so he thought. The night after his daughter’s wedding day, he is abducted by strange aliens from the planet Tralfamador, who kidnap him and explain their way of life. He is forced to mate with a film star in a museum. The aliens tell him that they see all of life at once on a fourth dimension, and know when everything begins and ends. Their view of life is different, as the know that death is just one moment for someone, the try to focus on the happy moments of that person’s life. When Billy returns to earth, he says nothing of his experiences. Instead, he goes on a plane to an optometry conference in Montreal. The plane crashes and everyone dies except him. As his wife drives frantically to the hospital, the exhaust pipe falls off and she dies from carbon monoxide poisoning. His daughter put him in a home, and he snuck off to New York, where he told ...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

How to Measure Employee Business Writing Skills

How to Measure Employee Business Writing Skills One of the challenges of improving business writing in an organization is actuallymeasuringbusiness writing skills. "Good business writing" is a coveted skill for every analytical and collaborative employee. But, "good business writing" is also an fuzzy concept and tough to codify and measure. How then, can we measure "good business writing" skills? STEP ONE - Separate the measurement of content and analysis (the substance of a document) from thelanguageof the document (the syntax). Substance and syntax must be measured separately, because they are two distinct aspects unique to business writing. Business writing requires a keen analysis of the audience and decisions about matching the right document content to that particular audience. If this is wrong,syntax improvements will never correct content gaps or repetition or jumbled content. If the content is wrongly matched to audience needs, polish alone will never fix it. So, to first measure business writing skills, we have to separate the substance of documents from the syntax. STEP TWO - Analyze the substance of typical employee documents to measure what is working and what is not. Define the goals of the documents your employees need to write. What do you want a reader to know or do after reading this document? Then assess the skills required to achieve the document purpose. Every business document requires five core requisite skills. The first four are related to substance, while the last is related to syntax: Audience awareness Appropriate content Content logically categorized Content logically sequenced Syntax and grammar that is clear and correct and interesting The key is to identify the desired business outcome of key documents, and then break down the writing skills into measurable components. This will give you the content measurements you need to truly measure what is working, and not working. CLIENTS ONLY: Please contact us for templates you are welcome to use for your assessments. STEP THREE - Working with the same representative documents, next analyze the syntax. Good news. Syntax is much easier to evaluate than substance. And, syntax errors are very easy to fix. Typically, strong analytical employees, who likely work in finance, business analysis, technology, engineering, and energy, may not love business writing as part of their work only because they didn't write much in college. They preferred other courses. So, they may mistakenly feel their writing skills are weak. In fact, they possess the critical analytical skills so important for substance. I'm guessing you didn't hire a financial analyst for his or her ability with commas. You hired him or her because of keen analytical ability in finance! hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(41482, '934718b3-251a-45d6-8853-a7f94e43b92c', {}); Here are 2 resources to help you assess syntax in your employees' documents: 1. Syntax Measurement Resource #1 Microsoft's Readability Index. Run the documents through this tool, which will provide actual measurements for passive vs. active voice, and simplicity of sentence structure. This is an excellent tool to assess the all-important element of clarity since it reports on: 1. Words per sentence (average) 2. Percentage of passive sentences 3. Flesch Reading Ease score 4. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. Words per sentence - In general, the longer the sentence, the harder it becomes for your reader to follow along. That's not to say you should always write in short sentences. Instead, strive for a variety that makes for lively reading. Percentage of sentences written in the passive voice measures the readability of your text as the ratio of passive sentences over active sentences. The lower the score, the better. Active sentences are nearly always easier to read and understand, making your message clearer and more persuasive. Aim for a score less than 20%. The Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) is the standard test of readability used by the U.S. Department of Defense for its documents and forms. The results can be between 0 and 100. The higher the score, the easier it is to understand what you have written. For example, a typical issue of Reader's Digest earns an FRE score of around 65 while Time Magazine scores in the low 50's. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address scores a 74.2. One way to score higher is to use shorter sentences. The results can be interpreted as following: * 0-29 - very confusing hard to read * 30-49 - difficult to read * 50-59 - fairly difficult * 60-69 - standard * 70-79 - fairly easy * 80-89 - easy * 90-100 - very easy Recommendation: A score of 60 or more. Higher is better. Even for business documents, a score of 60 is very achievable and it takes only a few edits to obtain it. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL)translates the Flesch Reading Ease measure to a grade level. The grade level means the number of years of education generally required to understand the document. For example, a score of 9.4 would indicate that the text is expected to be understandable by an average student in the 9th grade. Most newspapers in the U.S. are written at a seventh to eighth grade level. Recommendation: 8.0 to 10.0 is a good target, but lower is better because it reflects language clarity, not content complexity. Remember: these measurements only assess the syntax of documents, not content. But, they will provide useful snapshot measurements to diagnose the clarity and syntax in employee documents. Here are the Readability Scores for the article you are reading now: Passive voice is very low, so that's good. The Flesh Reading Ease score is just a bit above standard, which is fine since this is a complex topic and you, my fine readers, are smart business leaders! The Flesh-Kincaid grade level score assures me that even though the concepts in the article are complex, the language is easy to understand. 2. Syntax Measurement Resource #2 Microsoft's Grammar Check. It is not infallible, but you can use simple Grammar Check to discover the actual grammar errors presenting in employee documents. Then, summarize those errors. It's ineffective - and let's admit it's boring - to present general grammar training. Instead, address the actual errors presenting. This is much more productive. Consolidate and Analyze Your Measurements See where the gaps in content are occurring. The usual gaps for content are in audience targeting and content. We all tend to write a subject from our understanding, instead of what our reader needs. Categorizing content logically is another very common issue in analytical writing. The usual gaps in syntax are clarity and engaged tone. Grammar errors vary across organizations. Knowing what is working, and not working, in your employees' business writing is the first step in truly improving business writing. Armed with real measurements, you can then provide employee feedback and request business writing training that addresses actual gaps.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

My research paper needs to be on how the government addressed past

My needs to be on how the government addressed past economic downturns and recoveries, what caused them and wha - Research Paper Example The government has been responsible to respond to the poor health of the economy, struggling to find a way in which to regain ground so that the millions of those suffering economically could recover. The many avenues towards economic health that the government has taken have been wide and varied, depending on the policies and the platform of those who were in office. The first true crises of the 20th century occurred in 1929 as the collapse of an ill-conceived stock market plan led to the collapse of industry within the United States. The 1930’s was a time filled with the doom of her citizens, the hard economic times creating a void that left many without jobs, without hope, and without enough to sustain their families. The 1940’s saw an economic challenge of a different kind as World War II took a great deal of resources that meant that citizens had to make significant sacrifices. However, the war led into the 1950’s, a time in which the innovations from the te chnologies that were created from the wartime efforts provided for a surge in commerce, the beginning of a global economy providing for high levels of income for Americans. The 1970’s saw the United States in a state of a recession with many losing their jobs and a notable shift in the way in which employment was viewed became a part of the sociological landscape. Black Thursday On the day that would come to be called Black Thursday, October 24, 1929, the stock market fell 34 points, which represented a 9% drop for the day. The extremity of the day was caused by a selling panic, driving the prices down and losing billions for investors. The simple answer about how it was caused was because of the speculator boom, but the causes were far more complex than the traditional answer to this question. The market was in a highly sensitive state by that fateful day, some of which was due to the real estate decline starting in 1925, some due to simply because the fear of a crash caused a run that caused a crash. The market had come to a high plateau and the fear of the end had caused the inevitable end. The rising stock prices were less due to value than to speculation manipulations. As an example, RCA was worth $1.32 in 1925, $6.15 in 1927, and $15.98 in 1928 before the stock split (Bierman, 1998, p. 9). The 1920’s represented a rise in technological advancements that affected the nature of American life. The automobile industry evolved during this period and the innovations of the Ford company in assembly line management and the level of wage paid to the workers created a working atmosphere in which the middle class was being born. Money was flowing and people were experiencing a new level of comfort that had never before been experienced. However, when the crash took all of that away, the resulting depression plummeted that emerging middle class into a poverty that was unprecedented on American soil. Farmers experienced losses that could never have been predicted, food prices at all time lows. Market Prices as they Plummet (Crewe & Ingram, 2005, p. 20) Homelessness was rife and ’Hooverville’s popped up all over consisting of huts in urban landscapes without electricity, water, or sanitation, named after President Hoover as ultimately,

Friday, October 18, 2019

How Instagram as a Social Media has Influence on Fashion Industry Essay

How Instagram as a Social Media has Influence on Fashion Industry - Essay Example The essay "How Istagram as a Social Media has Influence on Fashion Industry" investigates the impact of Instagram on Fashion Industry. Previously, the fashion industry’s had a standard means of communication referred to as tell style. It was a one-way and was so limiting. Public relations professionals dictated and control their organizational methods; conversely, social media have actively enforced monitoring and discussing of contents with consumers without any interference in between. Today, the power discussion in the fashion industry is directly related to the influence one has on critics and consumers, as opposed to just advertising or selling merchandise. An effective influence is one that results to recognition of the industry’s brand; generate discussion, and approval of the consumer via several comments. Instagramis an application contained on mobilephones and can be used for sharing of photosand serves the same social goals as Tumblr, but in a prettier, scale d-down way. Many use this Instagram as a channel of self-expression. Like Facebook and Twitter, Instagram’s appeal lies in its number of provided utilities both for individuals that love fashion and for owners of fashion brands. Many use Instagram to do several things like display their personal lines, makeup tips, cooking recipes and many other skills they have, but fashion is the most seen on these networks. Instagram app allows many to express their sense of fashion and is highly used today to influence how one views and captures fashion.

Business Ethic and Corporate Social Responsibility Essay

Business Ethic and Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example Oil is a major contributor to greenhouse gases which results in climate change. The company is on a drive to become more socially responsible by not only reducing its carbon footprints but by improving the safety of its work environment and is employees. In so doing it seeks to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities as well as the number of oil spills, blowouts and flarings at its operations globally. Shell has faced a lot of criticisms from the communities in which it operates and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) that are concerned about the companies safety practices, the environment and human rights. The company is currently working with communities, its partners and NGO’s in order to deal with potential impacts and also to share the benefits that derive from operations and projects. Shell’s Display of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) According to the company’s CEO Vosser (2010, qtd. in Shell 2010), strong principles as well as the development of trust are fundamental to shells approach and the respect for human rights is deeply entrenched in the company’s General Business Principles which it proudly boasts as having being developed since 1976. Vosser (2010, qtd in Shell 2010) also reveals that the company has adopted transparency as a way of dealing with some of its problems at its operations in Nigeria which has been plagued by operational spills, spills arising from sabotage and spills arising from the theft of fuel. This allows it to keep track of spills in order to determine the main cause. With respect to safety, the company has signed up with the UN Global Compact LEAD which seeks to reinforce commitment by businesses to the principles of Global Compact. Shell has been a member of this group since 2000. The company’s safety measures has been heightened as a result of the BP Deepwater Ho rizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico which dominated the news all over the world in 2010 and the oil spill that resulted. Shell believes that it has the necessary skills and technical expertise to avert such a situation in its operations based on its stringent operating standards which it applies globally. This is a demonstration of its ability to operate in a socially responsible manner despite the diversity of challenges the company faces. Shell’s goal is zero fatality and zero accidents (Shell 2010). In terms of safety in its deepwater operations the company ensures that the persons employed in this area of its operations are properly trained and are competent to handle the requirements of the job. Shell’s focus on the environment lies in some key areas, including CO2, flaring, spills, and the company’s use of water. The company has invested in technology that will lead to more energy efficient refineries and chemical plants. To this end the company has devel oped carbon capture and storage technology to effectively reduce carbon emissions. The company is working assiduously to reduce gas flarings in Nigeria; one of its locations in which it seeks to tackle environmental problems head on. In order to assist in the improvement of standards and practices that may lead to environmental sustainability the company is working with some leading environmental organisations in the quest to adhere to proper environmental management of the energy sector. In addition to providing jobs and training for its employees, Shell also shares the benefits of its operations with the communities in which it operates by providing contracts for goods and services and by

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Lord Jenkins Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Lord Jenkins - Essay Example Sivaprakasapillai, and the fact that he was a member of the board of examiners and of the scrutinising committee. The third ground was to the effect that by reason of the first "the maxim that justice should not only be done but also appear to be done" had been violated. The fourth ground comprised the substance of the plaintiff's case and was to the effect that the evidence of the various witnesses who appeared before the commission of inquiry, including the evidence of Miss Balasingham, was taken in the absence of the plaintiff, who was not aware of what evidence was led against him, and that in the circumstances one of the essential elements of natural justice was not observed, inasmuch as the plaintiff was not aware of the case he had to meet. The fifth ground was to the effect that the evidence of the various witnesses was not taken entirely before all the three members of the commission of inquiry, and that such evidence was acted on by the commission, and that this circumstanc e was also a violation of the elementary principles of justice. The plaintiff further alleged that there was no evidence upon which the commission of inquiry could reasonably find the charge against the plaintiff proved, that the finding arrived at against the plaintiff was one which had not been arrived at in conformity with clause 8, and that the finding and decision were therefore void and of no effect. The allegations of bias or disqualification against Professor Mylvaganam as a member of the commission of inquiry were rejected in both courts as without substance. The allegation to the effect that there was no evidence upon which the commission could reasonably find the charge against the plaintiff proved was (so far as open to the court) clearly ill-founded. The allegation to the effect that the finding was not arrived at in accordance with clause 8 turned on the fact that the Vice-Chancellor appointed two other persons to sit with him as a commission of inquiry to investigate the matter, instead of proceeding to investigate it alone. It was held in both courts that this procedure was not open to objection, inasmuch as this was merely a method, which the Vice-Chancellor was free to adopt if he chose to do so, of satisfying himself of the truth or falsity of the charge, and the Report was a report by him for the purposes of clause 8 although signed by the two other members of the commission as well as himself. The plaintiff having taken no steps to appeal against *230 the decision of the court below on these matters of complaint, their Lordships need say no more about them. There remain the complaints to the effect that the evidence, including that of Miss Balasingham, was taken in the absence of the plaintiff who was not aware of the evidence led against him or of the case he had to meet; and that the evidence of certain witnesses was taken by the Vice-Chancellor in the absence of the other members of

Organizational Learning and Environmental Change Essay

Organizational Learning and Environmental Change - Essay Example Still, most of this is still commandeered by human intelligence however, networked computing is able to reap efficiency and outputs undreamt off earlier.Often new concepts are ignored till the time they translate into a competitive disadvantage. This paper examines the various approaches to learning which an organization can adopt so that learning challenges in the environment are not only recognized right in time but also ingrained into the operations of the organization and reflect in employees’ learning to derive competitive advantage. This paper examines the relevance of the Revans formula which emphasizes the importance of keeping pace in the learning process. All organizations can be viewed as offering some kind of solution to the problems of their stakeholders in the widest and deepest marketing sense. An essential blueprint for the organizational survival is derived from the writing of Revans(1980,1982). Revans(1980) posited that in order for an organization to succeed the learning(L) within an organization must be greater than or equal to the rate of change(C)in the environment (L ≠¥ C). This is called the Raven formula. This concept maintains that organizations must become learning organizations if they are to survive the changes in the external environment that affect the business and its operations. Revans recommended action learning to essentially mean removing the gap between ideas and actions, between thinking and doing, action and learning as parts of each other. Revans coined the phrase,† â€Å"helping each other to help the helpless†.Revans philosophy is based on three concepts of honesty about self, all know ledge ought to be action-oriented and most action should lead to camaraderie. An immediate example can prove Revans theory in relation to stakeholders of any organization. The organization  like airlines –offering the services of air travel-were faced with a new and emerging niche of customers who were upwardly mobile professionals with high spending powers in the  early 1990s.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Lord Jenkins Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Lord Jenkins - Essay Example Sivaprakasapillai, and the fact that he was a member of the board of examiners and of the scrutinising committee. The third ground was to the effect that by reason of the first "the maxim that justice should not only be done but also appear to be done" had been violated. The fourth ground comprised the substance of the plaintiff's case and was to the effect that the evidence of the various witnesses who appeared before the commission of inquiry, including the evidence of Miss Balasingham, was taken in the absence of the plaintiff, who was not aware of what evidence was led against him, and that in the circumstances one of the essential elements of natural justice was not observed, inasmuch as the plaintiff was not aware of the case he had to meet. The fifth ground was to the effect that the evidence of the various witnesses was not taken entirely before all the three members of the commission of inquiry, and that such evidence was acted on by the commission, and that this circumstanc e was also a violation of the elementary principles of justice. The plaintiff further alleged that there was no evidence upon which the commission of inquiry could reasonably find the charge against the plaintiff proved, that the finding arrived at against the plaintiff was one which had not been arrived at in conformity with clause 8, and that the finding and decision were therefore void and of no effect. The allegations of bias or disqualification against Professor Mylvaganam as a member of the commission of inquiry were rejected in both courts as without substance. The allegation to the effect that there was no evidence upon which the commission could reasonably find the charge against the plaintiff proved was (so far as open to the court) clearly ill-founded. The allegation to the effect that the finding was not arrived at in accordance with clause 8 turned on the fact that the Vice-Chancellor appointed two other persons to sit with him as a commission of inquiry to investigate the matter, instead of proceeding to investigate it alone. It was held in both courts that this procedure was not open to objection, inasmuch as this was merely a method, which the Vice-Chancellor was free to adopt if he chose to do so, of satisfying himself of the truth or falsity of the charge, and the Report was a report by him for the purposes of clause 8 although signed by the two other members of the commission as well as himself. The plaintiff having taken no steps to appeal against *230 the decision of the court below on these matters of complaint, their Lordships need say no more about them. There remain the complaints to the effect that the evidence, including that of Miss Balasingham, was taken in the absence of the plaintiff who was not aware of the evidence led against him or of the case he had to meet; and that the evidence of certain witnesses was taken by the Vice-Chancellor in the absence of the other members of

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

CASE STUDY Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 8

Case Study Example Reason being, it acquired land secretly through undetectable means (Daft & Marac, 2007). Furthermore, the citizens saw the possibility of the emergence of hotels and restaurants that were not proper for their country. Similarly, it was feared that the Disney’s America Park might have a negative impact to the environment. Thirdly, some citizens disliked the nature of secrecy of the company. Reason being, it did not consult them on what should the history of America be made of (Theme Park History: Disneys America and the Historian Dilema , 2013). The information about the closure of the project was conveyed through the external form of communication. The level of knowledge about Disney Park differed among citizens within the county. For instance, majority of those who opposed the project were individuals who were less informed about it. On the other hand, the leaders seemed knowledgeable about the project. At the end of the project, many politicians were disappointed. (The Third Battle of Bull Rumn the Disneys America Theme Park, 1994) In conclusion, the success of Disney’s America Park was unachievable because of its: possessive nature as seen in the naming, and secrecy, which saw the citizens being less informed about the progress of the

Explaining Basic Accounting Concepts and Business Structures Essay Example for Free

Explaining Basic Accounting Concepts and Business Structures Essay Explaining Basic Accounting Concepts and Business Structures I will explain the basic accounting concepts and business structures from the following topics: GAAP sources and hierarchy; Good accounting information using the qualities of accounting principles; Difference between Accrual based accounting and cash basis of accounting; Types of business structures and the features of each structure. 1. GAAP sources and hierarchy Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) is the set of accounting principles, standards and procedures that companies use to prepare their financial statements. GAAP principles are the bases of financial reports and the guidelines of United States accounting practices. There are four categories of sources of GAAP hierarchy as follows: Category (A): FASB Standards, Interpretations, and Staff Positions; APB Opinions; AICPA Accounting Research Bulletins. Category (B): FASB Technical Bulletins (no longer issued), AICPA Industry Audit and Accounting Guides, AICPA Statements of Position. Category (C): FASB Emerging Issues Task Force, AICPA AcSEC Practice Bulletins. Category (D): AICPA Accounting Interpretations, FASB Implementation Guides (Q and A), widely recognized and prevalent industry practices. The category (a) of the GAAP hierarchy has a higher authority than a FASB Technical Bulletin, which is in category (b).The hierarchy is important because it gives the out layer for companies to search for the specific accounting transactions. For example, if a specific transaction can not be covered in category (a), then companies will turn to categories (b) for selecting and applying appropriate accounting principles, then (c) and (d). 2. Good accounting information using the qualities of accounting principles Good accounting information should be understandable. If no one can not understand the accounting information presented, it becomes useless to lose all of the other qualities. The good accounting information should be Reliable and Relevant. Reliability means verifiable, representation faithfulness, and free of error and bias. If the accounting numbers are wrong, there is no any meaning to use the information. Relevance means predictive or feedback value presented on a timely basis. The internal managerial accounting reports are different from the external financial reports. The relevant information is needed to prepare the different kinds of reports. The good accounting information should be Comparability and Consistency. The good information can be used to identify the differences and similarities between companies. The company consistently use the same accounting treatment for better auditing purposes. 3. Difference between Accrual basis accounting and cash basis of accounting The revenue recognition principle and the expense matching principle are two key elements for Accrual basis accounting. Company uses accrual basis accounting to recognize income when goods are shipped or services are rendered, and to recognize expense when it is obligated to pay it. On the contrast, cash basis accounting recognizes the revenue and expenses when the cash is received and paid. The cash basis accounting is prohibited under GAAP because it does not record revenue and expense when earned and incurred. It will misstate the actual income and expenses incurred and can not reflect the real business operation during the accounting period. 4. Types of business structures and the features of each structure There are three types of business structures-Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, and Corporation. Sole proprietorship is a business owned by one person. It is the simplest form of business ownership. The sole proprietor is in direct control of all affairs and entitled all profits and losses and is free to transfer his interest in the sole proprietorship at will. The disadvantage is that the sole proprietor would be fully responsible for all debts and obligations related to the business. The business would have difficulty in raising capital. Partnership is a business owned by two or more persons associate a partner. Partnership can bring broad resources and unique skills. All the partners share profit and losses, share the right to manage and make major business decisions, have unlimited personal liability for obligation of the partnership. For tax advantage, the partnership does not pay federal income tax; rather, partners file their own individual tax return. Disadvantage is that partners are fully and personally liable for the debts if their partnership. Corporation is a legal entity distinct from its owners (called â€Å"shareholders† or â€Å"stockholders†) and manager. It is easy to raise fund. The major advantage of corporation is that the owners are not personally liable for the obligation. Stockholders are free to transfer their ownership interests. Corporation must pay income taxes on any profits that it makes, and stockholders generally do not have to pay income tax on its profits until they are distributed as dividends. The corporate tax rate generally is lower than the personal tax rate.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Competitive Strategy of the Oil and Gas Industry

Competitive Strategy of the Oil and Gas Industry Challenge: Through intense research, interviews, and interaction with NOC executives, created a comprehensive picture of the current regional situation; an assessment of the size of the prize available to foreign oil companies, including our client; and a model of stakeholder objectives along with a core set of options for a new type of relationship to be introduced . Solution: Using country-specific models and expertise, we can identified key opportunities for the client to improve its short-, medium-, and long-term positioning in each potential target country and gave the client significant advantage and bargaining intelligence before approaching new investor relationships. Oil Gas: Competitive strategy Corporate business unit strategy Management works with oil and gas companies to design and implement corporate and business unit strategies that deliver profitable growth and enhance shareholder value. Our clients include upstream, downstream, and service companies. Management approach to corporate and business unit strategy is built on a solid understanding of the economic fundamentals of our clients business and its competitive position in the industry. Company help clients sort through complex market, competitive, and economic issues to enhance or reshape corporate and business strategies and work : the external industry environment and the value chains in which we participate evolving  positioned against changes in the external environment and our competitors strategy  The capabilities and assets can we bring to bear on new markets and opportunities  improve our position or alter the competitive landscape  strategic options do we have to grow our business scale and geographic breadth  attractive opportunities to accelerate growth via MA or partnership investments  strategic options do we have to enter a new market Assess resource and execute our growth strategies,  current reserves and production assets meet target levels of risk and returns restructure to enhance growth and facilitate resource access? investing in the right technologies to compete and grow and enter a new growth sector? Selecting best partners given our structure What are critical areas of market uncertainty and how can we mitigate risk Oil Gas: Competitive strategy Market analysis In highly competitive environments, incisive market assessments can help companies capitalize on growth options, capital investments, and new product or technology introductions. experienced industry consultants specialize in defining market structures, driving forces, and global competition. We have deep expertise in the industry and in economics, and consistently deliver world-class market research, insightful analysis, and tangible results. We collaborate closely with our clients strategy development, marketing, and sales teams, and tailor our research and analysis to particular client needs. Specifically, we help companies: Analyze strategic and competitive industry position Develop new strategies for market entry and growth Develop new markets and products tailored to customer needs Segment existing markets to identify growth opportunities Assess technologies to define opportunity and/or threat Assess competitor strategies and likely competitive response Understand customer behavior to identify new ways to profitably serve them Analyze programs and budgets to ensure spend is appropriate to expected returns Oil Gas: Intellectual property technology management Company can combines a high degree of technical competency, proven management tools and processes, and deep industry knowledge to help our clients identify sources of technology value and transform them into profitable growth. We help clients align technology strategy with overall business strategy and advise on: Technology strategy, planning, and execution Technology platform development, structuring, and execution RD portfolio and resource management Commercialization Technology market and competitive evaluation Intellectual property strategy and management Technology strategy, planning, and execution A sound business strategy must be supported by a properly-aligned technology strategy. We work with RD heads and corporate or business unit management to forge the links necessary to define, create, and execute properly-aligned technology strategies. We also work side-by-side with management and RD teams to ensure that programs with the highest potential are properly resourced and managed, and that technology and capabilities critical to the future of the company are accessed and nurtured to deliver advantage and profitable future growth. Technology platforms Technology platforms are vital to gaining competitive advantage. We can help you develop, structure, and commercialize platforms that leverage your firms distinctive technologies and competencies to yield market-leading performance. Portfolio and resource management Achieving the appropriate balance of new and long-term, as well as incremental and breakthrough, technology investments is essential to balancing risk and performance. CRA works with clients to create and deploy portfolio and RD process design tools to increase the expected value of RD portfolios, inform make/collaborate/buy decisions, and maximize the value created from RD resources. Commercialization Unfamiliar markets, partnership tensions, and capital constraints are a few of the challenges faced by companies seeking to commercialize technology. We help companies exploit the full value of their technology portfolios through robust IP strategies that align with commercialization programs. Technology market and competitive evaluation The foundation of technology strategy, planning, and execution is a sound market evaluation. CRA combines technical expertise with in-depth knowledge of the energy industry to evaluate new technologies in relation to current and potential markets, and to define the dimension of the opportunity, drivers of change, and entry/expansion requirements. We work with clients to assess the competitive situation and define appropriate strategies to take advantage of business opportunities. Intellectual property strategy and management Creating and exploiting intellectual property is the lifeblood of technology-based firms. From IP strategies to patent valuation, licensing, and litigation, CRA has the expertise to help oil and gas companies manage, enforce, and extract value from IP portfolios. Oil Gas: Risk management Clients around the world engage CRA to help them develop more effective and more comprehensive strategies, processes, infrastructure, and controls for managing risk. We cut through complexity to give clear, direct answers based on rigorous analysis of hard data. We also provide concrete action plans that enable clients to better manage credit, market, operational, and strategic risks. Mutual respect Management consultants have a deep commitment to success, integrity, and collaboration. We co-develop sustainable frameworks in partnership with clients. Industry focus have a full understanding of our clients businesses, including exchange-traded and over-the-counter products, market participants, and institutions. Risk expertise Management consultants are leaders in the provision of marketing, credit, and operational risk management expertise to top global financial services companies. Proven track record outstanding record of past performance in the implementation of management infrastructure, business processes, and regulatory compliance. Seasoned practitioners -have deep kn Management owledge of the operating environment, as well as underlying capital market participants, regulators, marketplaces, and vendors Oil Gas: Organization performance improvement Organization and performance improvement is a never-ending necessity for oil and gas companies. Shifts in global supply and demand, record-high energy and materials prices, and chronically underperforming assets are only a few of the current challenges. Executives also face considerable pressure to boost shareholder returns, whether through revenue growth, margin improvement, asset efficiency, or some combination. CRA helps clients identify and utilize the levers that can improve business performance. Our tailored, comprehensive approach addresses process, organization, systems, and performance metrics Oil Gas: Environmental strategy Regulatory policy and litigation involving air and water quality and waste disposal now impact virtually every industry. Annual expenditures on environmental protection, cleanup, and damages total hundreds of billions of dollars, and a reduced burden is not expected. Oil and gas companies have challenged themselves to be positive environmental contributors, and a sound environmental strategy is increasingly important to maintain regulatory compliance and demonstrate responsible care. CRA provides expert, far-reaching support to clients facing challenges related to the environment. We help our clients respond to environmental regulatory and legal action, influence the regulatory and legal setting, and anticipate and adapt to future requirements, including possible climate-change regulation. Our consultants advise on: Corporate strategy to address risks and uncertainties surrounding greenhouse gas (GHG) policy Environmental strategic compliance options with federal, regional, state, and local regulations/legislation Emissions trading planning surrounding cap-and-trade policies for SO2, NOX, Mercury and CO2, among others Environmental policy analysis to shape future policy design Regulatory/litigation support in conflict situations involving costs/damages resulting from claims related to the environment Identification of business opportunities that could relate to environmental trends, such as renewable power generation, demand-side management, and energy efficiency

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Women and Interfaith Dialogue :: Essays Papers

Women and Interfaith Dialogue The word dialogue implies a personal encounter, a meeting face to face, where the aim is not to change the other partner in the dialogue, but to risk being changed through the process. For women, the main point of dialogue is to build relationships or to conserve them. "Dialogue among women are more life-oriented; they come out of actual experiences, and they are more clearly oriented to bringing about concrete changes in perception and practice at the very basic level of the lives of people." Women's dialogical practice is an alternative to the traditional men's approach. Most men approach their religious tradition primarily with an intellectual, theological, and doctrinaire commitment. Women's religious positions, however, are not as strict as men's. They initiate discussion, reflection, dialogue, and different opinions. It accentuates the diversity of life styles, types of thinking, tolerance and freedom in expressing individuals' ambitions, and it distinguishes the unique charact er of personalities. There are discernible differences between men and women in their approach to and practice of dialogue; however, these generalizations are not made to stereotype all men as exclusively intellectual and dogmatic and all women as experiential and instinctive. This is not an attempt to idealize women and the dialogue among them; it is only to emphasize the distinctive features that characterize dialogue among women, and introduce some of the conflicts and obstacles that arise. The first unique characteristic of dialogue is the ability of a group of women from all different religious traditions to bond. Women develop interfaith understanding through their relationships with other women. Women tend to know the person first and her faith second. It is through such intentional relationship building that women relate to each other best. In experiencing the other, women also come to know themselves better. They are able to confirm their own faith, convert to another tradition, or become educated about another religious community that exists. As a result, interfaith dialogue enables women to understand each other, other faiths, and their own traditions. In a meeting of men, such a diverse group might have become rather controversial. The second factor is women's flexible approach in representing their traditions. In religious dialogue women tend to make contributions based on the content of their religion in scripture and tradition without being defensive or obstinate. In general, women seem to have a more tolerant understanding of religion, while most men approach their religious tradition as a responsibility that has become part of their understanding of life and reality.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Financial Aid Is An Important For College students Essay

As we know College costs are rising. But, Future students should not be afraid because there is more financial aid available such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and college loans for students. Financial aid is money in the form of loans, grants and employment that is available to a student to help pay the cost of attending. Financial aid comes from the federal government, which is the largest provider of aid, as well as state government. You should apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will need to apply for financial aid every year by completing a FAFSA. Many financial aid programs have limited funding, therefore early application is recommended. Application should be completed at least one month prior to the semester you are planning to attend. If you apply for funding late, you will receive your funding late. Financial aid is one of the most importance issue for students to process attending College, and the first st ep what student face for attending courses. Have you ever found a solution to your problem? I think may be this financial aid issue is an important for you. How do you overcome these things? Is it the biggest problem facing college students today. How can be resolved it? There is a growing number of older students entering college today. These students have families that they need to support. I know, because I am a family man who has returned to school. I wish to finish my degree at Midlands Tech College. The only problems I face are financial in nature. It is with this in mind that I set about this research. Is financial aid available to older students, and if so, how do they go about obtaining it? Most common issue I found was money, Tuition costs are constantly being raised at high rates. And that’s not including  other expenses like eating out, shopping trips, gas for the car, and the price of textbooks. I found College students drop out of school each year because they cannot afford it. Others are forced to balancing full schedules with full time jobs to make end. It is becoming harder for students to graduate. A Way to solve this problem is by helping students seek more help financially having consolers provide students with small scho larships or help them look for such things can help reduce the amounts of students that drop out of college.

The Effects of Working Overseas of Filipino Parents

THE EFFECTS OF WORKING OVERSEAS OF FILIPINO PARENTS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THEIR CHILDREN by Pascual, Kristelle D. March 21, 2012 Introduction As experienced by many Filipino children like me nowadays, separation from one of our parents results to a very great impact in our lives. Unlike any other children with both parents present at home, raising us up needs more effort and careful attention since that there is only one attending parent.The temporary single parent at home must have the ability to handle things very well—from raising children up to the accomplishing of household chores, and even to the budgeting of resources, like money and time. Fortunately, as for me who have witnessed such, I can say that my mother did very well in handling these tasks, considering there are three of us she had to take care of. The academic performance of children is affected when one of their parents, especially when both, are working overseas. These effects are just the manifesta tions of the situation families have when one parent or the parents, is/are not present at home.This paper aims to provide the effects that are observable and some of their psychological factors. The Filipino Family Setting â€Å"Families provide social and emotional supports that help family members cope with crises†¦But perhaps the most widely recognized and universal functions of the family are the care giving and training that parents and other family members provide for their young. † (Shaffer, 1999, 558) Filipino families have great values, which up to now are still present. They are known to putting a great importance to family, because one of the most weighty and intimate relationships among humans is that between parent and child.It is important especially for the child because it makes him feel secure about life and molds his future (Bigner, 1989). This is the reason why in the Philippines, they have extended families. Since that family members become really cl ose to one another, they have a hard time letting go of a family member when he needs to leave home during the time he decides to build his own family. Furthermore, in the Spanish colonial period, only men were sent to school to learn, and women were to stay at home to do domestic things, like household chores.It is in the history that women do not have the right to learn because they are probably â€Å"designed† to be housewives, and they need to focus on that. Men, on the other hand, study so that in the future, they could earn a living for their family. As a very influential culture imposed by the Spaniards, this, until now, has been an ideal Filipino family tradition—men are to work, women are to stay at home. Labor Migration Nevertheless, today, because of the financial instabilities Filipino families face today, they are forced to send an able-bodied member to work and earn a living for them.In addition, with a great number of Filipinos sent everyday to different countries around the world, a single Filipino family also suffers from temporary loss of a family member each day (Parrenas, 2006). Labor migration has always been the first choice of families in need of more financial support; so as a result, separation normally happens every day in the Philippines, which leads to various effects in the behavior of family members, especially to children. One example is its effect to their academic performance.In the modern nuclear family, usually, fathers work abroad—which proves that the tradition above is somewhat still alive. They fulfill their duty as the â€Å"good providers† of the family; while as for the mothers, they do the traditional household responsibilities by putting all of their energy into meeting the daily needs of the family. However, because of this work division of parents, children crave for emotional guidance coming from their father. However, since a gap develops through the course of time (â€Å"embarrassmen t†), it prevents them from expressing this desire.This is according to Rhazel S. Parrenas who wrote the book, Children of Global Migration (2006). Mothers rarely go outside of the country to look for work opportunities without being driven by the deep necessity of the family financially, or else, the children are more likely to question their motives (Parrenas, 2006). The only time that mothers pursue working overseas must be when they badly need money to support the family that both of the parents must go, the father is incapable of working, or the mother is a single parent.The Situation of Family Members after Separation As an effect of the economic problem, parents, mostly fathers, choose to work abroad to support the needs of their family. Therefore, in every decision made, there is always separation afterwards, and it always, has an effect on the family members: †¢ On the Migrant parent: The decision is the first hard thing to do. Leaving the family means missing imp ortant events and giving up being in the actual growing up of his/her children. It requires absence to meeting the daily emotional needs of the family.Furthermore, the hardest is when this parent encounters problems—may it be in health, financial, or work—he/she has to face them alone. The person has to be strong emotionally especially when feeling homesick. The parent should focus also on the goal of meeting the needs of his/her family, so that his/her convictions will not sway when distractions come on his /her family. †¢ On the Non-migrant parent: The pressure of raising the children alone is passed on to the non-migrant parent. Fulfilling both duties of a mother and father is difficult and strenuous at the same time.In addition, the parent suffers from emotional struggle from being separated with his/her spouse. Like the other parent, he/she experiences distractions. However, the weight is doubled, because this parent needs to show a strong personality and fir m stance on the situation while at the same time, doing all of his/her duties at home, and/or sometimes working part time to support the family more. †¢ On the Children: Children growing without one of the parents or both of them can result in different responses from children. They can respond positively or negatively.The necessity of having the parents present is one big factor on how well they will turn out in the future. Therefore, it depends on how the parents handle the situation in the family that the children will be able to bear it and respond to it properly. As I have said earlier, the parents have to keep their stance firm in these kinds of situations. They need to have trust and confidence in each other. They, also, need to have constant communication to address to each other their needs to build a strong relationship within the family despite the absence of one family member. More than anything in the world today, children need strong parents with strong conviction s, a set of values and principles by which they live. Without such strength of convictions and principles, our children stand a good chance of simply being gobbled up by the social pressure in the world. † (Dacayanan & Isaac, 1974) The Effect of Labor Migration Childhood is a very crucial stage for children. It is the time when children get the values that will found their behavior when they grow up. Therefore, parents’ role is very essential.According to Guthrie and Jacobs (1967), during the earliest childhood years, child gets the attention of older people. However, as he grows, people expect him to become conscious of the things he ought to do and not to do. Not only that these things vary with the time and mood of people older than he does, he is compelled to obey them and to predict what pleases or displeases them. About the things they encounter, children wonder and try to ask unending questions to their parents believing their parents can answer them. If the chil dren receive responsive answers to their questions, they will be encouraged to find out more answers.On the other hand, when children receive unresponsive answers, or worse, are ignored, they will just try to figure things out on their own, and thus, starting lack of communication between the parent and child. This is according to Felicidad Dacayanan and Josefina Isaac in their book, Towards Building the Filipino Family Today (1974). Childhood is the time when children need the presence of their parents the most. Nevertheless, how about those children with parents separated because of working overseas? How well will they turn when they grow up?On the Behavior of Children When children experience separation, there is a sudden change in their behavior. Children are immature. When they are given an entirely new situation, their behaviors that are manifested will be decided according to it, forgetting the previous one (Dacayanan & Isaac, 1974). Therefore, when children experience separa tion, they are quick to respond. According to Ortigas (1996), there are stages of attachment/detachment. First, the child denies the situation. He chooses to be blind to reality in order to cope with the situation.Second, when he feels that he cannot really cope with it, he becomes depressed. In this period, the child lacks interest in doing things—playing, studying, eating and the like. He pities himself about the situation and feels helpless and hopeless. After that, different thoughts will start dwelling inside his mind. One of these is fear of abandonment. The child clings to other parent fearing that the parent left may also leave him since the absent parent was able to leave him. As a result, the child becomes submissive to the parent, or acts unacceptably to get attention from the parent.Another thought that will enter his mind is that he may be the cause of separation of the parents, making him feel guilty eventually. Hence, it will start the self-blame of the child. Because of this, he starts acting out behaviors that will lead to punishment. Lastly, he develops low self-esteem. In this period, he feels worthless and unlovable, maybe because of the punishments received from acting certain behaviors. The child thinks that this is the reason why the absent parent left him, and develops helplessness especially when he does not see much concern from the absent parent.These effects lead to certain manifestations in the actions of the children. To be particular, the situation compromises their academic performance. On the Academic Performance of Children Students belonging to a family with a migrant parent sometimes have bad images, like being â€Å"pasaway† in school, back then. It was an issue for people to have single parent families—because it was not still the first in mind when it comes to finding a high-paying job, assuming that children belonging in an â€Å"imperfect nuclear family structure† connote poor academic perfor mance. Different studies produced different hypotheses about the topic.Nevertheless, the presence of both of the parents, the mother only, the father only, or none of them has different outcomes: Children with two parent migrant families are more likely to suffer from poor guardianship. In fact, many children, according to an interview, who dropped out of school, had all been members of those types of family who experience separation from their parents for a long time (Parrenas, 2006). Another piece of information is in agreement with the earlier: Children in single parent families are at a greater risk than children in other types of family.Even though they have the same level of intelligence with other children, they are three or more times to drop out of school. (Adoption. com) Furthermore, according to Hoffman (1967), daughters of employed mother are academic achievers, are successful in their careers, and are more independent. On the other hand, children in poverty, in both two -parent or single families with employed mothers, have higher cognitive and socio-emotional indices scores. In addition, sons from the middle class with employed mothers have lower school performance and lower I. Q scores in the early years in school than those with mothers at home.One finding from the 1970's from the blue-collar class said that sons of employed mothers did well academically; however, there was a strain in the father-son relationship. It is true that life in single parent family structure can be very difficult. Children, as said earlier, are more prone to suffer emotional struggles. As a result, they have greater chances to act inappropriately, especially if the parent left is busy working too. This can result in lack of time in disciplining and controlling their children, which often lead to lower school performance or misinterpretations—that the parents left does not love them.Some researchers suggest that family has great impact on the academic performance of children. It is a factor in the involvement of parents in their education. Income is a pressure that can limit parents’ effort from supporting them. (Adoption. com) Nevertheless, this is not true in all situations; some children coming from the single parent families perform well in school. This may be credited to how well the family coped with the situation, and how firm the parent left stood firm on the situation.As I have pointed on the first part of this research, â€Å"Families provide social and emotional supports that help family members cope with crises†¦But perhaps the most widely recognized and universal functions of the family are the care giving and training that parents and other family members provide for their young. † (Shaffer, 1999, 558) Socialization and Time as factors to Prevention of the bad effects Children become what they are today through interaction and exposure—getting values from people surrounding them and using everything h ey acquired from the environment. This process of becoming self is fastest and crucial in the formative years because parents leave a mark on children, which schools will have a hard time correcting. This must not be taken for granted by Filipino parents who consider that all children in tender years can be ignored because they are still unaware (Dacayanan & Isaac, 1974). Studies about the topic may differ from one to another, may they agree or not, the performance of children in school is not dependent upon their situation.It is dependent on how the family handles it, starting from the responses of the parents, to their orientation of it to children, and to how children would respond to it. According to Shaffer (1999), in his book, Developmental Psychology: Childhood & Adolscence, Socialization is a process by which children gain the beliefs, values, and behaviors considered fit by elders in the society which serves it through controlling children’s behavior, promoting growt h in order to function well within their communities, and imparting what they have learned as social adults to their children.However, time spent with the children is also a factor in building a good relationship in the family. Therefore, it is possible for children with parents working overseas to perform well in school, because parents can control their responses to situations. Generalizations â€Å"Time together, mutual efforts for more open communication and greater understanding could alleviate the gap in father-away families. † (Parrenas, 2006, 78) Indeed, working overseas of Filipino parents affects the academic performance of their children, may it be in good or in bad.However, we can minimize the bad effects, and only reap good effects of it, by simply applying what has been said above. The family is not built to function individually; it is sector in the society built to function as a whole. Hence, the solution to the problem cannot be solved by anyone else, but our selves. Reference List: Adoption. com (n. d. ). Single parenting and children’s academic achievement. Retrieved January 31, 2012, from http://library. adoption. com/articles/single-parenting-and-childrens-academic-achievement. tml Bigner, J. J. (1989). Parent-Child Relations. (Third Ed. ). New York: Macmillan Publishing Company Dacayanan, F. M. , & Isaac, J. D. R. (1974). Towards building the Filipino family today. Quezon City: Bustamante Press Guthrie, G. M. & Jacobs, P. J. (1967). Child rearing and personality development in the Philippines. Manila: The Bookmark, Inc. Hoffman, L. W. (1967). The effects of the mother’s employment on the family and the child. Retrieved January 31, 2012, from parenthood. ibrary. wisc. edu/Hoffman/Hoffman. html Ortigas, C. D. (1996). The Solo-parent experience: A growing social phenomenom. Quezon City: Office of the Research and Publications Ateneo de Manila University Parrenas, R. S. (2006). Children of global migration: Transnational f amilies and gendered woes. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press Shaffer, D. R. (1999). Developmental Psychology: Chilhood and Adolescence. (Fifth Ed). USA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company