Pink-Dear Mr President Analysis

Pink wrote the song â€Å"Dear Mr. President,† on Martin Luther King Day in 2005. The song was released as a single in 2007 and became apart of her album I’m Not Dead. The song is a direct criticism of President George W. Bush and the policies of his administration. Pink addresses the major concerns of most Americans. The song begins â€Å"Dear Mr. President/ Come take a walk with me. Let’s pretend we’re just two people and/ You’re not better than me. † By stating this as an invitation Pink is directly asking the President to listen to her opinions.Through equalizing social standings, she is diminishing the respect that the President demands, Pink is stating that she will be truthful with him and not sugar coat Tanya Kaplan Song Analysis 03/10/09 her opinions. She will tell him the truth about what everyone is thinking but no one is willing to tell him directly. She states, â€Å"You have come along way from whiskey and cocaine,† addre ssing Mr. Bush’s tainted past, which the media seems to ignore. Pink asks Mr. Bush who he prays for at night. She also asks how he feels when he looks in the mirror and if he is proud of himself.These statements address that Mr. Bush forgot to make good on his promises to help people. He had the power to change society and be a positive force for society but failed to do so. Pink then asks Mr. Bush to look her in the eye, this is a sign that she is aware that he is not proud of his own and is unable to face his own actions, she is challenging him to state that he is proud of his actions. She is also addressing the political corruption that is believed to have occurred in the Bush administration.There are many policies, that were enacted, such as political detainees, which the President directly partook in, while the policy blatantly violated the principles set forth in our constitution. Pink addresses many social issues during this song. â€Å"How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?†¦ Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away,† this is a direct attack on the President’s Iraq war policy. There are thousands of mothers who have lost their children in the war on Iraq; some are soldiers while others are innocent children who are ystanders. During the Presidential Election of 2008, the majority of people stated that they did not support the war in Iraq; however, when this song was written it was very uncommon to have a majority of the people not support the war, let alone discuss the destruction that we are inflicting on the residents of Iraq and their infrastructure. The media did not portray the mass destruction inflicted on the country of Iraq or report the effect that the war was having on military families.There are additional hot button social issues that Pink addresses with the President through her song. She states â€Å"What kind of father would take his own daughter’s rights away? And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay? I can only imagine what the first lady has to say. † Tanya Kaplan Song Analysis 03/10/09 These statements denote George Bush’s policy of anti? abortion, his attempt to refute the Rowe v. Wade decision and to take away a women’s right to abortion.These statements also call into question the administrations anti? gay policies. Ironically Vice? President Cheney’s daughter is gay. It is near impossible to imagine how the President can instill his anti? gay rhetoric while his second in command’s child part takes in a homosexual lifestyle. One must truly wonder what the first lady does say to Mr. Bush, when such a close family friend is directly being affected by his distorted view of appropriate sexuality. Pink also address the non? action that was insinuated by the no child left behind act.The President adamantly states that he is helping the education system in the country through this act, ye t he fails to provide any sort of funding to instill his policy changes. How can one expect to implement new policies yet not provide any funds to do so, while billions of dollars are being spent to make war? Poverty is addressed when Pink explains that Mr. Bush has no idea what it is like to work from minimum wage and be pregnant, or how it would feel to sleep in a cardboard box. She states Mr. Bush knows nothing about hard work.This is a very plausible assertion considering that his own father was the President and he was raised in a more affluent segment of society. The song â€Å"Dear Mr. President† did not get large amounts of play time on the United States radio, in fact it got very little airtime. Pink was quoted as saying that she wrote the song as an attack on the President and his administration to prove that she could and what a great country that we live in to allow her to do so. The song provides for a valid attack on the policies of the Bush administration and o f President Bush himself.

Recruitment And Selection In A Social Setting

INTRODUCTION People form an integral part of an organization. Indeed, there is no organization that can run without its human resources. Recruitment and selection has thus far reaching implications for the proper functioning of the organization. Most organizations are known to eagerly have their posts filled in order to ensure continuity of services. It is however important to ensure that the staff to be recruited are properly screened prior to their appointment, especially in a social setting. The welfare of the children and vulnerable adults must be put first, as opposed to just filling vacancies. Staff must therefore be properly screened prior to their appointment so as to deter, reject and identify those who might cause harm or abuse to the children and vulnerable adults. Only after a rigorous and satisfactory recruitment and selection process that appointments are made. This robust recruitment and selection process contributes to a safer workforce, whose duties should reflect on their commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults. Where there allegations or suspicion of abuse especially to vulnerable adults, the stages outlined below may be followed in resolving the issue. Alerting: – this concerns the responsibility of recognizing abusive situations and reporting them to the line manager. Alerting plays a major role in safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults, and any concerns of possible abuse, however trivial, must be reported (SSD 2006). Referral: – Referrals are then made to an appropriate designated officer. Contact can be made via telephone; however, this must be confirmed in writing within 2 working days. When deciding on the level of urgency of the referral, the degree and extent to which the risk poses harm to the vulnerable adult must be the deciding factor (SSD 2006). Some cases such as life threatening situations will require a rapid response. Screening: – At this stage the substance of the alleged abuse is screened by the designated officer alongside other professionals (SSD 2006). In determining whether there is need for further investigation, certain factors must be taken account of including natur e and extent of abuse, vulnerability of the individual, impact, length of time and the risk of repeated acts on other vulnerable adults (SSD 2006) Planning the investigation: – upon confirming receipt of the referral and after carefully screening and determining the need for further investigation, the designated officer may then convene a strategy discussion and appoint an investigating officer (SSD 2006). The strategy decision will ensure that there is an early exchange of information in order to clarify the actions to be taken and to determine the method of investigation which can either be a single agency, joint investigations or joint investigations with the police (SSD 2006). Investigation: – the investigation strategy agreed at the strategy discussion is then implemented. The investigating officer conducts the investigation while keeping the designated officer fully informed. A primary consideration to be made at this stage is to involve vulnerable adult in the i nvestigation. The investigation will establish facts about the circumstances, decide whether there are grounds of concern, identify the level of risk and the sources, determine the person responsible and recommend what action to be taken against them (SSD 2006). Making decisions: Upon receipt of the investigating officer’s report, a case discussion may be conducted to formulate an agreed care and protection plan for the individual. The objectives of the meeting shall be to share and evaluate the gathered information, assess the risk level, agree on an inter-agency care and protection plan, make appointments of persons who will oversee the implementation of the care and protection plan, and identify any therapeutic interventions to the vulnerable individual who has been abused (SSD 2006). This will include conducting an appropriate follow up. Monitoring and reviewing: this stage concerns the aspect of overseeing and ensuring that the care protection plan has effectively been i mplemented (SSD 2006). Where there are still risks to the vulnerable adult, the case can be kept under review and further actions that are necessary to safeguard them taken. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS Underpinning all the aspects of recruitment and selection are the legislative requirements that I, as the HR manager, must adhere to prior to making any appointments, especially in a children and vulnerable adult setting. These include: THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ACT 1999 This act provides for the protection of the developmental needs and welfare of children, including the need to be protected from harm (DCSF 2010). CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND COURT SERVICES ACT 2000 This act covers issues of disclosure and child protection (DCSF 2010). It contains a list of convictions that bar offenders from working in a children and young people setting (DCSF 2010). THE CARE STANDARDS ACT 2000 This act provides for the establishment of certain protocols and procedures that bars certain individuals from working with children and vulnerable adults in England and Wales (DCSF 2010). THE MENTAL CAPACITY ACT 2005 This Act safeguards provisions with regard to people that lack capacity and provides protection from deprivation of liberty. According to the statute, all the staff working in a social setting, be it with vulnerable adults or children, must be aware of what constitutes deprivation and restriction of liberty (DCSF 2010). SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE GROUPS ACT 2006 This act introduces a vetting and barring scheme for the staff working with children and vulnerable adults (DCSF 2010). This act which came into force in November 2006 heralds’ significant changes to the way vetting is done for people working with vulnerable adults and children. The act contains provisions relating to organizations or individuals involved in the recruitment and selection of people for regulated activities such as teaching, health care, social work, guidance and counseling among others (DCSF 2010). Other legislations that regulate the protection of vulnerable adults from harm include the Sexual offences Act 2003, Fraud Act 2006, and Domestic Violence, Crimes and Victims Act 2004 (DCSF 2010). These acts tend to criminalize certain actions hence deterring individuals who are unsuitable for working with vulnerable adults and children. Besides the legal and regulatory requirements outlined above, I will also observe certain professional codes. For example, the Code of Practice for recruitment, this is an important element for achieving excellence in the recruitment and selection of workers in a social care setting (DOH 2004). This code contains a list of standards of professional conduct and practices that must be strongly adhered to by all the employers in the recruitment and selection process (DOH 2004). It is widely acknowledged that the credibility of the recruitment process is greatly influenced by the collective conduct of individual recruiters. In order to maintain the credibility and reputation of my organization, I will endeavor to recruit while complying with the relevant professional codes including the Code of Practice, and Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct among others. The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is intended to instill confidence into the process of recruitment and selection. Embracing these professional codes among others will eliminate discrimination, improve on the recruitment process and help maintain best practices. RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS In any recruitment and selection process, the candidates must be assessed for their suitability for the position. The selection criteria may be based on structured interviews, PowerPoint presentations, assessment centers and psychometric testing (Wood 1998). Due to the nature of work contained in a social setting, a structured interview will be more suitable as the selection criteria. The use of interviewing as the selection method is important as it not only enables the candidate to demonstrate transferable skills and previous experience that might be useful in undertaking the role, but also evaluates the candidate’s suitability for the post by exploring on other issues related to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults (Wood 1998). Hence, as the HR manager, I will first consult with the others specialists in the recruitment industry so as to determine the selection criteria and method best suitable for recruitment and selection in a social care setting. Upon agreeing on a suitable method, say an interview, I will then proceed with the recruitment and selection process which following steps:i) PLANNINGPlanning is vital to successful recruitment. As an initial stage, the planning phase will take account of The amount of time needed to make the adverts A clear and precise definition of the role Applications closing date Time needed for the short-listing to be undertaken Appointment of the interview panel Determining the nature and relevance of interview questions and tasks.ii) RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION POLICYAs providers of social care services, it is obvious that the staff of the organization will have contact with this vulnerable group on a day to day basis. Hence, the recruitment and selection process should not only hire staff of the highest caliber in the performance, but also of positive influence to children and vulnerable adults. The recruitment policy and accompanying procedures must therefore be designed to safeguard and promote this vulnerable group. As the HR manager, I will ensure that an explicit recruitment and selection policy statement that shows the organizations commitment to safeguarding and protecting the interests of vulnerable individuals is included in the various aspects of the recruitment process. This will include incorporating the policy in recruitment websites, publicity materials, advertisements, person specifications, candidate information packs, competency framework, in the job descriptions and induction training as well.iii) ADVERTISINGHaving developed a proper plan and an explicit written recruitment and selection policy, the next step will be to advertise. At this stage, I will ensure that the advert goes in accordance to the time schedule and that the organization’s commitment to safeguarding the needs of children and vulnerable adults are clearly articulated in the advert. For instance, I will include a commitment statement such as below: Everyone in this organization has the obligation and commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and ensure their protection from harm.iv) APPLICATIONS AND SHORT-LISTINGFor any recruitment and selection process, a selection panel is needed to assess the applicants in terms of how well they meet the job specification. However, it is not up to the panel to wade through the resumes and cover letters trying to locate relevant information that meets the selection criterion. The onus is on the applicant to ensure that the relevant information is presented in a form that is easily accessible. This will assist in rating the application against the selection criteria as well as against other applicants, and thereafter identifying those candidates shortlisted for the interview. An easy way of doing this is to draft an application form, which is to be filled in by the applicants. The application form provides the opportunity to emphasize on the organizational commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals. It will be my responsibility to ensure that the forms are available for free downloads via the organizational website. Besides sending an application form to the Prospective applicants, I will also ensure that they receive a copy of The aims and objectives of the organization information about the job description, salary grade, person specification and lines of accountability. the time schedule for the interview process and the guiding principles that ensure that the organization is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults. Upon receiving the applications, I will scrutinize them and undertake the relevant checks relating to qualification, character, suitability, skills and identity. This will include working together with the panel in evaluating the candidates’ application by: the extent to which the requirements of the person specification are met by the applicant. the demonstration of transferable skills and experience to the job in question Where there are discrepancies noted, I will conduct a follow up to confirm and determine the suitability of the candidate for the position.v) REFERENCESAfter wading through the applications presented by the applicants, the information submitted is then scrutinized and tested by contacting their referees. Contacting their previous employers is important in order to determine the legitimacy of their information and their suitability for the position by checking whether there have been any concerns, allegations or disciplinary investigations on their conduct, performance and behaviour towards children. Where there are ambiguities, anomalies or conflicting information, I will conduct a follow up alongside with the referee. Ideally, references need to be taken prior to the interview. However, where they are not taken prior to the interview, the decision to select the applicant for posting shall be conditional upon receiving suitable references and checks.vi) INTERVIEWI will then make arrangements for the interview process, which is the most crucial stage of the selection process as it allows the panel to test the requirements of the person specification. Prior to the interview, I will delegate the necessary authority to the panel to make informed decisions about the appointments; and ensure that the interview panel is well-trained in procedures of interviewing and selecting applicants. This will include the exceptional ability to recognize responses which may question suitability for the post. I will also organize for the Panel to meet prior to the interview in order to reach a consensus on: the standards accepted for appointment in this job, issues to be explored with each applicant, and the agreed assessment criteria. Aligning with the above, I will ensure that the interview questions are relevant and explore on suitability issues. That is, the questions should be linked specifically to the aspects of the job description. The purpose of interview questions is to enable the candidate to demonstrate transferable skills and previous experience that might be useful in undertaking the role (Warner 1992). SCOPE OF THE INTERVIEW In addition to assessing and evaluating the candidate’s suitability for the post, I will instruct the panel to explore on other issues related to safeguarding the welfare of Children and vulnerable adults. These will include exploring on factors: the attitude of the candidate towards children and vulnerable adults What motivates the applicant to want to work in a social setting The candidate’s ability to support the agenda of safeguarding and protecting the welfare of the vulnerable individuals Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours. Gaps in employment history Any discrepancies and concerns that may arise from the information provided by the applicantvii) PRE-APPOINTMENT CHECKSBefore making any offer to potential applicants, I will ensure that they have provided satisfactory evidence of: Identity/permission to work:- the applicant must provide proof of identity including the name, address, date of birth and a valid national ID. Qualifications: – this includes original copies of all the relevant qualifications and recommendations from previous employers. These qualifications will be assessed based on the Health and Social Care National Occupation Standards and must confirm competence working within health and social care setting, especially with children and vulnerable adults (AMA 2010). CRB clearance – I will check for any criminal record via the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB). Any offer of appointment in a social setting must be conditional upon a satisfactory CRB disclosure (Bowles 1995). Barring list clearance – Upon determining that the applicant is appropriate for the post, I will conduct checks with the relevant professional bodies including the General Social Care Council.viii) INDUCTION AND TRAININGWhere deemed suitable for the post, I will conduct a formal induction for the candidate which will include consideration of safeguarding and safe practice. This will also include a basic child protection training which will equip the new staff to recognize and respond to child welfare concerns. It is vital to have all the staff trained prior to their appointment so that those that lack the designated lead responsibility for child protection are subjected to refresher courses at three yearly intervals that will keep their skills and knowledge up to date. While those with designated lead responsibility who have taken up the role, may be given training on inter-agency procedures. As the HR manager, part of my duties in the induction and training will include: Explaining to the candidate about the safeguarding policy of the organization Issuing a practice guidance and explaining conduct requirements to the candidate Making known the name and contact details of the Designated Child Protection Officer. Making known to the candidate the health and safety requirements. Assessing the induction and training needs of the candidate. TASK FORCE TO RECOMMEND CHANGES FOR IMPROVEMENT Upon completion of recruitment and selection, I will set up a task force that will examine the frontline social work practice and provide their recommendations on how improvements can be made, especially to the induction and training, recruitment and leadership. CONCLUSION The process of recruitment and selection of staff is certainly no easy task, especially in a children and vulnerable adult setting. While working with this vulnerable group may bring great rewards, it places a great responsibility for the HR managers to ensure that the staff employed to provide these vital services are well suited to the task. Therefore, there is need for HR managers in a social care setting to appropriately screen all the staff and volunteers prior to their appointment. Only after a rigorous and satisfactory recruitment and selection process that appointments are made. This robust recruitment and selection process contributes to a safer workforce, whose duties should reflect on their commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. REFERENCE Allegations Management Advisor, Government office South East, 2010. Towards a safer workforce: recruitment and selection, a policy guide: for adaptation by child and youth support organizations. http://eduwight.iow.gov.uk/governors/images/Recruitmentandselection.pdf {Accessed on 16th January 2012} Bowles, N., 1995. Methods of Nurse Selection: a review, Nursing Standard, 9, 15, pp. 25–29. Department for children, schools and families (DCSF), 2010. Safeguarding children and safer recruitment in education. http://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/downloadableDocs/Safeguarding%20Children%20Guidance.pdf { Accessed on 17th January 2012} Department of Health (DOH), 2004. Code of practice for the international recruitment of healthcare professionals, crown . Erooga, M., 2009. Towards safer organizations: adults who pose a risk to children in workplace and implications for recruitment and selection. http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/findings/towardssaferorganisationssummary_wdf63929.pdf {Accessed on 16th January 2012} Social Services Directorate (SSD), 2006. Safeguarding vulnerable adults: Regional adult protection policy and procedural guidance. http://www.gain-ni.org/flowcharts/downloads/safeguarding_vulnerable_adults.pdf {Accessed 20th January 2012} Warner, N., 1992. Choosing with Care. The Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Selection, Development and Management of Staff in Children’s Homes, London: HMSO. Wood, R., 1998. Competency-based recruitment and selection. Wiley publishers

In Defense of Gun Control Laws Essay

Guns have always been associated with crimes. The use of guns may either work in the positive or the negative way. On the positive side, it could help in deterring the proliferation of crimes. The mere use or presence of it is sufficient for other criminals to stop their criminal intents. However, this is just one way of looking at gun use and ownership. If guns could be used for combating crimes and criminals, it could also be used to the proliferation of criminal acts. Many evil minded people would utilize firearms in order to compel people to do as they desire—including unlawful acts. The mere presence of a gun is sufficient to threaten an individual and to put one’s life in danger. Any wrong move in using a loaded gun might be the end for another’s life. It is due to this reason that the ownership, possession and use thereof are strictly regulated by the state. For anti-gun control advocates, they feel the need for less strict regulations on gun control and ownership. They are advocating that the laws be relaxed and for the law makers that gun ownership is essential in fighting criminals and crimes. It serves as the ordinary man’s protection against abusive individuals. In this day and age, there so many crimes that are being committed and a great number of criminals causing chaos to society, thus, the need for greater protection against them. Such advocates also invoke that it is their constitutional to own guns. However, in a case decided last June 2008 by the United States Supreme Court, it was upheld that reasonable efforts under of controlling the proliferation of firearms on the hands of private individuals is allowed. The law enforcers and makers however should be guided that there should be no outright ban on handguns (Newsbatch, 2008). This ruling of the Supreme Court would indicate that ownership of guns is not only limited to the military but it also extends to ordinary individuals so long as there is proper regulation. Indeed there is nothing wrong in the ownership and possession of guns as long as there is proper regulation thereof of the enactment and recognition of gun control laws. Blackstone, a former US District Court Judge also shares the view that the public should not be prohibited of their right to bear arms. They should be accorded this right especially in a country where there is a vast militia power. The bearing of firearms is the security of the people against abuse and their mode of defending themselves. However, this should be done in moderation and should be properly regulated (Guncite, 2007). In opposition to the claim that the ownership and possession of guns help deter criminality in the country, this cannot hold to be always true. As previously indicates, the use of guns may work positively or negatively. Instead of stopping crimes, it could even be the means of committing thereof. According to the article of Deborah White (n. d. ), the United States has the highest number of private people owning guns. There are about 80 million Americans of 50 percent of the total homes which own 223 million of guns. Attached with this figure is the fact that more than 30, 000 men and women in the United States die each year due to gun shoot wounds, this is the highest homicide rate from guns around the world. Moreover, it should be noted that among the 30, 000 deaths indicated above, only 1, 500 of which are caused by accidental killings. This is a very alarming figure since it would imply that the high percentage gun ownership and gun shot related incidents have a positive relation. The more guns there are in the streets, the greater is the number of people dying with a bullet on their bodies. Policy Almanac (n. d. ) also reported that there has been a 173 percent increase from 1985 to 1993 and 126 percent from 1993 to 1999 in the number of homicides which are annually committed with the use of a firearm by persons who are between the ages 14 to 24. The figures should serve as a wake up call for law enforcers and remind them the need to properly regulate the ownership of guns and the use thereof. There should be more restrictive laws to be imposed by the state. Stricter measures could lead to lesser crime rate as well as crime related incidents. In order the address the issue on gun control, several laws were enacted federally and locally or by state. On the federal level, the first major mandate was enacted in 1934. Based on this initiative, the sale of machine guns and other fully automatic firearms will be regulated. Four years after such legislation, another law was passed requiring gun sellers to have a license. In addition, the law also prohibits the sale of guns to those who have been convicted of violent crimes. The next law which addressed the issue on gun ownership was passed in 1968. This law is the Gun Control Act of 1968. Based on the said law, imported guns are to be regulated and gun-licensing requirements will be increased. The list of people who should not own and should not be sold with firearms was extended to individuals who have been convicted with any form of non-business related crime, those who are incompetent mentally d those who have been using illegal drugs. After the said legislation, another federal law was again passed in 1986. Such mandate indicated mandatory penalties on the use of a gun to commit federal felonies. Included in the said law is the prohibition on the use of bullets which have the capacity to penetrate bulletproof apparel. Manufacture and importation of semi-automatic assault weapons were also banned in 1990 (Newsbatch, 2008). After the said law was promulgated by the Congress, another federal gun regulation was passed in 1994, the Brady Bill. The said bill is considered as the most comprehensive federal effort on gun control. Through this law, a five day waiting period is necessary before purchasers can have their guns. Such period would give the law enforcement agencies to investigate the background of the purchaser. However, this law did not last as it was declared by the Supreme Court to be an infringement on state’s rights. The law was re-drafted and provided that the conducting of background investigation will be accomplished through a national computer system. The provision on the five day waiting period was also removed. In terms of the state or local laws, there has been variance in the enactment of the laws. However, the common provisions include Child Access Prevention law or the prohibition on leaving a loaded weapon which could be easily accessed by a minor. Another is the concealed weapon law or the need to obtain a license which would allow one to carry a concealed weapon. Others include the following: regulation of private sale to minors, regulating all secondary market sales, ban on assault weapons and the one hand gun a month laws, among others. Despite these seemingly comprehensive laws, there is a need to impose stricter measures in order to regulate the ownership, use and possession of guns. Although it is recognized that there is a need for guns in the society, the continued sale thereof to private individuals and the growing number of people who own such should be carefully studied. Guns are very dangerous. It carries with it an authority which no other object could possess. The mere presence thereof is already a cause for alarm. People who have such may use it to protect themselves or to threaten other people. Given the extraordinary authority accorded to firearms, people who are not properly oriented with the use thereof may abuse such authority. Thus, there is a need to regulate the use, possession and ownership thereof to have proper guidance and to eliminate the bad effects thereof to the society. The authority that comes with any firearm carries with it the responsibility to utilize it only to purposes to which it was intended and not to create abuse. Despite the high funding that come from anti-gun control laws, politicians should comply with their basic responsibility to uphold the common good in the society. They should not be easily swayed by the sources of their funds during the last elections.

Summary paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Summary paper - Essay Example The article further explains the way of life in the Akan society beginning with the process of creating a village, which then grows into a town. An Akan village has a head while a town in Akan has a stool of power and a chief as the center of the power. The article entitled The Akan people by Adu-Amankwah provides basic information about the Akan people. The article explains that the live in central Ghana and speak the Akan language which is a collection of various dialects. The dialects they speak influence their identity since the people are often categorized in such groups. Among the existing groups based on the variety of dialects, include Wassa, Asante, Fante, Bono, Akyem, Kwahu and Akuapem. The author of the article cites several historians as he provides a detailed of the Akan people. He explains that the lived in independent kingdoms founded by refugees from Kumbu, a kingdom that consisted of twenty-seven states and was destroyed by Songhay in 1470. The economic activities of the Akan people include hunting, farming and fishing. The article, Akan kinship terms, provides a detailed analysis of kinship in the Akan society. In doing this, the article explains that the Akan people believe in extended family system. The system is material in nature. With such an exciting yet informative introduction, the article proceeds to provide translations of some basic kinship names to English despite admitting that most of such names have no direct equivalent in English. Such terms include papa for father but the term Agya may refer to father too. Maame is for mother while Eno /Awo is an equivalent for affection though not directly transplanted as such. Nua is for sibling, kunu refers to a husband and yere for wife. A child is a significant individual in a society and the Akan refer to a child as ba. Greetings on the other hand is an article that discuses the type of greetings in the Akan society. The article begins by acknowledging that greeting is a personal

Speculative markets, finance Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Speculative markets, finance - Coursework Example Additionally,the speculator has not to worry of any loss since the American Puts have the opportunities to exercise immediately, therefore will gain access the different values of mispricing at any given time even at its expiration (Shockley 12-45). A synthetic Long call will be created when the long stock position is to be combined with long put of the same series. Therefore, to get the long synthetic stock position for the we assume that; Maximum profit = unlimited The total position of the two individuals will be profitable if the stock is less or greater than $45 or. Such a scenario is known as strangle since the individuals hold two profitable positions to make profits under the bear and bull respectively. The value of a call option is adversely affected with the underlying stock price (in the case $ 390) is expected to drop by a rate equivalent to the value of the dividend on the ex-dividend date. However, as the above case is a call option the owner of the stock receives the cash dividends as of the ex-dividend date, hence the call option can be discounted by a figure as high as the dividend. Therefore, the Amazon call option priced $ 390 and N (d1 ) denotes the probability or the expected value of receiving the Amazon call option at the expiration of option. Therefore, when S rise to $1000 the N (d1 ) will reduce accordingly indicating that as S grows the chances of exercising the option at the expiry date becomes small due to the increment of market volatility for that stock given as 25%. Under this case the probability if decrement of the amazon may be reflected as the 390/1000= 0.39. With the stock value dropping to $50, the present value of the contingent adjusted to the risk becomes less than the exercise price of the option during the expiration date, therefore, making the call value to be zero at its expiration date holding that the probabilities are normally distributed. Ashley can create a bear spread via simultaneous

Choose an environmental problem that the world is facing and prepare a Essay - 1

Choose an environmental problem that the world is facing and prepare a REPORT - Essay Example In the year 1931 as many as 22 nations signed the Geneva Convention to bring Whaling under control but this has not been done even to date. This treaty was modified with new protocols in the year 1938 and 1945 and the same served as a platform for International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling signed in the US in the year 1946. An International Whaling commission was established in order to safeguard the Whales. The dwindling of Whales could not have been solved with a better way than establishing a separate entity to safeguard the population of Whales. This Whaling commission took many steps to safeguard the population of Whales, they forbid the illegal capture of Whales, set a particular no and size for the Whales that could be taken and did many other things to ensure that the population of Whales does not dwindle. The IWC conducts annual meetings to reflect upon the progress and any country can become a member of the IWC provided it adheres to the rules of IWC. This committee has been very successful in safeguarding the Whales, significant changes have been noticed since this committee has been established. The members of this committee work really hard to ensure that the population of Whales remains stable. Wales are the primary symbols of Marine life but off late the strength of the Wales have constantly dwindled because of the poachers and this has drawn intense criticism from all across the globe. One of the biggest concerns that have affected the marine life and the Wales primarily is the use of Sonar by the US navy and the US is in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. The US navy uses sonar to protect its vessels and to detect enemy submarines. The sonar used is affecting the marine life and especially the Whales. The US has invested a lot of money in developing their sonar operation because they face a constant threat from countries like Iran and North Korea. This is the only reason why the US has increased the use of sonar

Organization has done to safeguard its information Essay

Organization has done to safeguard its information - Essay Example â€Å"Safeguarding internet security: what companies can do to protect themselves†, Lombardo highlights on measures to safeguard organizations’ information (Lombardo, 2001). Lombardo stresses that organizations should invest on appropriate systems that may impede internet misdemeanors. Besides, it is critical to have apt knowledge on such felonies. The article also highlights the significance of outsourcing website security proposals to professionals, since information is a sensitive issue to organizations. Additionally, the article noted that various hackers employ viruses and other malware to harm organizations data. As such, it is critical to install programs such as anti-viruses and firewalls to various computer systems (Lombardo, 2001). Moreover, it is critical to encrypt data stored within a network. It is prudent to seek legal aid once an organization experiences internet misdemeanor. It is also critical to have back-up information, in an attempt to prevent data loss on events of such mishaps (Lombardo, 2001). Moreover, it is evident that internet criminals may be internal staff or external personnel. As such, it is critical to train employees on the seriousness of such crimes. It is also crucial to punish culprits of such felonies severely. Lombardo, L. (2001). Safeguarding internet security: what companies can do to protect themselves. Business Wire. Retrieved from:

Personal Identity and the Self Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Personal Identity and the Self - Essay Example In addition, the condition has been diagnosed to a significant number of patients found in psychiatric hospitals. MPD, also known as dissociative identity disorder, has many implications as to what it is to be a person at a particular time as well as over a period of time. This essay will seek to discuss these implications, with special reference to â€Å"Kim Noble: The Woman with 100 Personalities† by Amanda Mitchison. Causes dissociative identity disorder One of the key aspects of MPD is that medical professionals have not identified a specific cause of this condition. According to Psychological Theory, MPD can be traced to the trauma that was experienced during the childhood. For example, in the case of Kim Nobles, a woman with 100 personalities, the victim (Kim) experienced the unhappy marriage of her parents consequently being under the care of local acquaintances and friends. This indicates that she did not enjoy the parental love that is vital for the physical and psych ological growth of every child. In addition, Kim experienced extreme and repeated abuse (Amanda 2). As a result of this experience, she was largely traumatized and her personality was fragmented into separate identities. Just like other mental disorder, the possibility of the occurrence of MPD is high if the family has the history of the disorder. However, if a family member experiences the condition it does not imply that all other generation will suffer from MPD. According to Roxanne 28, depersonalization is also a major cause of Mental Identity Disorder. This is a condition that makes a person to have no control over a situation. Key aspects that victims experience include the view of the world as less real and lack of importance for living. Individuals who undergo severe trauma or prolonged stress have high chance of experiencing a chronic depersonalization. Additionally, individuals suffering from MPD feel like more than one person. This is based on the large number of personal ities that control them. For example, in the case of Kim, when there is a switch of personality and Patricia emerges, she does not remember what was happening in her absence. In the same way, when Patricia is asked about her sex life, she strongly declines of having any relationship but in the real sense Kim had a baby girl in 1997 (Amanda 3). Symptoms of dissociative identity disorder As mentioned earlier, a person suffering from MPD can experience large number of personalities that may range from two to hundreds. It is essential to note that half of the reported cases of MPD indicate that most of the victims possessed 10 or fewer personalities. The personalities that affect the self of a person can take their own postures. For example, they can be depicted through the change of gestures, change on the mode of talking and hairstyles as well as mode of dressing. The process through which an individual personality reveals itself and takes control of the person’s behavior is re ferred to as switching. Being triggered by the events surrounding the patients, switching can make the victim to change his or her behaviors in seconds. However, Leslie 36 argues that the changes can take hours or days. The section below discusses major symptoms that make us identify MPD among the people we are living with. One major symptom is the lapse of memory. For example, a

Reasons for Seasons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reasons for Seasons - Essay Example The misconception by many people has always been that differences in seasons come about as a result of differences in the earth’s distance relative to the sun. The belief is that at certain times the distance between the earth and sun is wide and sometimes the two bodies are closer to one another. This seems to make sense since the nearer the sun the warmer it gets and the far from the sun the icy it gets. The truth is that the earth revolves around the sun in a circle that is almost perfect and hence there are no significance changes in terms of how far the earth is relative to the sun. Also North America experiences summer at the time when the South is experiencing winter. While spinning on the axis to yield days and nights, the earth also revolves in a circular orbit around the sun which takes 364 Â ¼ days or one year. The spin axis of the earth tilts with respect to the plane of its orbit and this is responsible for seasons. When the axis of the earth is pointed directly towards the sun then that particular hemisphere experiences summer and winter comes about when the axis is pointed away from the sun. The hemisphere tilting in the sun’s direction gets warmer as sunlight will travel directly to the surface of the earth and less of it scatters to the atmosphere. The hemisphere tilting in the direction of the sun also receives longer days as compared to nights hence during summer there are longer days than the winter days. All the other planets experience seasons but they markedly differ from what is traditionally seen on earth i.e., summer, spring, winter and fall. This is because the other planets have orbits which are more elliptical. Mercury for instance witnesses the most peculiar conditions; it makes three rotations in every two years and the eccentricity of its orbits has odd effects. Mars is the planet with orbit eccentricity that is highest and has a greater axial tilt than earth’s hence great seasonal

Marketing Is Called Delivery of Standard of Living Essay Example for Free

Marketing Is Called Delivery of Standard of Living Essay Standard Marketing Marketing is one of the terms in academia that does not have one commonly agreed upon definition. Even after a better part of a century the debate continues. In a nutshell it consists of the social and managerial processes by which products (goods or services) and value are exchanged in order to fulfill the needs and wants of individuals or groups. Although many people seem to think that marketing and advertising are synonymous, they are not. Advertising is simply one of the many processes that together constitute marketing Marketing, as suggested by the American Marketing Association, is an organizational function and a set of processes for creating, communicating and delivering value to customers and for managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders. [1] Another definition, perhaps simpler and more universal, is this: Marketing is the ongoing process of moving people closer to making a decision to purchase, use, follow or conform to someone elses products, services or values. Simply, if it doesnt facilitate a sale then its not marketing. [2] Philip Kotler in his earlier books defines as: Marketing is human activity directed at satisfying needs and wants through exchange processes. Add to Kotlers and Norris definitions, a response from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) [3]. The associations definition claims marketing to be the management process of anticipating, identifying and satisfying customer requirements profitably. Thus, operative marketing involves the processes of market research, new product development, product life cycle management, pricing, channel management as well as promotion. Marketing-taking actions to define, create, grow, develop, maintain, defend and own markets. An approach to business that seeks to identify, anticipate and satisfy customers needs. Al Ries and Jack Trout defined marketing as simply war between competitors, however this is clearly absurd Ali v Frazier is not marketing however the publicity and hyping of the event for commercial purposes is. It was the era of the clean-cut figure in a smart suit, the glad hander salesman who could sell refrigerators to an Eskimo, capable of selling everything from used cars to Bibles. It was sometime in the late Forties that attention came to rest upon a number of inter related elements of the marketing task that seemed to act together to influence the offtake of a product or service. Neil Borden of Harvard coined the phrase the elements of the Marketing Mix, depicting the manager of the function as not a specialist in selling, distribution, or advertising but rather a blender of ingredients in the right proportions to suit the market, its time and place. Later Marketing got separated from the notion of selling, including three distinct elements: customer orientation, i. . beginning with the customer; integrating the whole organization taking a long-term point of view; and linking with the primary goals of the business i. e. a combination of growth, market share and profitability. Indeed some writers (Peter Ducker, Regis McKenna) hold that Marketing and Business are synonymous. A later and less comprehensive formulation came to be known as the 4Ps product, price, promotion and place. This has now become the universal standard as a teaching tool for any introductory course in the subject. This was a vast improvement over the confusion between selling and marketing. It firmly put the former as a part, but only one among many that together explain the success or failure of a product in appealing to customers. Marketing thus became the overarching strategic theme, higher in level of abstraction than the mere act of obtaining the order. The significance of advertising in the establishment of an assured customer base really took off only after the widespread availability of mass media, especially after the 1950s. This not only made competition more difficult but more expensive and affordable only by the large sector. Enter the era of brands and branding. The Brand Image and Personality school came next, mostly identified with the legendary David Ogilvy, who said the brands personality gave it a first class ticket through life. The purpose of advertising was to convey the essence of this personality, beyond merely conveying the consumer benefits to the user and do it in a charming and cultured way (People dont buy from clowns . . . The consumer is not a moron. She is your wife . . . ). Stephen King Director, J. Walter Thompson, London acknowledged as the practitioners guru of Branding, stressed the need for all the elements of a brands make up from name, packaging, design elements to the creative expression of the advertising to hang together. They must be not only mutually consistent, but also reinforcing the strengths of one another, to create a totality greater than the sum of its parts. Though brands have been around a long time the attention to building them happened only after the Sixties. Some enlightened organizations were exceptions and the brand leadership of their famous names still stands, such as Marlboro, Lux, IBM, Gillette, Kodak, Johnson Johnson and so on. Soon, however, the only distinguishing feature of brands became their distinctive flavour of advertising, particularly so in consumer products. After all what can you say about a car (mileage, power, styling, looks), detergent (washes whiter, brighter clothes, removes stains) soap (refreshes, fragrant) or toothpaste (sparkling teeth, healthy gums, fresh breath) that hasnt been said before

Mandatory National Service Debate in the US

Mandatory National Service Debate in the US Many countries require all young adults to serve two or more years in the military as a way of providing security to their country and as a rite of passage as a citizen. The United States however does not. The closest thing to mandatory service is selective service, and until recently that only applied to male citizens age 18-25. The idea of mandatory service has gained momentum in the last few years and many lawmakers have proposed that the United States adopt this policy. Some are opposed to the idea of mandatory military service, and I agree deciding to risk your life in the defense of your country should be a personal choice, not an obligation. However, the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, and Teach for America are all programs that supports our country, develops unity, and teaches young adults valuable work skills. The pre-amble to the constitution talks about the responsibility we have as citizens to establish justice, provide for common defense, and promote gener al welfare, and We the People means everyone equally. Most will agree that democracy only works when citizens are involved and unified with a common purpose. John F. Kennedy once said, ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country (Kennedy). Unity starts with equality and equality starts with mandatory national service. It is a simple idea; one or two years of national service should become a countrywide requirement for all young adults as way to build unity, develop a sense of identity and provide a valuable service to their community. Most people can agree that America is more divided than ever; we lack unity and commitment to our democracy. The only way we can effectively unify and regain our sense of community is through mandatory national service. Wars unfortunately bind people together, build a sense of community and provides a common purpose, Veterans of any war share a common experience, the intensity of which creates strong and enduring relationships (Grigsby). However, war is not what binds these people together, it is the sense of service to their nation, community, each other and the greater good. Much like the military, programs like the Peace Corp and AmeriCorps show signs of creating loyalty and unity among participants. These programs bring together people of different races and backgrounds to solve complex problems that face their communities and if not for this program, their paths may have never crossed, Service creates an opportunity to work on problems of public concern and participate in the lives of others whose paths one might otherwise never cross in a structured and supportive environment (Frumkin and Miller). In addition, it garners respect and empathy for others, Some evidence exists to suggest that full-time AmeriCorps members acquire valuable civic attributes, such as cultivating respect for others (Reingold and Lenkowsky). Many great people have said, there is no greater honor than service to your country, and commitment to a cause greater than yourself. Some argue that Americans should not have to earn their citizenship through mandatory service and is a violates their freedoms or a form of slavery; even if they choose how they serve. Many leverage the 13th amendment in opposition to mandatory national service, which states, Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted shall exist in the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction (Pauwels).ÂÂ   I agree that our constitution affords us this right, and many other rights; the right to free speech, freedom of religion and the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. However, I feel that with these rights comes responsibility. The responsibility of all citizens to support and defend our constitution, be active in our communities and be involved in the democratic process. Today two things represent citizenship in America, voting and paying taxes. A government of the people, for the peopl e and by the people certainly implies more commitment. Others believe that mandatory service delays education and work opportunities. However, I contend that national service provides both. Many of the programs available provide current volunteers with opportunities to learn valuable life and work skills that will only enhance their education and growth, One benefit of national service it thus thought to reside in its ability to open up the minds of young people to the full range of life choices available to them. While they may think, they are working for others, they may end up learning about themselves (Frumkin and Miller). There is no greater life experience than witnessing and understanding the struggle of others. Regardless of our position on mandatory national service, I think we can agree that it is vital to maintaining unity, equality, and our democracy. Mandatory national service ensures We the People are involved in protecting the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. In addition, the life skills, and the opportunity for young people to see issues from a different perspective only enhances the long-term education of our youth. I will agree, there are some issues with mandated national service, like mandated military service. As I stated before, the decision to risk your life for your country should be a choice one makes, not an obligation. However, believe that all Americans should be required to serve at least one or two years in other programs that support our country and protects our democracy. References Frumkin, Peter and Brendan Miller. Visions of National Service. Society 45.5 (2008): 436-443. ProQuest. Web. 20 Dec 2016. Frumkin and Miller discuss how national service has alternatively been a way to promote an active and engaged citizenship, accelerate personal growth, social capital and meet critical social needs. Grigsby, Carol A. Binding the Nation: National Service in America. Parameters 38.4 (2008): 109-123. ProQuest. Web. 14 Dec 2016. Grigsby discusses how soldiers have a connection to each other because of war, a life-long bond because they have seen and experienced the same thing. Kennedy, John F. Inagrual Address. 1961. Web. 22 Dec 2016. . Kennedys inaugural address discusses issues that face all Americans regardless of party, and how we only succeed if we work together. Pauwels, Andrew M. Mandatory National Service: Creating Generations of Civic Minded Citizens. Notre Dame Law Review 88.5 (2013). ProQuest. Web. 20 Dec 2016. Pauwels discusses the legality of mandatory service and articles of the constitution that specifically address involuntary servitude. Reingold, David A. and Leslie Lenkowsky. The Future of National Service. Public Administration Review 70.S1 (2010): S114-S121. ProQuest. Web. 20 Dec 2016. Reingold discusses the pros and cons of national service and leverages several studies to show the benefits and issues with AmeriCorps.

Strategic Management in Fashion Brand ODEL

Strategic Management in Fashion Brand ODEL I conduct this research work to give a clear picture of strategic management and as well the leading fashion brand ODEL. The corporate world is in the process of transformation technology and globalization. Strategic management takes a panoramic view of this changing corporate terrain and attempts to show how large and small firms can be more effective and efficient not only in todays world, but also in 2mro as well. And also this research will give the knowledge about the leading fashion brand ODEL. How did it create a fashion revolution in Srilanka? How does it lead in fashionable brand and understand the latest fashion from style runways in its contributions. Its success lies in implementing TASK 01 What is your understanding strategic management and discuss its phases? Analyse the contexts of corporate, business and functional level strategy. Initially strategic management was mostly use in large companies to operate multiple trades. Rising risk of error, costly faults and even economic ruin are causing todays perfect managers in all institution to take strategic management serious issue in order to remain their company competitive in a rising unstable environment. (Frery 2006) Different authors have described strategic management as followed: The strategic management is used to present to strategic formulation, implementation and evaluation with strategic planning referring only the strategy formulation (Pearce Robinson 2000) the intention of the strategic management is to develop and produce new and different opportunities for future. As Mr. Potter refers that, Strategy is the direction of an organization over the long term which achieves advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competences with the fulfilling stakeholder expectations. This in turn led to organizational development activities as reorganizing, new definitions of roles, jobs and etc. (Potter 1996) And also it can be carried in the strategic management is that set of managerial decision and action that determines the long run performance of a corporation. It includes environment scanning (both external and internal).strategic formulation (strategic or long range planning), strategic implementation and evaluation and control. As this definition implies, strategic management focuses on integrating management, marketing, finance, and production/ operations, research and development and computer information system to achieve organizational success. (Hoskisson, Hitt Wan 1999) The study of strategic management therefore emphasizes the monitoring and evaluating of external opportunities and threats in light of a corporations strengths and weaknesses. Strategic management as a field of study incorporates the integrative concerns of business policy with a heavier environmental and strategic emphasis. Therefore strategic management has tended to replace business policy as the preferred name of the field. (Hoskisson, Hitt Wan 1999) The strategic management is a core area for an organization in order to explore the problems which result in success or failure. Strategic management has been defined as that set of decisions and actions which lead to the development of an effective strategy or strategies to help achieve corporate objectives. (Luffman, Lea, Sanderson and Kenny 1996) Basic stages of strategic management: The strategic management process consists of four basic stages. Environmental scanning, Strategic formulation, strategic implementation, and evaluation and control; Environmental scanning:- Before an organization can begin strategy formulation, it must scan the environment to identify possible opportunities and threats and as well the strength and weaknesses. Environmental scanning is the monitoring, evaluating and disseminating of information from the internal and the external environments to key people within the organization. A organization use this method to avoid strategic surprise and to ensure its long term health. Research has found a positive relationship between environmental scanning and profit (Thomas, Clark Gioia 1993) Strategic formulation:- This is the expansion of the long range plans for the effective management of environmental opportunities and threats as well as the organization strength and weakness. It consist of defining the corporate mission, identify achievable objective, rising strategies the setting policies. Strategy formulation issue include deciding what new business to enter, what businesses to abandon, how to allocate resources, whether to expand operations or identify, whether to enter international markets, whether to merge or form a joint venture and how to avoid a hostile. Because, every organization has limited resources itself. So strategists ought to decide which alternative strategy will be benefit for the firm most. Top managers have the best perception of understanding effect of strategy formulation and they are the persons who have the authority to commit the resources necessary for implementation. (Hitt Michael 2006.) Strategic implementation:- Strategic implementation is the most difficult stage in strategic management. This process requires a firm to establish annual objectives, devise policies, motivate employees and allocate resources for the implementation of the formulated strategies. This is the process that converts the strategies and policies in to the action through the development of programs. Strategy implementation includes developing a strategy-supportive culture, creating an effective organizational structure, redirecting marketing efforts, plan the budgets, developing and utilizing information system and linking employee payment to organization performance. (Hitt Michael 2006.) Evaluation and control:- Strategic evaluation is the final stage in the strategic management. The purpose of this process is to evaluate the actual performance of an organization to do the comparison with the desire result. Because the strategic management processes were inappropriately used, operational managers must know about it. So that they can correct the employee activity. Evaluating and controlling is the major element of the strategic management to identify the weaknesses in previous executed strategic planes and thus stimulated the entire process to begin again. And all strategies are the subject to future modification because external and internal factors are continuously changing. Followings are the three fundamental strategy evaluation activities Reviewing external and internal factors that are the bases for current strategies. Measuring performance. Talking corrective action. (Hitt Michael 2006.) Mission Objectives Strategies Policies Program Budgets Procedures Performance Structure: Chain of command Culture: Beliefs, expectation Values Resources: Assets, skills, Competencies, knowledge Internal Societal Environment General forces Task Environment Industry analysis Strategy Formulation Strategy Implementation Evaluation and Control Environmental Scanning External Reason for existence What results to accomplish by when Plan to achieve the mission objectives Broad guidelines for decision making Activities needed to accomplish a plan Cost of the programs Sequence of steps needed to do the job Actual results Figure 1.1 (Thomas, Wheelen Hunger 2006) Importance of strategy management: Today strategic management became a popular and importance in the business activity for various reasons. Strategy management allows an organization to be more proactive than reactive in shaping its own future. It let an organization to initiate and influence activities and thus to expect control over its own destiny. Ref: (www.planware.org/strategy.htm) Business has determined that this is the way to reach the success: As a successful business it may have a plan and a specific path in order to achieve the goal of the organization and reach the success. It allowed the business use to think in forward: A business must be very focus on the environment as well as the customers need and wants in order to stable its futuristic in the market. The forecasting is the way to get a positioning among the public and shinning as a unique. In this procedure it shows a company where they are at present and where they actually want to be and how they get pathway where they want to be. When the strategic management is implemented the stakeholders will get to know about the goal of an organization. It gives everyone a position, a position makes a different performance level, and it provides efficient approach to reservations and focus on workers. To develop appropriate strategy and put strategy into action. The phases of the strategic management: A firm generally evolves through the following four basic phases of strategic management Basic financial planning (phase. 1):- The project is based on the analysis very little proposed with the most information from the organization. The sales typically offer the small amount of environmental protection, information. Such simple operational planning is only pretending, strategic management, and it is quite time consuming. The time horizon is usually one year. (Gluck, Kaufman Welleck 1982) Forecast based planning (phase.2):- In addition to internal information, managers gather available data from environment to extrapolate the current trend of five years and future. This phase also time consuming. The process gets very political as managers compete for larger share and funds. The time horizon is usually three to five years. (Gluck, Kaufman Welleck 1982) Externally oriented planning (phase.3):- Top level management controls the planning process by the introduction of strategic planning. The company tries to increase its responsiveness to changing markets and competition through strategic thinking. Top management typically develops five-year plan with the help of consultants but input from lower levels. (Gluck, Kaufman Welleck 1982) Strategic management (phase.4):- The employees at many levels from various departments and works groups develop and integrate a serious of strategic plans aimed at achieving the companys primary objectives. The complicated annual five years plan is replaced with the help of all levels of the organization throughout the year. (Gluck, Kaufman Welleck 1982) Levels of strategic management: Strategy exists at a number of levels in an organization. They are, Corporate level strategy:- This is concerned about the overall scope of an organization and how value will be added to the different units of an organization. Corporate strategy tropically fit with the three main categories of stability, expansion and reduction of expenditure. (Ansoff 2002) According to Michael potter, a firm must formulate a business strategy that incorporates cost leadership, differentiation or focus in order to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage and long term success in its chosen areas or industries. (Potter 1993). Alternatively, according to Kim and Mauborgne, an organization can achieve high growth and profits by creating a blue ocean strategy that breaks the previous value cost trade off by simultaneously pursuing both differentiation and low cost. (Kim Mauborgne 2007) E.g.: Nicholas Piramal follower a corporative growth strategy in order to have more share formulation drugs In corporate strategy, Johnson, Scholes and Whittington present models in which strategic option are evaluated against three key success criteria, Suitability (would it work?) Feasibility (can it be made to work) Acceptability (will they work it) (Johnson, Scholes Whittington 2008) Business level strategy:- The second level is business level strategy which is about how various businesses included in the business strategy and compete in their particular markets. Because of this reason business strategy is called as competitive strategy. This typically concerns issues such as pricing strategy, innovation or differentiation instance by better quality. So where ever corporate level strategy involves decision about the overall organization as a whole, strategic decision related to particular strategic business unit within the overall organization. (Johnson, Scholes Whittington 2008) According to Potters statement The business strategy must be maintained continually, in line with changes in the business and its environment. It should be formally reviewed at least annually as part of the business planning round; it provides the context for progress reporting on strategic themes. (Potter 1993). The business strategy must always show progress against plans to date, to enable planners to determine the current business environment and the impact that specific change programs and projects will have on the organization as a whole. There must be accurate, timely information about: Major investments to date, the corporate risk register, For each major investment, the risks associated with it. (Potter 1996). Operational strategy:- The third level of strategy is at the operating end of an organization. This is an approach taken by the functional areas to achieve the corporate objectives and strategies by maximizing the resources productivity. It is concerned with increasing and nurturing a distinctive competence to provide a company or business unit with the competitive advantage. This strategy determines how and where a production or service is to be manufactures, the level of vertical integration in the production process and development of physical resources. It should deal with the optimum level of technology the firm should use in its operational process. (Potter 1996). TASK-2 Carry out a stakeholder analysis for ODEL and explain the importance of carrying of out a stakeholder analysis at strategic level Stakeholders A stakeholder is a person or institution with interests that can affect or be affected by the organization activities. A stakeholder is normally concerned with an institution distributing intended outcome and gathering its financial objectives. In general, a stakeholder can be classified as follow:- Internal stakeholders Connected stakeholders External stakeholders (Freeman, Edward, Reed David 2002) E.g.:-owner, manager, shareholder, investor, employee, customer, partner and/or supplier, among others. Following is a diagram for the three types of stake holders stakeholders Example of interest government Taxation, reduce the unemployment, truthful reporting and etc. Employees Wages on time, job security and promotions, respect and etc. Customers Value, quality, customer care, ethical product and etc. suppliers Equitable business opportunities, supply the product for customers. creditors credit score, new contracts, liquidity and etc. Community jobs, involvement, environmental protection, shares, truthful communication and etc. Trade unions quality, Staff protection, jobs and etc. Investors Profit, futuristic of the firm, respect and etc. (Freeman, Edward, Reed David 2002) A stakeholder may take part directly or indirectly to an organizations activities. Other than business, a stakeholder may also be concerned with the result of a specific plan, effort or activity, such as a community development scheme or the delivery of local health services. A stakeholder usually stands to gain or lose depending on the decisions taken or policies executed. Stakeholder Analysis Talking about the Stakeholder Analysis is an approach that is normally used to identify and examine the Force Field formed by any group or individual who can affect or is affected by the achievement of the objectives of an organization. Stakeholder Analysis identifies the ways in which stakeholders may influence the organization or may be influenced by its activities, as well as their attitude towards the organization and its targets. E.g.:- Customers are important when quality of products is discussed. Employees are important when circumstances or safety at work is discussed. Government is important when dealing with the environment or legislation. Stake holder analysis is the appropriate method to gathering data as an introduction to planning in tactic and objective setting stage. We can generally illustrate three reasons for why does the stake holder analysis necessary to an organization. Surveys are a cost efficient way to increase the input from a large number of individuals. Ensure that you are asking the correct question to find out the information you need, and that respondents are diplomatic. Surveys are a lack of risk, low-cost starting point and are best followed up with mechanisms for dialog, creativity and consent building. One-on-one meetings are a best way to develop personal relationships while gather information. Its essential to set expectations with contributor on how the data will be used and the range of other people to be consulted, so no one is dissatisfied if all of their facts are not imitate. All make sure the information collection is available to the main decision-making group. Multi-stakeholder discussion carries together different stakeholders in a neutral forum, and is influential tools for sharing information, building consent and earlier promises to the end product. As the Roman philosopher Seneca said around 2000 years ago, the best ideas are common property. Often annual convention permits time for plan or strategy expansion workshops. An independent facilitator will produce a relieve sector and process for positive contribution. Ref: (http://www.axi.ca/tca/Nov 2004/associate article) Internal stakeholders: The internal stakeholders are can be functioning as inside the organization, those people who are having very interest and care about the organization as well, can directly affect or can be affected by the activities of a particular Organization. Generally Employees, managers, Directors and Secretary are taking place as internal stakeholders. Mean while the ODEL has its internal stake holders itself. Employees:- Employees and their delegate groups are interested in information about the permanence and profitability of their owner. They are also concerned on the information which allows them to assess the capability of the organization to provide remuneration, retirement benefits and the other requirement of an employee. ODEL accept as true that employees are the most important drivers of the growth for their organization. They have certain approach between the employees which is 5Ps. Such as: People, Pride, Passion, Process and Performance. Odel believes in combine training and development into the Companys regular work background. With this in mind, Odel provides strict workshops and guidance programs for the staffs, both locally and overseas. At Odel, they pleasure in supporting and equipping their employees to reach the top by providing the required training. By support internal staffing, Odel has increased awareness of their business culture and value. Directors:- Directors can be classified into two. Board of Directors and Non Executive Directors; Both Directors are commonly known as management body, directors have to attend the conference, financial analyzing, plan their obligations and achieve their objectives thus each and every directors have to have responsible for their responsibilities. E.g.: according to the ODEL management structure Mr. Ruchi Gunewardene Chairman/Non-Executive Director Ms. Otara Gunewardene Executive Director/CEO Mr. Paul Topping Non Executive Independent Director Mr. Sanjay Kulatunga Non Executive Independent Director Mr. Eardley Perera Non Executive Independent Director The directors have some duties towards the organization such as to be a good leader and as well a good innovator to implement some new ideas and make perfect decision on the uncertainties of the organization for its futuristic. There for they can earn the good profit and as well the good will of customers. As we take Otara Gunewardene as an example, she is a Sri Lankan industrialist as well a Model. She is the founder and CEO of the brand Odel. Otara implement some new way of strategy in her business to make Odel to shown as a highlight. She newly introduced fashions in Sri Lanka and reaching global heights on her own merit has attracted the great compliment from many esteemed institutions and serve to confirm her status as an entrepreneur par excellence. Looking back at all the tributes that have come her way since she established ODEL. Otaras determined Endeavour has always been to add value in every which way and this has inspired all the new additions to Odels portfolio of offerings. Now Odel became a section devoted to dressing customers with a taste for high fashion. To identify a good leader awards play major role. Following are some awards which are achieved by Otara Gunewardene: In 2008, Otara was awarded the Retail Leadership Award at the Asia Retail Congress in India. In 2008, Otara was invited as a leading fashion entrepreneur and anointed Woman of Saab stance by Saab Cars Singapore. In 2008, she was named as Sri Lankan Ambassador for World Animal Day. Otara nominated as the Face of Alankara in 2007, a jeweler brand that reflects modern designs for the woman of today. Ref: (http://www.otara.lk/welcome/achievements) Investor:- Investors are the source of risk capital and their concentrations are with the risk inherent in, and return present by, their investments. The organizations in formations help them to determine whether they should buy, hold or sell the shares. Shareholders are also interested in information which allows them to assess the ability of the venture to pay dividends. When are talking about the Odel capital structure, Otara Gunewardene has invest the highest amount of capital around Rs.80,833,100 (its about 55% in whole). So she has the authority to control the function of Odel as a CEO. Connected stakeholders: Some examples are given below for connected stakeholders, Supplier:- Supplier can be a person or an organization who distribute the company raw material or requirement stuffs. The motive of a supplier towards an organization is to supply to the organization where he can work for long time as well as where he can gain maximum profit. When we take a look on Odel, Odel has selected each and every product in very new trend fashionable way to its customers. As it is The Colombo jewelers is one of vital supplier for Odel. There began an industrial line developed in partnership between Odel and Colombo jewelers store for the fashion forward women. Otara motivated design collections featured fashionable jewelers using a merger of colored gems and diamonds all set in white gold. Otara motivated the design collection featured fashionable jewelers using a merge of colored gems and diamonds in all set in white gold. Akram Cassim, CEO of Colombo Jewelers Stores, mentioned on the thought of build an Otara jewelers collection, Otara has been a great source of influence and inspiration to the fashion conscious people in Sri Lanka. Ref:-(http://www.businesstoday.lk/article.php?article=2145, http://print.dailymirror.lk/life/132-life/30441) Competitors :- The firm in a particular industry produces the similar product or service is known as a competitor to another firm which is in the same industry. The present of the more competitors can reduce the price of product. But the heavy competition is the thing which can lead the market in a healthy path. When we take a look on the Odel, Odel follows the pricing strategy. But there are several firms which are having the same progress as Odel has itself. Romafour is a good example for the heavy competitor of clothing part of Odels portfolio. Romafore is a designer store which offers the best in high fashion revolutionary clothing like Odel. They are following the same pricing marketing strategy which Odel follows. They maintain their way of marketing style which helps to capture the market share in order to be a successful firm in the same industry. So in order to attract the customers from this heavy competition Odel have to implement some new innovative clothing style which does not exist yet to the market. Share holders:- Shareholder is a person or an institution who owns the share of an organization. The objective for most organization is to deliver a growth return to shareholders. This is achieved by generating growing profits and realizing them in cash. The cash can then be used for reinvestment in the business, repayment of funding or distribution to shareholders. Typical shareholders have partial authority over in public traded business beyond voting for the Board of Directors. Shareholders who bought great percentages of an organization must have additional regulatory requirements, such as widely reporting the amount of their holdings. Shareholders who are also institution insiders are need to expose the file in public whenever they wish to raise or decrease their holdings. Every legal application among the 22,548 received for shares of ODEL at the companys record-setting primary Public Offer is to be allocated shares, with the smallest investors being fulfilled and bigger investors getting allocations in proportion to their own applications, the company has publicized. Odel has allocate the IPO share of 1.2million for employees it has a different features in that retail and non retail investor criteria were allocated separately in order to avoid small investors being crowed out by large investors and to encourage wider share ownership. Ref: (http://www.odel.lk/equitable-share-allotment-in-record-odel-ipo) External stakeholders: Where the organization cannot use its influence is called as external environment. The organizations success depends upon how well they adapt to the external environment. A firms ability to plan and alter its internal variables to get advantage of opportunities produce by the external environment, and its ability to control threats cause by the same environment, determine its success. Followings are some example for the external factors. Financial public:- The financial publics frequently referred to synonymously with investors relationship. The distinction between the two disciplines in practice is a grey area as the two works side by side. From financial public, relationship in its management of the investor base, where new investors must be found to replace those who have realized their investment. Financial publics are concerned with raising awareness and build understanding amongst primarily the Citys opinion formers who influence investors and potential investors. These are often to as third party audience. The financial institutions such as banks, leasing companies, financial analysis concern about the organization performance in providing finances the company position to the outside world is hard in financial function. According to the Odel prospector DFCC Vardhana Bank, Hatton National Bank PLC, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Nations Trust Bank PLC, Sampath Bank PLC, Union Bank of Colombo Ltd are the financ ial sources of the Odel that we can identify. Government:- The central and local government performs as a basis of legist ration to form laws and legist rations are forced and pressured by the community or general public to have proper attention for their concerns. They are the people who have the authority to control the organization in order to protect the consumers against the fake product. Media:- Media plays a major role in the function of an organization. The relationship between an organization and the media has to be maintaining in a good manner. Usually televisions, newspapers, radio, journals, magazines, articles, internet, editorials are the one way street from the company to customer. Odel has a good relationship with media representatives such as The Nation, Sunday Island, Lakbima News, Daily News, Daily Mirror, The Bottom Line, Daily FT, LB News, Sudar Oli, The Island, Business Standard, Business Today, Financial Times, Island Financial, Morning Reader, HHO in order to have favor for the organization. The purpose of press relationship is not to issue press releases. It is to influence and inform the target audience. While it is largely of a tactical nature in practice, good media relationship can contribute to long term objectives such as: Improving company or brand image Higher and better media profile Changing attitudes of target audients Increasing market share Improving relationship with the community Influencing government policy at local national or international level Improving communications with investors and their advisers Improving industrial relations Scanning the External environment Analysis of societal Environment Economic, Social, Cultural, Technological, Political and Legal Factors Market Analysis Community Analysis Competitor Analysis Supplier Analysis Government Analysis Interest Group Analysis Selection of Strategic Factors Opportunities Threats Figure 2.1 (Klein Linneman 1984) TASK-3 Conduct an environmental audit for ODEL An environmental audit is helpful to categorize which part of the organization has impact on the environment and to what extent. It also an efficient risk management tool, which allow to make sure how efficiently a business acts in unity with environmental legislation. The relationship between the organizations micro environments usually involves short term operational decisions, whereas the macro environment involves more long term strategy decisions. The essential point to note is that the relationships are dynamic, never static. Thus the firms resources change from day to day as it is wins or loses contracts, employee join level it, new products are designed investments succeed or fail. It is impossible to list a

The Daily Life of Ancient Greeks :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

The Daily Life of Ancient Greeks Life in Greece in ancient times would remind you of your own life in many ways. There was school, family, athletic competition, and social gatherings. Knowing that participants in their sporting events competed nude or that you rarely knew your husband/wife until the wedding day does however, make you grateful for the society that you live in today. Â   Babies Life for the Greeks in Athens began in their home. Babies were delivered by the women of the family, and only in cases of serious complications was a mid-wife called. Large families were not desired by Athenians since the inheritance was to be divided up equally among sons and daughters requiring dowries. So, unwanted children were not uncommon. Killing the babies was illegal, but a new-born could be exposed to die. These unwanted babies were left outside in a clay pot either to be claimed by a childless woman or rescued and brought up as a slave (Connolly, 32). Slaves were common in ancient times, if a family was reasonably well off they usually had two or three slaves. Slaves would take on the tasks of motherhood, some would even breast feed the babies. The slaves also worked the fields and helped the mother with other household duties, such as making clothes (The Study of Women, online). Â   Education Boys would begin school at age seven. They were also given a paidagogos, a slave that accompanied them everywhere. The paidagogos taught the boy manners, punished him when he did wrong, and even sat through classes with the boy to make sure he did his work. School went from half an hour after daybreak to half an hour before the sun set. Physical education was a big part of a boys education (Connolly, 34). When boys were 18, they no longer went to school; instead they began their 2 year military training. Young girls did not go to school. Middle and upper class girls leaned to read and write from a female tutor at home (Connolly, 35). Girls generally stayed at home until they were married, which was around the age of 15 (Ancient Civilizations, online). They helped their mother in the house and worked in the fields when they were needed (Exploring Ancient, online). Â   Marriage Marriages were arranged. Because girls lived such sheltered lives, they usually had never even met the men their fathers agreed for them to marry. Men were mostly in their twenties when they got married, the girls were usually 15.

Human Rights :: Human Rights Essays

Human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent. Human rights are what make us human. When we speak of the right to life, or development, or to dissent and diversity, we are speaking of tolerance. Tolerance will ensure all freedoms. Without it, we can be certain of none. The raging ethnic cleansing in Kosovo is an example of intolerance. The Serbians will not tolerate the Albanians at any cost. They are forcing them from their homes, turning the streets into killing fields. This civil war seems unstoppable because of the intolerance of one race against another. No respect for individual rights, basic human rights. Another example is right in our own back yard. I am speaking of hate crimes which plague our society. They are no different today than centuries ago when slavery was allowed. One race against another. One religion against another, it is all the same. Hate is the opposite of tolerance. We can only live together through an expression of tolerance of the differences each of us brings into this world. We should embrace the differences and share the differences. For this is how we learn, through each others' differences. Tolerance in all cultures is the basis of peace and progress. Our country was founded on the basic idea that all man and women are created equal with liberty and justice for all. We must respect and preserve the rights of all, for when the rights of one is threatened the rights of all are diminished. I would like to leave you with this story to ponder. In Germany they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me and by that time no one was left to speak up. Remember tolerance and mercy have always and in all cultures been ideals of government rule and human behavior. Today, we call these ideals human rights. Human rights are to be respected and preserved if we are progress as a society and as a people. Affirmative: Organized government would be non-existent if human rights were not preserved and protected. This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.

Reality Bites Essay

â€Å"Reality Bites† is a simple, interesting film about a love triangle, but it is also about the differences in people and their intelligence to be successful in life. At least in my opinion, that is the one thing in this movie that is very clear. It keeps you wondering about giving yourself a sense of hope or simply complaining about how difficult life really is. I also found some of the topics we learned in class with aspects of the movie. Our three main characters are, first, Lelaina Pierce, who is a young valedictorian graduate who is in search of her place in the world. The second main character is Troy Dyer, her highly intelligent ex-boyfriend, who is smart, yet down on the world, and conforming to any social society that comes along. The character of Troy, as the film progresses shows that his layers of isolation and self-protection gradually melt away to reveal a troubled, yet warmly sincere young man. Then, third, we have the very average Michael Grates, who is very successful in the entertainment industry yet, he is non-intellectual. One of the characters is also Lelaina’s roommate, Vicki Miner, who works at a GAP and sleeps with 66 boys before she gets tested for AIDS. All these characters together form a modern-day soap opera. From one perspective, it displays the confused interrelationship-etiquette seen in today’s society. It also displays these young people struggling to fight against the commercialization that â€Å"reality† brings upon them. Reading the psychology book Invitation to Psychology book by Carole Wade and Carol Tavris, I found the The Modern Study of Personality topic relate to all of the characters in the film. All of them seemed to be in the extroverted side rather than in the introverted side. All of the characters included traits such as being talkative, sociable and adventurous as opposed to being silent, reclusive or cautious. None of them were likely to stay in the shadows. Vicki and Michael seemed to have agreeableness while Lalaina and Troy would often act antagonism. Lalaina and Troy were irritable, abrasive and jealous in many scenes of the movie. They were also very impulsive. In some scenes we saw Lalaina â€Å"giving up† like when she spoke on the phone for hours a day speaking to a psychich reader and acting careless about finding a job. Anyhow, she later found determination and managed to get some money to pay the phone bill. At the start of the film, you see Lelaina giving a speech at her graduation. She basically delivers a hopeless speech and admits she has no answers to give her fellow students toward any redemption or hope in the world. Many unpleasant things happen to Lelaina. Her ex-boyfriend, Troy, moves into her place, until he can find a place of his own. The guy comes across as one of the most self-centered, egotistical, arrogant people imaginable. However, Lelaina is stuck with him as she and her roommates try to cope with Troy? s overpowering intellect. In all fairness, Troy is a very annoying. I actually did not like his character for what he is, intelligent but very lazy. The next downfall for Lelaina is that she’s fired from her job at the television studio. This becomes a turning point in the film as we see her struggle in the big world trying everything to find work. Here we see the sad struggle of the young as she faces countless interviews that dissipate due to lack of experience and education. The film examines both personal and professional aspects of their lives and lifestyles. The movie comes across as a timeless story told over and over that, when you? re young, and in this case generation X, life is tough and nobody cuts you any slack. Fact is, life is tough no matter what age you are. What makes it all worthwhile is that one day you wake up and find this thing called â€Å"acceptance of life† and you try to enjoy the world around you.

Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News Essay

The nonfiction book of Bernard Richard Goldberg entitled â€Å"Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News† is phenomenal and controversial. Goldberg boldly and bravely mentioned celebrity news man and reporters who actively participate in the idea of media bias. His book generally states the slanted or one-sided nature of the news coverage. The book will give the readers ideas and evidences on how integrity, fairness, and balance disappeared from news reporting. Hence, this paper attempts to give the readers a glimpse about Goldberg’s perceptions of the how the news is being formulated nowadays. It intends to discuss some of the evidences backed up with Goldberg’s opinion about news formulation in America particularly in the CBS News. This paper also aims to provide personal feedback and evaluations about Goldberg’s charges of media bias and present ideas about journalism today. Veteran CBS reporter, Bernard Richard Goldberg in his book â€Å"Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News† exposed how media bias prevails in America’s media. The title itself gives the readers an idea about its content. The book clearly walks them through from the author’s experiences in the world of journalism. He delivered an array of criticisms against major broadcasting networks and news reporters. He mentioned his perceptions about his colleagues’ biases in presenting news. Goldberg showed how news organizations and his colleagues working as ‘journalists’ operate behind the cameras. Any reader will agree that the extreme bitterness of Goldberg towards his colleagues before was very evident and transparent in the book. The book presents facts and evidences about the idea of the media being leftist. Chapter 5 is a good example on how reporters used media for political persuasion. Goldberg supported this idea through evidence. In 1980, Goldberg started noticing that the homeless people in America showed on the news â€Å"didn’t look very much like the homeless people† (Goldberg 63). The ones he saw on the sidewalks at large were drug addicts or winos who mumbled crazy things, but the ones that journalists showed on television were different. â€Å"They looked as if they came from their neighborhood and mine. They looked like us† (Goldberg 63). The quantity of homeless people being depicted in the media will somehow tell the leader’s capability to lessen poverty. During that time, the elected president was Bill Clinton. Goldberg clearly said that media illustrated Bill Clinton as a perfect humanitarian. Homeless people have a better situation than before, or better yet, the problem of homelessness was solved. According to Goldberg, this was about not wanting to show certain Americans at all. Monumental stories of how Americans live their lives are not nearly monumental to some TV journalists. Goldberg criticized that journalists delighted so much on news and stories like Princess Diana, Fidel Castro’s communist dictatorship, and Jon Benet Ramsey but failed to focus on more important issues for American people that need to be addressed. The TV news influenced the viewers that the most important and significant story of contemporary times was Princess Di because it inspired and illuminated the people, but how about the more important realities which need to be solved? Goldberg presented wordy references of how media always ignore more relevant information. An example of the presented evidences was that â€Å"more and more mothers have opted for work outside of the house over taking care of their children at home and the results have been disastrous† (Goldberg 164). However, serious stories like this were not given serious coverage. The increasing number of sexual abuse in America, the increasing number of premarital sex of children below 15 years old, the effects of divorce and absence of American mothers at home were some of the important stories that were not accentuated in media. Identity politics, according to Goldberg, was very eminent. In his book, Goldberg gave an example: â€Å"During the Clinton impeachment trial in 1999, as the senators signed their names in the oath book swearing they would be fair and impartial, Jennings, who was anchoring ABC News’s live coverage, made sure his audience knew which senators were conservatives but uttered not a word about which ones were liberal† (Goldberg 57). This was a cold fact given which proves that conservatives and liberals in politics are treated in an obviously different manner by the news media. The book also informs the readers how media selects news and how they present it according to their own stand to attract attention. One prominent example is the way AIDS in the U. S. was depicted as an epidemic to â€Å"spark demand for massive government AIDS spending. † Since Goldberg has been in the news reporting field for a long time, readers can easily assume the credibility of the book. Most of the facts presented were even based on his personal experience in the business. His perceptions are backed up with statistics and evidences which will give the readers’ impression that he knows what he is talking about. His bravery to name names would make him gain heroic impression. Personally, however, I found weaknesses in the book. I agree with the idea that reporters mentioned by Goldberg tend to slant the news to cater to their own preference—the standard of most viewers or the pro government. However, I am skeptic about whether the presented evidences given by Goldberg are enough to coin them media biases. It may be safe to conclude that Goldberg’s colleagues provided some favorable information and concealed unfavorable information to the news viewers. Goldberg observed that reporters choose to cover certain events only, but did he not consider that events are infinite in number which means space and time are necessarily limited? Reporters make their judgments in choosing events to cover which they think are newsworthy. Personally, that is not enough to label them as bias in general. I strongly believe that there is media bias as Goldberg wanted to depict, but the presented evidences were not just enough. I wish he went beyond that. Another weakness I found in the book is that Goldberg used political and technical terms like liberal bias, liberal hate speech, and conservatives to name a few. He failed to define them according to its context. Defining those terms will give the readers an idea what he was talking about. It may be easy to conclude that his target readers are those people working in the same business. Thus, those ordinary people who seek the truth can just define those terms in their own context and reality. As a result, they may misinterpret the message. Goldberg also failed to mention what factors made the media elite to be bias in presenting and choosing news. Was it because of their educational background? What kind of orientation and realities do they have that affect their preferences in judging what is newsworthy? Was it because of laziness, or was it because they unintentionally conform to the standard of the majority? It is natural for a reader to assume that Goldberg can actually answer these questions since they became his colleagues. I wanted to commend Goldberg’s idea about the homeless story. I find it weak. The readers may ask themselves whether homelessness during Bill Clinton’s administration remained stagnant. If only Goldberg provided information on the succeeding 0% of homelessness during Clinton’s era, it might truly create a stronger impact. However, in reading the book based on Goldberg evidences, I came up with the conclusion that the media abused their power to give information according to their own preference and standard. The problem is that they are not aware of it. They think that what they are doing is right. His book is good though in suggesting the news they are feeding the public are filtered and manufactured either intentionally or unintentionally. News must be presented accurately and completely, then let the public judge its context. The problem with journalists is that they tend to go beyond their job. I do not want to think that men and women entered journalism because they want to make a difference. Although that is good, the problem is they may just report certain news motivated by their own idealism and preference. For example, highlighting inspiring stories that may, in their own idea, inspire people and make a difference. Media must be very careful in giving the right and accurate information. Viewers of news want accurate information. They dislike slanted information because it will be costly in time, money, and effort to seek the truth. Despite its weaknesses, the book has motivated me to go and seek beyond the box. It cannot be ignored that Goldberg presented facts in his charges and accusations. The book provides one assurance: one cannot expect perfect accuracy and balance of information even from competitive and â€Å"credible† media.