Monday, September 30, 2019

Hybrid System for Automobiles

As you will well appreciate, the issue of hybrid automobile systems has gained increased prominence in the recent past. This is as a result of the drawbacks associated with the conventional automobile systems currently in use and the potential benefits that hybrid systems can offer.At present, our company, like many automobile manufacturers, produces vehicles that run on the conventional internal combustion engine. Since this involves the combustion of fossil-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel, it is associated with the emission of noxious gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and waste hydrocarbons that significantly compound the problem of global warming in addition to increasing the risk of heart, lung, respiratory and eye illnesses.Fossil fuels are also manufactured from oil, which has recently been the subject of steep price hikes that affected many motorists.Hybrid systems are not only cleaner but also incur cheaper operational costs. They would gi ve our company an opportunity to demonstrate its social responsibility and commitment to the environment and generate positive PR spin offs for it. It would also help the firm generate more sales revenues and to maximize its profits.Towards this end, I have prepared a proposal that seeks to design, develop, and implement an automobile hybrid system to be incorporated into our vehicles. Given the time schedule, reliability, schedule visibility, clarity of technology and user requirements associated with the development of the proposed system, we propose to use a throwaway prototyping model, a type of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).The entire project is expected to take one year, and will involve experts drawn from the different functional areas of the organization as well as outside consultants. Other resource requirements will include finances to purchase raw materials and modify existing production facilities.Given the unmistakable benefits that the hybrid automobile sys tem offers, there is no doubt that the benefits that our company will reap from its implementation will outweigh the costs by far. I will be glad to clarify or discuss with you any issues appertaining. Thank you.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The Similarity of the Husband in “Cat in The Rain” and “Hills Like White Elephants”

Ernest Hemingway’s â€Å"Cat in the Rain† and â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants† describe a theme of difference between husband’s desires and wife’s desires. Both stories have the same conflict about an inconsiderate husband who always ignores his wife’s desire. The husband is not a family man.He indirectly shows that he doesn’t enjoy being with his wife and children. The male characters of Ernest Hemingway emerge as having similarities in their characters and their attitudes with their wives. For the first similarity, both husbands are identical to their inconsiderate characters. The husbands lack of attention to their wife.The American husband, George, in â€Å"Cat in the Rain† is an unresponsive person. He always takes more interest in his books than his wife. In the end of the story, the man doesn’t listen to his wife and keeps reading his book.His wife expresses many desires, for example, she wants a cat which has a s ymbol of a child and wants to eat at the table with silver spoon and candle that means she want to be a house wife. George doesn’t pay attention what his wife wants. For example, when the woman wants to grow out her hair, which symbolizes femininity, he responds, â€Å"I think you look pretty darn nice.†He directly speaks to her in an irritated way. â€Å"Shut up and get something to read†, George says when she wants the cat in the rain. Similar to George, the American husband, in â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants†, is insensitive to his wife and his baby. He says that â€Å"it’s just to let the air in. † His speech hints that he doesn’t want to have a baby.The American husband wants his wife to abort because he thinks that the unborn baby is a big obstacle for the couple’s happiness. The American husband gives his wife a cold look and doesn’t care about whatever his wife wants or talks.Furthermore, both the male characte rs lack fatherhood. While George ignores to have a baby, the American husband hints at his wife to have an abortion. The second resemblance of two male characters is that they have the same attitudes of married life towards their wives.The two husbands don’t want to settle down and don’t want to start to have a quitter way of life. In â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants†, the American husband indirectly doesn’t want to live in one place while his wife wishes to have a warm family and a child.Because of different married attitudes, their marriage’s life leads  to future separation. In â€Å"Hills Like White Elephant†, the American husband â€Å"waits reasonably† for the train, which suggests us that the couple maybe brake up and go separate way.George and the American husband can’t get along with their wife. Although they don’t make a terrible quarrel, they are dissatisfied and will break up with each other someday. Moreov er, their relationship is about lack of freedom of the woman’s desires. In â€Å"Cat in the Rain†, George hardly listen to his wife and doesn’t care for her materialistic wants.Because he doesn’t want her to get what she wants, he probably thinks that he is the leader of their relationship and has more power than his wife. To resemble in â€Å"Hills Like White Elephant†, we obviously notice that the American husband tries to control his wife by hinting her to abort.The American husband may thinks that he can control anything. He also acts as if he is more knowledgeable and worldly than his wife. The similarities of the male characters in Ernest Hemingway’s fictions, the writer wants to show us about disagreement of the couple’s desires. Two male characters, George and the American husband, are unfeeling to their wife.They virtually don’t concern whatever their wives’ urge and want. Although two females indirectly express their desires that they want to have a baby, two husbands always pay no attention to their wife’s need.The men also has no the state of being a father, especially the American husband who circuitously tells his wife to have an abortion. Furthermore, two husbands have a rough relationship with their wife. The couple’s relationship shows us that they are about to separate because they are contrary to each other’s need. The husbands also try to decrease freedom of their wife by controlling their wife what they want her to do and to be.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The Mosque of Selim II in Edirne Research Paper

The Mosque of Selim II in Edirne - Research Paper Example The Muslim architect Sinan, considered the greatest Islamic builder, worked from the reign Selim I through that of Sulayman I and Selim II, named court architect in 1539. The mosques Sehzade and Sulayman I, and Selim II are his masterpieces of more than 300 designs ("Sinan." 1-1). The city was founded (c.A.D. 125) by Hadrian, a strongly fortified site as doorway to Greece. It was dominated by no less than a dozen countries until its return to Turkey by the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 (Edirne1-1) . What is unique about Turkish architecture is the accomplishment of symmetry using the repetition of many, often asymmetrical shapes. Sometimes they are simply repeated in symmetrical patterns, sometimes overlaid to for a surface and sometimes in design using tessellation (Walrath, John 2010). The Structure of the Mosque The mosque structure is seen below and the drawing allows one to see wonderful symmetry created by symmetrical arrangement of the various elements While the two colleges do n ot balance the aerial view, they do balance the wall against which they are constructed. In looking at this illustration one can easily see how various shapes are repeated in regular patterns, such as lines of windows, wall sconces and the shapes used for coverings and light entrance. ("Art History Test 3.") ("World Architecture Images- Selimiye Mosque (Minar Sinan).") Minarets Minarets, often used for calls to worship, are not seen everywhere, because Muslim law prohibits their construction where they may impact the privacy of individual homes (Eres and Akin 79-90). Also they are most commonly used in symmetrical patterns as in the corner pattern of this mosque which contrasts a square to the massive central dome and its many smaller repetitions. Inside Design The most striking part of interior design is the intricate painting or carving found in most mosques. Whole surfaces, such as walls, ceiling floors and even the interior parts of domes are covered with tessellations. Tessella tions are a pattern of the same shapes repeated and laid together with no gaps ("ORIGAMI BLOG  » Origami Tessellations and Islamic Design."). As in quilting, ceramic tiles can be painted with repetitive designs and then arranged to form more wonderful complex designs. The tiles are joined side by side and sometimes the new pattern creates a tessellation of tessellations. If differently shaped tiles are used, this can also allow a new design to be made. Islam and Judiaism share an aversion to creating images of animate beings. However, "the main advances of Arabian architecture were not made in the all-important branches of construction, but rather in decorative adjuncts closely related to sculpture and painting," (Reber 195). This aversion to using people in art might â€Å"explain the prevalence of calligraphy, tessellation and pattern as key aspects of Islamic artistic culture† ("Comparative religion for all human - About Islam."). There is, as a result, almost no human r epresentation in Judaic art as in Muslim art. Christianity might have followed the same pattern if it had not spread beyond the Middle East (Reber 195-6). What is really apparent is that Muslim art is not just for decoration, though it is

Friday, September 27, 2019

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Essay Example Generally, the ultimate goal is to present a case study on a chosen patient which is diagnosed to have COPD. The case is then presented and analyzed on the basis of the physiological functions, the effects on the systemic balance of the patient, the probable care required while taking into consideration of the history and past ailments of the patient. The prevalence of lung diseases is considered as one of the concerns of the present generation of medical care. One of the respiratory diseases that cover a variety of ailments and symptomatic indications is the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The disease commonly includes lung deficiencies such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or overlapping cases of such diseases. This disease mainly involves the increasing malfunction of the lungs mainly due to building up impediment in the respiratory passages (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute or NHLBI, 2003). One of the leading causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the increasing amount of pollutants in the atmosphere and high percentage of smokers. The data gathered from study of cases related to COPD is limited but it can be surmised that due to the fact that the exposure to agents causing this ailment is relatively high, the cases of recorded COPD is only a small portion of the actual number of those affected. Based on general studies on the exposure to smoking in particular that reaches to 1.2 billion of the world population, the susceptibility of the population is related to this total number (Davis and Novotny, 1989; Sharma, 2006). Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease To specifically present the possible causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease factors such as causative agents and susceptibility to the disease are presented. Causative agents are cigarette smoking and air pollution. On the other hand the contributing factor such as airway hyper responsiveness and Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency are also important. These two factors determine the risk that a patient faces in relation to COPD (Sharma, 2006). One of the main reasons for the incidence of COPD is smoking. Of the recorded cases of COPD gathered from hospital records, 15% are caused by cigarette smoking. The severity of the condition and in relation to the mortality can be attributed to factors such as the age that a patient started smoking, the rate of smoking and even the exposure to other smokers. The factor such as continued smoking even in the incidence of observance of the possible indications of COPD is also considered. The highest proportion which is 90% risk of rate can be attributed to tobacco consumption. The non-smokers that are in close association to the smokers are also in great risk of acquiring lung diseases which includes asthma and deterioration of the lung processes. The pollution in the air is another causative agent in the onset and progressive development of COPD. Although this is the case, there is less effect when compared to smoking. Smoke and other particulates in the atmosphere along with the house hold consumption of fuel also contribute to the increasing incidence of lung ailments (Sharma, 2006). The susceptibility of the patients to respiratory ailments can also contribute to acquisition of the disease. The "hyper responsivene

Thursday, September 26, 2019

2 questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

2 questions - Assignment Example For Example, if we multiply two numbers a^5 and a^3, then we add powers of both number as bases are same and the product will be Quotient Rule: When dividing with exponential notation with the same bases (non-zero), we subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator. For Example, dividing a^5 by a^3, we subtract 3 from 5, as bases are same and the division will be When rewriting an exponential expression with a negative exponent and a positive base to an expression containing only a positive exponent, does the sign of the base change? Demonstrate with an example. No, when rewriting an exponential expression with a negative exponent and a positive base to an expression containing only a positive exponent, the sign of the base does not change. In case of a negative exponent, x to the power of a negative number is one divided by x to the power of that positive number. For example, a^(-2) will be equal to

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Compare and contrast 2 theoretical accounts of developmental dyslexia Essay

Compare and contrast 2 theoretical accounts of developmental dyslexia - Essay Example The distinguishing traits of the condition include reading and writing difficulties. It is surmised that it spawns from sensory dysfunctions, and these have been thoroughly backed up by empirical research. However, the definitive cause of the condition is yet to be determined (Coleman, 2002). The disorder has frequently been hypothesized to be the result of various sensory malfunctions. After years of research, it has been indicated that dyslexia also has visual and writing aspects, making it a learning disability that debilitates optimized performance (Francks et al, 2002). This essay aims to compare the two theories of dyslexia at the biological, cognitive and behavioral levels. However, before undertaking this comparison, it is important to lay down the different theories that explain this condition. These are the phonological, the magnocellular (auditory and visual) and the cerebellar theories (Ramus et al, 2002). I shall attempt to compare the phonological and cerebellar theories of dyslexia. Ramus et al (2002) undertook a multiple case study to evaluate the key theories explaining the origin of dyslexia. The sample of the study was composed of 16 university students for the control group. They were given various tests to gauge dyslexic traits. The outcomes suggest that majority of the respondents had a phonological deficit and that this was enough cause for them to have dyslexia. That is, in contrast with the cerebellar theory that has auditory and visual deficits as requisites to dyslexia, the study points out that the presence of a phonological deficit alone defines the condition. The presence of auditory deficits only worsens the condition, but are not necessarily required for having dyslexia. These deficits result in â€Å"literacy impairments.† Moreover, the study did not reinforce that motor deficiencies are rooted on the cerebellum (Ramus et al, 2002). At the biological and cognitive levels, the phonological deficit theory

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics - Essay Example Examples of such emotions can be lust, greed, anger, jealousy, hatred, joy, and-in some cases- even love. However a â€Å"continent† person is able to resist the pressure of such emotions. He is able to dutifully abide by the path that reason prescribes, even if in reality he has no desire for doing so. This dutiful adherence to goodness is not just applicable to cases where the ‘good’ course of action has been determined by a person’s own intellectual and rational faculties. It can also apply to cases where ‘good’ has been determined and prescribed by society. Dutiful, albeit passive and thoughtless, adherence to ethical norms can also be called â€Å"continence†. An â€Å"incontinent† person (the Greek word is akratà ªs), on the other hand, is one who succumbs to the pressures of his desires and emotions and violates what in his own opinion is the demand of reason. The incontinent person lacks mastery of feelings. However, Aristotle maintained that â€Å"incontinence† is quite distinct from â€Å"evil†. The â€Å"evil† are those who believe that virtues (such as justice, temperance and truthfulness) are useless, and are not to be pursued at all. While the â€Å"incontinent† person fails to pursue ‘good’ out of a ‘weakness of will’, the evil do not even attempt to be virtuous. In other words the evil do not reach the conclusion that the virtuous course of action is rational; which seems, more or less, like a defect in their intelligence, or their rational faculties. He refers to the evil as kakos or as phaulos. It is important to note that even though the â€Å"incontinent† a re removed from acting in a virtuous manner, they do acknowledge a duty of doing so. Hence, according to Aristotle, their situation is not hopeless (incontinence isn’t vicious). Here one might raise the concern that if the â€Å"incontinent† succumb to the inexorable counter-pressure of their desires and their emotions; then their actions are involuntary. And since, as the well known dictum suggests, ‘ought’ implies ‘can’, we can safely assume that the â€Å"incontinent† aren’t morally responsible for their seemingly reprehensible actions. However, Aristotle’s notion of â€Å"voluntary† (Book 3, Chapter 1) is entirely negative. An action is voluntary in two conditions. The first condition is the absence of any sort of ‘compulsion’ toward the performance of the action, and the second condition is the absence of ‘ignorance’ about the harmful consequences of the action. Note that ‘compul sion’ in used here only in the sense of being compelled by an external force (a force that lies outside the agent). And since desires and emotions lie within a person, therefore when an â€Å"incontinent† person succumbs to the pressure of his desires he can not be said to be acting involuntarily. It is clear that a person will act in ways that are ‘good’ if he is â€Å"continent†, and resists the irrational appetites that haunt him. However, according to Aristotle, the life of such a person is not virtuous. Aristotle believes that true ‘virtue’ and goodness are quite distinct from both continence and incontinence. In fact, Aristotle regards ‘continence’, ‘incontinence’ and ‘

Monday, September 23, 2019

Designing, Developing an Evaluation g Educational Technology Essay

Designing, Developing an Evaluation g Educational Technology - Essay Example The process of using technological evaluation also assists in setting objectives. Every institution involved in education must have set objectives that must be achieved. It is only through evaluation that the extent at which objectives are being achieved can be identified. It is therefore necessary for learning institutions to adopt technological evaluation tool since it will assist in setting and achieving objectives. According to John Dewey, a teacher should not be a sole figure in the process of education but rather as a guide to the process of education and learning (Howland, 2012). Learning is a continuous process that has no end. Most importantly in order to learn one should have the knowledge. Knowledge comes from the daily interaction with the environment. It is therefore not right to conclude that pedagogical knowledge is enough and complete for the process of learning. Although possession of content is very important for learning, it is not also complete for the whole process of learning. In order for complete learning to take place, there must be a good learning environment, which is required by leaners. Learners have different needs and have different capacities to learn. Possession of content alone cannot be used to determine whether learning has taken place. There is also need to test the psychomotor domains of learning in addition to affective domain of learning in order to accompli sh a satisfactory process of learning. Some of the skills proposed by NETS are improving high thinking skills for students such as problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. For a thorough learning process to occur in a lesson a teacher should find a way of testing these skills. The teacher posing questions that requires critical thinking and reasoning can do this. Allowing group discussions can also help learners in coming up with solutions for their problems hence

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The Three Important Benefits That IBM Will Receive From Outsourcing Essay

The Three Important Benefits That IBM Will Receive From Outsourcing Their HR Functions To Fidelity - Essay Example This is called outsourcing. Many large companies now outsource jobs such as call center services, e-mail services, and payroll. These jobs are handled by separate companies that specialize in each of the services by means of contracts. Today more and more companies are resorting to outsourcing. This is attributed mainly to the increased efficiency and cost cuts. Earlier small companies and companies which were newly established would resort to outsourcing, but today even giants like IBM are making use of it. In July 2002, a deal was negotiated between International Business Machines Corp. and Fidelity's Employer Service Co. According to the deal, Fidelity's Employer Services Co. unit was to take over key human-resources functions for 260,000 IBM employees and retirees. Fidelity was to hire 450 of IBM's 1,200 U.S. human-resources employees. Among the jobs Fidelity would handle for IBM were health-plan administration, career services and pension administration. IBM would continue to provide other functions in house, including payroll (Johannes L. and Armstrong D. 2002). According to the article "The benefits of outsourcing for small businesses (n. d)", "Though reducing expenditure is not the prime reason for outsourcing, it is certainly a major factor. Outsourcing converts fixed costs into variable costs and releases capital for investment elsewhere in the business. Outsourcing makes the firm more attractive to investors, since of the ability to pump more capital directly into revenue-producing activities." Though true for small companies, it applies equally well for giants like IBM. In the case of IBM this is exemplified by the fact that the human resource functions of 260,000 workers and retirees have been taken over by Fidelity which has specialization in the field. If the former were to do the same job, it would certainly prove more costly than that of the latter. The funds saved, if invested elsewhere in the company would improve revenues. Also this would make IBM more attractive to investors, as the saved capital can be invested in the revenue generating areas and core fields. Increase in efficiency: As IBM is a research oriented company specializing in manufacturing computers, it has a high research and development expenditure. Fidelity's cost structure and economy of scale can give IBM Corp an important and strategic advantage. This would help in decreasing the labor costs. The success of IBM depends upon short term projects that it undertakes. Hiring and training workers for short-term projects can be very expensive and short term employees don't always live up to the desired expectations (The benefits of outsourcing for small businesses). IBM's deal with fidelity will play a leading role in improving overall efficiency by decreasing labor costs. About 450 workers in IBM Corp.'s Raleigh employee service center will transfer to Fidelity Investments beginning Aug. 1, as part of an agreement that allows Boston-based Fidelity to administer IBM's pension plan, the 12th largest in the United States (450 IBM employees to transfer to Fidelity. July 2002). The transfer of 450 out of 12 00 members in the human resource division would certainly decrease the labor costs by more than one third in that particular division. Also as the number of employees is decreased, it increases the scope for other employees to make their jobs secure. More security means more productivity which in turn means more efficiency. Focus on core businesses. IBM, too, like any other company has

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Mall Preferences Essay Example for Free

Mall Preferences Essay Mall Attractiveness and Shopping Preferences is a study conducted to find out what variables attract shoppers to a mall, their preferences and how mall operators should consider this significant analysis to implement an effective strategy to position their strategy. The study involved five major shopping malls in Davao City: SM City Davao, NCCC mall of Davao, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Gaisano South City Mall and Victoria Plaza. Factor analysis is applied for this study and complimented by a cluster analysis of the demographic characteristics of the respondents. The respondents composed of mall shoppers who were equally apportioned across the malls and clustered according to classifications: Traditional shoppers, Destination Shoppers and Enthusiastic shoppers. The result of the study reveals that SM City of Davao is well positioned in attracting shoppers, the mall is favored by customers in terms of mall atmospherics, service, promotion and entertainment. SM is followed closely by NCCC mall of Davao and Gaisano Mall of Davao, while Gaisano South City mall and Victoria Plaza were far behind in their market positioning and viability. Ever since its existence, shopping malls become the integral part of the shoppers’ lifestyle because of the convenience, entertainment and products’ availability it offers to the consumers, no doubt, these establishments helped enhance the day-to-day life of the people. With several malls mushroomed in the city in recent years, people have given wide choices based on their needs and leisure like where to spend time bonding with friends and love ones and where to shop . Mall operators, due to stiff competitions, must decide what positioning strategies they would implement to lure consumers and move ahead with their competitors. In this study, which factor analysis is applied, mall operators were given an idea what are the significant factors that drive shoppers to a shopping mall. The respondents of this study, which were thoroughly clustered into three categories, represent all the socioeconomic classes of the society, which is very specific for the study to have an accurate result in identifying shoppers’ preferences on what mall attributes they will be easily attracted. The study, which revealed SM City of Davao as the most preferred followed by NCC mall of Davao and Gaisano mall of Davao, tells precisely the real and actual sentiments of shoppers in the city on where they would want to go to for pleasure and for shopping activities. I do agree with the result that Gaisano mall of Davao ranked high among the top three malls in terms of accessibility because of its proximity to the downtown area where most students and professionals are living, though the study revealed that this lead is very slim, it is still a big factor for Gaisano mall operators to carefully tap their best resources in attracting customers in order to maintain its loyalty, giving them a competitive edge against NCCC and SM in attracting more shoppers. SM City clearly shows its best advantages against competitors because of implementing a good positioning and marketing strategy, it caters and answers the needs of shoppers why they want to go to the mall in the first place, because most of the respondents can be categorized as young adults, professionals and fun-loving individuals, their preferences are always be on the entertainment, convenience, elegant products and good mall atmosphere. These shoppers can be easily attracted with a mall atmosphere that is favorable to their lifestyle choices. This result of the most preferred mall in Davao does not follow that most shoppers are price conscious, this only tells that, especially the young respondents, most shoppers prefer an establishment that is highly innovative, friendly, having cool brands of products and offers a terrific environment for socializing with friends. Therefore, the recommendations presented is appropriate as young shoppers are easily attracted to an environment which offers entertainment, greater value of merchandise and stylish amenities, but the purchasing power of the shoppers should not be ignored as shoppers from class C and D are potential market. Mall operators should also balance the elements mall atmosphere innovative products and moderate pricing of the merchandise.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Advantage And Disadvantage Of Fixed Budget Accounting Essay

Advantage And Disadvantage Of Fixed Budget Accounting Essay However from a birds- eye view, budget can be defined as a management tools that put the managers in control of a finical health of the organisation. The objective of the budget is to measure of the financial structure of the organisation and budget is a tool that forces management to be accountable in a structured and objective way. How manager manage the budget is key to their value. Budget facilities the planning and resources allocation and help to estimate, itemised, analysis and examined the entire product and service that organisation offers to customer. (Seer, 2000, p.187). Budgeting is a simple process of consolidating budget and adhere them as closely as possible (Maitland,2000). It is a process turns manager attitudes forward looking to the future and planning; managers are able to anticipate and react accordingly to the potential problem before it arises. Budgeting process allows manager to focus on the opportunities instead of figuratively. The budget system provides sustainability to business process within an organisation. It is an utmost important process to the management. In other word by some researchers few business plan to fail but many of those that collapsed failed to plan (Horngren, C. et al., 2000) The aim of budgeting is to give management an idea how well the organisation is projecting the income goals and how well the organisation managing the working capital. The budgeting exercise should able to increase the profit, reduce inappropriate expenses and it also helps to expand the markets (Thomsett, 1988, p.5). To achieve the budgeting aim, the management needs to build a budgeting system (Viscione , J. 1984). A budget system varies from organisation to organisation and it is not unitary concept. The fundamental concept of budget system involves estimating future performance of the organisation, comparing the actual performance to the budget and analysis the deviation of actual result against the budget. The factors that determining the type or style of an organisation depend on the type of organisation, the leadership style, the method of preparation and desired result (Cherrington Cherrington, 1973, p.226) In general budgeting can be categories into two primary categories (Cohen, J. et al., 1994) which are operational budget and financial budget Operational budget covers revenues and expenses which involve day to day core business of the organisation which is normal operation activities. The main elements of the organisation operational budget include sales, production, inventory, materials, labours, overheads and R and D budgets. Financial budget controls the organisation financial aspect of the business. These budgets disclose the influences of the operational budget on the organisation, financial position and potential revenues. Financial budget include cash budget, capital expenditures budget, balance sheet and income statement. There are many available methods of budgeting are available and it is important for the management to decide the correct methods that suits the organisation. Generally, management choices on how to start preparing budget fall into one of three major approaches (Rasmussen, Eichorn, 2000, p.19) which are: Top-Down, Bottom- up and Top-down/bottom up. Please refer to figure 1 for Top-down and Bottom-up approaches. Figure 1: Top-down versus Bottom-up approaches Source: Rasmussen, Eichorn, 2000, p.20-25 Main Body Part A (i) Budget approaches adapted by United Consultancy United Consultancy had presently adapted the approach of static budget while preparing the budgeting. Static Budget is also known as fixed budget. Accordingly to Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of England, a fixed budget is a budget outline to remain unchanged irrespective of level of actual activities attained. A static budget will reflect the expected result or revenues of a budgeting year (Hansen and Mowen, 2011) of a responsibility centre for one level of activities. Normally fixed budget will be prepared in advance before the financial year as the cost classified as fixed and it will not very in direct proportion of the level of activities. Fixed budget approaches are widely adapted by service industry (Reeve and Warren, 2007) and partly by some administrative functions of manufacturing companies such as purchasing, engineering and accounting. Fixed budget is used as an effective tool of cost. If, the level of activities attained are varies from the budgeted activi ties then fixed budget become ineffective. Comparatively, fixed budget is only suitable for fixed expenses. A fixed budget is appropriate under static condition. Advantage and disadvantage of Fixed Budget Small business and service industries needs an overall budget to survive Fixed budget is most widely used by service and small industries as it help to track on control the spending. At the same time fixed budget can cause more problems rather than giving a solution. A fixed budget will capitalised the calculation fixed expenses and help to forecast the bills to be paid by the business. For the variable expenses, fixed budget provides maximise spending limits and it helps to control the finances. The advantage of fixed budget is to help the business to prioritise the expenses. Fixed budget clearly distinction between the businesses needs and wants by forcing the business to remain consistent, it will also ensure that the bills are paid on time. The disadvantage of fixed budget as its operates to one level of activity- the planned activity and it does not account for the business unpredictable activity. The actual always will be captured by a level of activity which is significantly difference from the planned activity. For example, to compare the actual production cost increased at production levels of 1000 units against a standard based on planned activity of 500 units could be misleading. Management will mislead thinking into that the production costs are out of control. An increase in production cost is avoidable as volume increases and it does not means that there is problem on increase cost occurred. Hiring Consultant for Future budgeting for United Consultancy A consultant is who has a position to have a certain level of influences over an individual, a group or an organisation but who has no absolute power to make or to adapt changes into the organisation. It is the employee of the organisation has the power to decide whether to accept and implement the changes into the organisation. The consultant brings specialised skills, knowledge, expertises or accessing certain information into the organisation. Scott Hascall (2002) had analysed the advantage and disadvantages of consultants and United Consultancy need to consider before hiring consultants for involving in preparation of future budgets. Advantage of consultants The consultants are import and hired to fill competency gap in the organisation. According to Drucker (1979) suggested management consultant is an extraordinary and indeed a unique phenomenon as consultancy has the management skills, techniques, knowledge are best learned through exposures to and experiences with many industries as the typical executives lack of this kind of exposure. As Drucker notes, The executive works with same organisation or most with very few. Executives lack exposure and cannot gain it nor can be stimulate it. Consultant will able to transform the organisation and gain the exposure at the same time will add significant value by reducing the problem resolution cycle time (Hagedorn, 1982). United Consultancy will be hiring consultant for preparation for future budget as it will bring new Idea, proficiency and impartiality objective (Gattiker and Larwood, 1985). Ifinedo (2011) had surveyed the impacting factor of consultants such as management, support, business, vision and external expertise. The result was found that all these factors influences the business system but the effect of external quality expertise was more important compared to the other factors Disadvantage of consultants An organisation hiring a consultant to bring as it will bring the required expertise, knowledge and experience to the organisation. Accordingly to Kelly (1979) hiring external consultant will be expensive as the payment will be based on their specialised skill in the respective field compare to internal consultant. An external consultant will not available at the right time and not easily accessible to the organisation as the internal executives. At the same time, and they are lack knowledge of organisation culture and working environment. Nonetheless consultants have the great level influences the senior management. A research by Norbck and kerblomMaster (2003) had highlighted that engagement of uncommitted management and inexperienced executives would lead to give an opportunity to consultants to take advantage of the situation and act to their benefit and attaining their own goals. There the experiences and capabilities of management consultants are critical for successful on management of consultants. One of most important factor to take into account when hiring consultants was mentioned by Luo and Liberatore (2009) which examined consultants objective and goals. The organisation main objective is to improve the performances while the consultants other goals such as knowledge acquisition and business growth. To overcome the situation, the organisation must well coordinate with consultants to achieve the desired goals. Part A (ii) United consultancy using Activity- based costing (ABC) for the allocation cost based fixed and varioable expenses. An effective planning of fixed and variable cost as follows: Planning to determine the variable overhead activates that add value for customers using the product and service Effectively planning to use the cost drivers in different level of activities. At the start of the fiscal year, a substantial percentage of fixed overhead are predetermined compare to variable. When the United Consultancy budget the fixed overhead cost, they should select the appropriate level of activity that will benefit the United Consultancy over long terms. This is a strategic decision. The key differences are how fixed costs are fixed to level activity and variable costs are allocated to level of activity. Actual Costing Standard Costing Fixed Cost Actual Prices Actual inputs are used Standard Prices Standard inputs allowed for actual output Variable Cost Actual indirect rate Actual inputs used Standard variable cost allocation rate. Standard quality of cost allocation base allowed for actual output. Activity- based costing has involves the following stage: Identify the level of activity that resources and cost to be associate. Identify the cost drivers linked level of activity. A cost driver is any factor that cause on drivers and activity cost. Calculate a cost rate per cost driver. Each activity should multiple cost drivers Assign cost to products by multiplying the cost driver rate by volume of cost driver units consumed by the products. Indentify level of activity that resource is most engaging and challenging which based on activity based costing. A cost advantage rules that companies identify most important activity. Non Value added activities will be identified and these can be eliminated to improve the efficiency and profitability. Majority of the cost drivers are related either to the level of activity or the complexity of the production or marketing process.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Fourteenth Amendment Essay -- Racism Equality Constitution Essays

On a date that will be remembered forever as a step forward for our nation, July 28, 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment became part of the U.S. Constitution. The Fourteenth Amendment gave a new sense of hope and inspiration to a once oppressed people. It was conceived to be the foundation for restoring America to its great status and prosperity. The Amendment allowed â€Å"equal protection under the law†, no matter what race, religion, sex, sexual preference or social status. It was designed to protect the newly freed slaves. However, it only helped the white race. Congress passed the Fourteenth Amendment not knowing how it would affect all the other minorities. Minorities were still treated with disrespect and incivility from the white culture. With Americans pioneering westward, they found a strong-willed people with a simple way of life, the Indians. The conquering American pioneers tried to push their way of life upon the Indians. They directed what the Indians should do, what to eat, and whom or what they should believe in. With the Indians refusing this way of life, and the ensuing battles over their land, put up an immensely hard fought battle against the United States Military led by General Custer. General Custer was facing a leader, a holy man, and an impressive war chief who the Indians had great respect for, Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull vowed to eliminate the American invaders, but came to his demise with a shot to the chest and slash to the back of the head by a Ces...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Herbal Sports Cream :: Health Medicine Papers

Herbal Sports Cream The Internet’s size and easy access for consumers encourages small businesses to provide information about their products in addition to the common overabundance of imagery and advertising slogans. However, this information is not always accurate or patrolled for misleading or incorrect assumptions. The goal of this paper is to examine Epicure Crystal Sports Cream, a sore muscle/weightlifting aid, and the claims made about it on the web (www.choicemail.com/epicure). In addition to the claims made about this particular product, each active ingredient has a literature provided by the large number of alternative medicine and herbal specialist sites on the Web. After describing this consumer information, I will provide you with a survey of the clinical research that supports, denies, or falls short of these claims. There are several active ingredients reported by the â€Å"specialists† at Epicure: Bellis Perennis (Daisy), Calendula Officinalis (Garden Marigold), Echinacea Angustifolia (Cone Flower), Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey), Aconitum Napellus (Aconite), Arnica Montana (Leopard’s Bane Root). Hypericum Perforatum (St. John’s Wort), Ledum Palustre (Wild Rosemary), and Ruta Graveolens (Rue). Each of these ingredients comprises a cream that â€Å"conquers pain from sports related or other injuries which might otherwise lead to a missed workout† (www.choicemail.com/epicure). Among the other claims provided by Epicure are relief of â€Å"sports injuries, pain, minor inflammation of various origins, sprains, strains, discomforts, and bruises† (www.choicemail.com/epicure). This product, because of its claims and apparent success is currently involved in a clinical study guided by Prodigy, Inc., at the Vanderbilt University Sport’s Medicine C enter. However, this project is not yet completed and the results are not available to report. It is for this reason that the best examination of the product is to research each of the active ingredients for potential success in application for the above-mentioned ailments. The Internet provides countless web sites where one can learn about the various ingredients of Epicure Crystal Sports Cream. Bellis Perennis, more commonly known as daisy, has an interesting literature on the Web. Once called â€Å"Bruisewort,† by 14th Century healers, this flower is well known for it ability to help cure fresh wounds, gout, or fever (www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/daisyc03.html). Other sources report that daisy is best used for arthritis, rheumatism, diarrhea, liver and kidney problems (www.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Essay --

Some people should keep away from all material things as they distort a person’s wellbeing. As a transcendentalist, I strongly believe that people should not be influenced by material things. These are some of the reasons which create a rotten culture in the society. A good example is a case where someone desires to have a certain commodity that belongs to their friends, they end up stealing. The love for material things is responsible for the deterioration of good cultural practices in the society. It is important for people to live simple lifestyles without any form of complications or desire for big things. It is necessary to acquire a high self-esteem as well as morals. The three major fields which involve the participation of human beings should be characterized by the good character of the people involved. These include religion, literature and culture. In order to achieve the success of creating a stable personal state, it is necessary to consider intuition. As a transcendentalist, I have a strong value for nature based on the way it is. Nature happens to be so pure unlike the things mankind engages in creating on a daily basis. Some of these unnatural materials are contributing to the worsening of the society. Self-reliance is another very significant personal attribute I support. An independent person does whatever they can in the most possible way. This is not the person who has to wait for favors from others. The personal wellbeing and responsibility, as well as usefulness are enhanced by self-reliance. I desire to live the simplest form of life one can ever imagine thus living a happy life. Young states that simple lifestyles are not faced by numerous stresses of life or any form of complications. The more one aspir... ... the idea of people moving away from cultural and traditional practices. Most of these factors are good at taking people away from Godliness thus ruining the personal wellbeing. Some cultural practices employ the practice of wrongful deeds, which should not be conducted at all. Engaging in cultural practices helps in ruining the relationship between people because there are different customs in the society. Transcendentalism is helpful in the creation of simple lifestyles which do not cause problems in people’s lives. I have a strong belief in this movement because it enables people to live better lives. This is what everybody ought to practice in order to live less stressful lives. The benefits are numerous as one’s wellbeing enables them to develop strong connections with God. As well as themselves. After all, one's character is defined by what they believe.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Christian Places of Worship

————————————————- â€Å"Christian places of worship should be plain and simple? † Discuss. Ollie Gardner This debate is a very strong subject for certain people and religion. For example the Catholics think that it is right to show their appreciation of god by designing their places of worship with big stained glass windows, huge organs and a big bold altar etc. However the Protestants started out rebelling against the Catholics saying that you should not have to show your appreciation with money and gold but with commitment and feeling should be enough. No religion is right or wrong. Looking at the Protestant way of thinking about it that places of worship should be plain and simple. I can see many reasons why people do believe in this thought. One reason could be because they think that god does not have to be â€Å"bribed† or given these big expensive gifts to appreciate his followers and the people. That merely showing your commitment to him and well being should be enough to gain your love or that you already have his love. God in my point of view is not someone to judge someone by his or her wealth but by his or her actions. Meaning that wherever you worship in a church, at home in your bedroom, on the street in an alleyway with beer cans on the floor is good enough to show your respect and thanks. He does not think of you anymore by showing him and giving him gifts with great wealth. You might be quite poor and cannot afford to do anything quite so big and bold and might just want to do your own prayer at home or anywhere of your choice, which is still fine. On the other hand I can see why you would want to show your appreciation via: gifts, big services and god plated lecterns etc. It’s like on Valentines Day when you give you loved ones a present, card or gift of some point. I know the feeling of walking in to the Bath Abbey and being blown away by the remarkableness and memorising stain glassed windows that fill the room with colour. You do in some way feel that sense of astonishment and holiness as you witness something like the Bath Abbey. I can also see the commitment to god by giving him gifts of great wealth and big glamorous services. It shows hat if they have been lucky enough to be very wealthy or maybe not that much but to give what they can does show a certain amount of strong commitment. In conclusion either decision is fine, and god will not think of you any differently. In my point of view I would go with Protestant way of belief just because I think that god loves you whoever you are and we can show are own love to him, not by fancy lecterns and pulpits and a big choir but just by however way we feel like. Could be at home or anywhere tha t is most comfortable to you.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Progress with Technology: Do More With Less

Do More Advancements in collecting information, spending cost, and daily incoming data is ever growing. Moving forward in business needs can and will grow your company. As the world evolves in many aspects of life, the needs of a company's evolution are also a part of those changes. We once rode in horse and buggies and using that horsepower, developed into a much faster more efficient way of travel. Stepping into the technological world of business will also create that for your work environment.The components of the system hat you recommend including input devices, output devices, and storage. There are multiple components to a system that allows you to get the best use of your computer. Common daily uses of mail, cal and contacts are interchangeable between your Mac and PC. The compatibility of the Mac allows you to open most files from software that a PC uses. There are a number of input devices that can be useful to enhance your technology. The use of trackballs, multiple mouse options to suit the needs of the user, and scanners that will allow you to digitally store forms and paperwork.Sending hose to different departments for their use decreases the need for paper and reduces storage room for paper files. Planning for the storage of these files is important. A structure for backing up information or data is a must and can benefit for a quick reference no matter the date of the file. Organizing the process is critical at the start of the implementation. Having multiple ways to store information from a simple jump drive, to complete system back up storage in the need of systems failures.Maintaining a regular process of backing up information or having a default system to automatically ace up critical data is a safe, onsite way to returning to normal operations in a short matter of time. Using cloud storage of information can be another option with security measures in place. Having the ability to plug into the cloud to access needed data from any part in t he world has unlimited possibilities. With the use of mobile devices, you are able to access, create, and update inventories. Hand held scanners and bar code scanners will allow instant updates to the entire on hand account of needed inventories.This will decrease the time it takes to reorder products and assist in maintaining real mime sales possibilities. The mobile devises that have screens will allow employees to view documents and if they have touch screen capabilities, you have a mini mobile computer for processing information while you are on the floor. The operating system, utility, and application software that you recommend. There are comparisons between using Windows and Mac (SO X) operating systems. According to differ. Com, the most common is the PC using a Windows operating system.Pros for using a system that is Windows based are; it is used by more people at home and businesses, and has more f a common knowledge from most that use a computer system. Cons for the PC is the continuing need for upgrading and security issues. Since multiple companies' manufacturer the PC, security breeches are more common on a Windows operating system. The Mac, which uses the SO X, has one manufacturer, being Apple Inc. , and offers platforms that have less of a signature for mallard because of the lower exposure to hackers.According to multiple sources, both systems are in need of security software to ensure the safety of your system, but for now the Mac is less of a target (Mills, 2010). There are multiple standard utility software programs to maintain the systems within your Mac. Disk utility, network utility, terminal, CPU monitor are a few examples. The utility software performs the maintenance-type tasks that are related to managing your computer. There are hundreds of utilities listed in the Mac App Store on the tunes web site.Depending on what your needs or wants are, you are able to get them and keep them updated with the touch of a button. With the latest SO X operating system, my recommendation for starting your business is the MS Office program. It is imputable with both operating systems and can be used and applied to fit all of your companies need. In the Office program, you are able to use Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and Powering presentation and to organize your daily office activities; Outlook will keep your daily events easily available for reference.SO X is well known as the easiest-to-use of operating systems, Apple's SO X still deserves that title. It's also the king of content creation. Like Linux, it's a variant of Unix, and shares many of its benefits. However, its high price tag is a deterrent for many businesses. SO X and any of its applications are optimized around creating content, whether written or visual. It makes the process hassle-free, seamless, and pleasurable. And the emphasis on user interface is unparalleled. This SO is much more stable than any Windows system.Users of SO X have access to much of t he vast available library of free, open source software. While the amount of SO X mallard is increasing, there is far less than that which targets Windows machines. However, users should still take reasonable security measures. The initial cost of investment may turn off many businesses from adopting SO X as their main operating system. Apple tends to update SO X about once a year. The annual cost of chasing these upgrades can add up. SO X runs only on Apple hardware.While this hardware tends to be state of the art, if there's a hardware platform you'd rather use, it's not an option (Alexander, 2014). The company's communication and network needs. With multiple departments having the need to access information and data at the same time, setting up a server to provide your clients, (computers within each department), is a quick and easy open door to the endless information Agway to the Internet. Setting up your server will also network your access to multiple output devices such as p rinters and scanners.This reduces your cost of the hardware itself, plus saving thousands of dollars on ink cartridges and paper use. Establishing your companies network, links your business information together again having all needed data, which is gathered in seconds compared to hours and days as before. Securing your server and setting up parameters only allowing what you want the employees to access on the Internet is also an advantage to keeping the company files safer. There are multiple ways to network your company. A common use today is using wireless technology.The systems you begin with and the installation Of a wireless router Will save on having the need for physical wires being install in the building. Although a LANA is necessary, the more wireless systems you have, the less for cost of hardwired computer stations. There are advantages to being plugged into a LANA system, as it increases the speed of your access time on the Internet. The more wireless systems that go through the router, the slower the access, so planning your stations is a key advancement to increasing your productivity for your departments.The database management system that you recommend. The need for data input is necessary to upkeep current status of multiple areas of your business. The database management system that works well with the Mac is software called Filmmaker Pro. According to filmmaker. Com, Filmmaker Pro will allow you to input a wide variety of information that can be used in multiple ways. There are flexible design tools; multiple platform sharing, reports and charts can be created. Being able to link this data to added departments and sharing secure information for reference is capable.Being able to use and share mobile devices with a free app download puts all of your current information in your hand, retrievable at a touch. The key to making any database management system successful is the constant upkeep of the information. Data entry is a steady flow proc ess that has to be maintained. Maintaining a secure, single source entry point will keep all information accurate and up to date. Putting password protection on certain information will only allow departments, like Human Resources, access for protected needs.You can maintain HEAP laws and insure that those who do not have the need to see them do not see personal files. About development of the information system In formation Establishing the information system your company will need can be calculated by each department. Using the systems that will assist each departments needs and having the ability for them to reference the same software will allow maximum use of resources and assets. Sharing collections of data techniques will align your company's information for easily retrieval.With the different informational needs from each department, developing worth-term and long-term assessments of data can insure all of your needs are met. The enterprise integration of the new information system. As information and data comes in, the managers will have the thrill of bringing what the company needs from ground level upwards. Being able to plan, by establishing goals and deciding on strategies and tactics that are needed to meet those goals are essential. Organizing the company resources will allow you to meet the goals that are planned for. Directing the company towards achievement of the goals set can be done in numerous ways.By erect communications, the use of the newly installed technology, or the recommend process of using them both, will be a step towards success. Overseeing and controlling the process is crucial in maintaining accurate positions of the company's progress. Your recommendations for harnessing the power of the Internet and the World Wide Web to give the company a competitive advantage. According to Churn, small businesses only benefit from the use of the Internet. The Internet, being the powerful tool that it is, can make a business more productiv e and profitable.When using emails and he Internet effectively, a business can be helped to streamline activities, establish easier communications with customers, and even generate new customers or clients-?all while helping to reduce business expenses. Using Internet resources for your business, can reduce, or eliminate the need for traditional postal mailing and all of the costs associated with that contact method. The Internet makes it easy to stay in contact with your customers via email and online networking tools such as; discussion boards, chat rooms, and social networking sites like Faceable.Using Internet communication lolls effectively, you can keep up a continuous dialogue with customers and prospects. The Small Business Association (SABA) explains that even small mom-and-pop shops can generate additional business with a no-frills website and by posting in newsgroups. You can send special offers and announcements to existing customers via email, send links to your online catalog when a new product is released, or post virtual coupons via social networking sites. Application Service Providers (ASPS) provide a variety of ready-made applications to help you run day-to-day operations in your business.These Internet services help with finance management, inventory control and human resources, allowing you to lower costs while also reducing the time and labor force needed to run the business. ASPs can assist with streamlining customer support requests as well. Providing online product documentation and frequently asked questions, for example, enables your customers to get support twenty-four hours a day, without engaging a customer service representative. Setting up your business on the Internet can be a lucrative way to attract customers, expand your market and increase sales.Advertisements can announce special events your company is sponsoring, contests, and special sales or discounts (Burns, 2014). Web browsers based on the ‘point and click' prin cipal which is so popular in today's software, are freely available over the Internet and allow access to all the World Wide Web has to offer. It is not only the order that the Web has brought to the Internet that has made it so popular. A great deal of its attraction stems from its excellent user- friendly front-end. Web pages can contain graphics, photographs, sound and even video clips in addition to plain text.In his book devoted to the Web, Winder (1995) states that there are at least 5 million Web pages in existence today, with more and more being added all the time. The Web is believed to be growing at twice the rate of the Internet as a whole. Web traffic increased by in the year 1994 (Cookbook, 1995). According to Internationalists. Com; around forty percent of the world population has an Internet connection today. In 1995, it was less than one percent. The number of Internet users has increased tenfold from 1999 to 2013.The first billion was reached in 2005. The second bil lion was in 010 and the end of 2014 will reach the third billion. The chart and table below show the number of global Internet users per year since 1993: Stepping into the enhanced world of technology is a wonderful, productive, and cost saving experience. Developing and maintaining records and company assets, establishing a process that will not only reduce cost but the organization of information, creates a better atmosphere of all members and how they feel about the improvement of the company.

Human Rights/ Child Abuse Essay

History of the issue. Have similar issues been dealt with in the past? How has it been solved, or has it? In this amazing world that we live in people are unfortunately treated unfairly everyday. Although a list of Human Rights have been developed a lot of people don’t receive the respect that we all deserve, including children. Child abuse is a worldwide issue that has been going on for many years. Here in the United States over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year. Child abuse occurs at every social level and within every religion, ethnicity, and culture. Throughout history there have been many people that try to solve this common problem, but unfortunately I think society will forever struggle with child abuse. In the past two rights were at the base of the mistreatment of children: the right to own property and the right to own children. Throughout history children were considered to be owned property and were forced to do whatever their parents needed them to do. In a common household the father would make all of the disciplinary decisions. In ancient Rome the father had the authority to sell, kill, sacrifice or do whatever he saw fit with his children. If a child was born deformed, weak or sick it was very common for the father to declare that the child was unfit to live. Historically parents used their children for profit by placing them in apprenticeships, workhouses, orphanages, placement mills, factories, farms and mines. These children were forced to work sixteen-hour days and were often whipped to make them work harder. In the 1960’s physical abuse and child neglect were officially recognized because of the development of radiology. But it wasn’t until the 1980’s and 1990’s that sexual and emotional/mental abuse was declared another form of child abuse. So here we are in 2011, but child abuse isn’t left in the past it goes on today in disturbing numbers. Our society has developed many definitions to the problem but no answers. Hopefully someday society will find an answer to this ongoing struggle of child abuse throughout the world.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Strategies for Positive Thinking

Much of what we experience in our life depends on what we pay attention to. Every day, some things may go right and some things may go wrong. If we give more attention to the things that go right and dwell on those things, you’ll experience more happiness. 1. Think constructively. For positive thinking to truly make a difference in our life, we must replace negative thoughts as they occur. Most important, however, is the need to get whatever benefits we can out of the negative thought before we erase it from our mind. Instead of ignoring our negative thought and hoping it will go away, ask ourself if the critic inside of us is trying to teach you something valuable. Take note of the lesson, and then quickly discard the negative thought. Replace it with a positive perspective on the same situation. * Whenever we experience negative thinking, we have to ask ourself: â€Å"What else could this mean? † If someone treats us unfairly, it could mean that they don’t like us very much. But it probably means they’re just having a bad day. How can you help? Do you see how this question can change our entire outlook? . Use positive affirmations. Often, when faced with a stressful situation, we resort to a pattern of thinking and behaving that has become a habit. How do we create new habits that support our success instead of sabotaging it? Positive affirmations are the key. * Write out the things we want in life and the qualities we want to possess. Write these statements in the present tense, and use positive language. Repeat these statements to ourselves over and over again. WE have to do this every day, and before long we’ll strongly believe the words of the affirmation we’ve created for ourselves. If a habit of thinking is holding one back, what’s stopping one from creating a new habit? Try this immediately and experience its power for oneself. 3. Smile and be thankful. * Smile and greet everyone we meet warmly. Smiles are contagious, and we’ll instantly begin to feel a difference inside ourself. * Pause throughout the day to think about things that we are grateful for. The more we practice gratitude, the better we’ll feel about life and about ourself. 42. Surround ourself with positive people. Most people who soar to incredible heights of ccomplishment in their lives do so because they surround themselves with positive, encouraging people. It’s hard to have a positive outlook when everyone around us is complaining all the time. * If we surround ourself with people who routinely seek the good inside us, we’ll begin to do the same. Spend less time with negative people and more time with those who speak words of support into our life. If we do, we’ll experience greater power, self-confidence and joy. The negative thoughts of the crit ic inside of us serve a valuable purpose. Things aren’t always rosy, and it’s important to learn from our experiences so that we don’t make the same mistakes. However, we can begin to harness the power of positive thinking today. We will be able to move closer to joy and success we deserve in our life by applying these simple stragegies. †¢Develop optimistic self-talk. †¢Replace negative internal conversations with ourselves. †¢Develop relaxing and meditating techniques. †¢Create friendship patterns with those who give us good feelings. †¢Take small steps to move out of our comfort zone. Accept or decline other peoples’ emotions on our terms. †¢Control our time and don’t let others use it. †¢Create a good physical image for ourselves. First impressions count! †¢Review our existing image and style, find out way for improving it. †¢Don’t spend too much time thinking about what has happened. Past is gone! Don’t lose sleep going over things or re-enact past and future conversations. Live in Present. †¢Find some â€Å"heroes† and identify with them. Collect some best motivational quotes from them to which we can relate. †¢Think about our voice and how we use it. Develop our listening and questioning skills. Be confident in our conversations. †¢Create some titles which helps to increase our self esteem eg â€Å"I am good. † †¢See life as half-full and not half empty. We have to always remember that 99% of what we fear will happen, actually never takes place. †¢Remember our gesture clusters! Posture, handshake and walk. †¢Remember positive behaviors comes from energy. Find our own strategies for developing this. It could be as simple as playing a rousing piece of music to oneself before giving a presentation, attending an interview or having a meeting.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Biological Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Biological Psychology - Essay Example Introduction The biological basis of thought has often been a source of interest to scientists since a long time. Years of research through noninvasive technology has led to some understanding of the anatomy of behaviour and thought. This has been possible by brain mapping, a useful tool to gain understanding of the functional, genetic and various other molecular aspects of brain. Advances in brain mapping have contributed to understanding of several psychological, surgical and anatomical problems in the brain, thus providing clues for improved management and prediction of treatment outcomes. Brain mapping has been possible through advances in neuroimaging and also automation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging, a recent technology in magnetic resonance imaging has been an immense tool in understanding the functional areas of brain. For example, researchers are now able to see which brain areas are altered during performance of certain movements. Based on such information, it has been possible to divide the brain functionally and also understand as to how different areas of the brain work in conjunction during day-to-day activities (Jones and Overly, 2010). In this essay, brain mapping, methods used for brain mapping and benefits of brain mapping will be discussed. Brain mapping Brain mapping may be defined as a set of techniques related to neuroscience that map the biological properties and quantities onto spatial representations of the brain of the concerned mammal resulting in maps that are easily visualized and understood. Any technology in neuroimaging is actually a part of brain mapping, although brain mapping is considered to be higher form of neuroimaging that produces brain images supplemented by additional non-imaging or imaging data analysis, processing or both, like projecting of maps into analysis of behaviour with respect to regions in the brain. It is very important to understand biological basis of diseases so that appropriate treatment can b e based on that. In many diseases, genes have been attributed to the molecular basis of disease because they are the main instruction providers for the cellular molecular machinery. Infact, several genes have been identified for one single disease like 600 for multiple sclerosis (Jones and Overly, 2010). In this regard, a scientific team at the Allen Institute for Brain Science has envisaged a high-tech bridge between genetics and anatomy of brain which is basically an online atlas of the brain of the humans showing activity of about 20,000 human genes (Jones and Overly, 2010). This atlas is likely to expand over the coming years. Even now, the atlas provides an in detailed view of the activity of a particular gene in human being. For example, it is now possible for the scientists to determine the site of genes which encodes specific proteins, including those that are at high chances of being affected by a specific new drug. Based on this information, it is now possible to ascertain the therapeutic and adverse effects of the specific drug. On the other hand, a scientist can concentrate on specific brain structure and known about the genes which function there, thus gaining information about the molecular footprint of the condition. The scientist can also gain information about

Thursday, September 12, 2019

The Realistic Theory of International Relations Research Paper

The Realistic Theory of International Relations - Research Paper Example Two options are available to the players in such a scenario. To gain power and to survive, countries can attack and capture other areas ruthlessly as Napoleon and Hitler did. The other option is to see that a balance of power is maintained. This can be done by diplomatic relations, alliances or by force. Bilateral trade agreements, aid to other countries are examples of diplomatic relations. NATO and the European Union are examples of alliances. There was a time when the US and the USSR were the two balancing powers of the world. The US attacked and also supplied arms to Vietnam fearing that the spread of communism in the country and other places may shift the balance of power in favour of the USSR. It would be effective to define realism at this point. A Cambridge University Press publication defines realism in three steps. An instance where this theory does not hold good or becomes ineffective is the case of terrorism. Terrorism is practically invisible even if countries who abet t errorists are identified. The terrorists do not come to the negotiating table nor do they work in visible organized structures. If the opponent is not available for negotiations or to fight with, it is not possible to think of survival or strength. A country may be hit by a terrorist attack at any time. Security becomes practically ineffective if suicide attacks are resorted to by the terrorists. Even a strong nation like the US can be shocked by attacks such as the September 11 suicide attacks on the Twin Towers. But there is practically nothing that can be effectively done by any country in such a situation. The US attacked Iraq and set up a new administration.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Information Systems and Software Applications Assignment

Information Systems and Software Applications - Assignment Example There are different software applications and systems for different departments in an organization to cater to their unique needs. Many vendors are available in the market to offer their own creations therefore it is a difficult task to choose the most appropriate required software. Some of the most known vendors in the market that provide such systems and applications are: Oracle provides an efficient financial management solution among its wide range of products with the name of Oracle E-business Suite Financials. It automates the financial structure of the organization and provides a standard global platform for accounting and finance activities. Oracle (2010a) explains that it offers many functions and features, namely; asset lifecycle management, lease and finance management, financial analysis, travel and expense management etc. It allows the organization to meet the global financial reporting standards which is coupled with banking and payments model. Human resource department is also a very important department in an organization that overlooks many operations and processes. SAP Human Resource Management System is one of the best HR systems in the market. It offers many functions to its users and automates many processes that are related to this department. According to Independent SAP Information (2010), some of the main modules of this system are as follows: These modules are further divided into smaller modules that take care of different functions in the organization for example Time management further includes shift planning, time sheet, time administration. Payroll module involves all the activities related to the salaries of the employees, leave management, bonuses, increments etc. An efficient system for the marketing department is Oracle Marketing Analytics; it enables the organization and thus the department to get maximum results from their

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Pre-Self Assessment Survey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Pre-Self Assessment Survey - Essay Example Basic assessment is the horsepower towards self-assessment and scrutiny (Ersegovac 2008). In the journey towards literacy, one ought to sit down and start contemplating on their abilities, their respective faults notwithstanding. Thus, after assessing, one is prone to mapping the means forward. This exercise is engaging and one ought, to be honest, and ready to begin problem solving and rectification whenever it deems necessary in the course of the activity. Create a culture. Information Literacy This is the ability of an individual to point out when there is a need for specific information/intelligence, procure it, evaluate it and further utilize it for solving the quandary/problem at hand. Information intelligence/literacy is an upper hand resource and a major advantage/competency to those individuals who possess it, since; the information literacy expertise is used to, effectively, enhance intelligent levity in a particular society (Bothma, et al 2008). At contemporary times in a society that is overtly informational, one ought to possess the literacy to uphold competency and hoist his/her socio-economic banner. This extends that these individuals brighten up in terms of information literacy; therefore, obtaining an added advantage/upper hand in the procurement of the intelligence they require solving their issues. Over recent times, the idea of information Literacy has been incorporated into the society in the practitioner fields to enhance rapid solutions to student’s dilemmas. It has been applied in the libraries and high education agencies in proper management, since; it has been reiterated and perceived to be extremely beneficial and foolproof to minor challenges in the management of academic agencies that are extremely fragile to minor blunders (Brine 2009). Over time, it has been dubbed as the way to socio-culture-economic affluence in a civilized and organized society of the modern world. Pre-Self Assessment Survey In my entire learning proces s in this institution, I have had numerous experiences regarding and resulting from my failures and abilities.  

Monday, September 9, 2019

Marketing Report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Marketing Report - Research Paper Example If the products are not presented accordingly to their needs there might be a shift towards other brands and products. Another important issue concerning the cosmetic industry is of misleading advertisements, L’Oreal two of its advertisement were banned as they were against the code of conduct and leads to purchase decision criteria of consumers. The solutions to these issues were through identifying the needs of the consumers and producing products, generating awareness through promotional tools and alternatively changing the marketing mix according to the needs and wants of the consumers. By conducting a research the consumer’s behaviour could be monitored their liking towards a brand, the reason for their preference and what different features they want in their brand. This would help the marketer to know about the taste and preference of the consumers and can work accordingly. One of the drawbacks that lead L’Oreal lose its market share was the misleading adv ertisement, thus to avoid such loses L’Oreal could endorse someone who actually is blessed with good skin and hair. Thus there would not raise a need to use artificial extensions and lastly in order to stay ahead the company needs to keep on innovating new products. Henceforth, L’Oreal can launch new product that would take care of the hands and feet of the consumer. Contents Contents 3 Introduction 4 Issue and problem 4 Analysis and Application 8 Psychological factors 8 Consumer Decision Making 10 Marketing mix 12 Recommendation 13 Reference 15 Introduction For more than centuries, L’Oreal has invented beauty and has met with the aspirations of millions of women and men. L’Oreal aims in offering the best quality of cosmetic along with safety and efficacy to everyone who wants to access to beauty (L’Oreal, 2011). L’Oreal is the largest cosmetic company, it had transformed from being a French company into a global renowned business in sectors like skin, cosmetics and hair care. The company was founded in the year 1953 as Cosmair, Inc. In spite of its origin from France, the company is French only when the need arises else it’s satisfied being Asian, African or anything that accounts to sales (Noel, 2008, p.48). The company is committed in carrying out the mission who is to make beauty universal in a way that would be sustainable and responsible. It is ranked among the top 100 ethical and sustainable companies globally (L’Oreal, 2011). The company has about 23 global brands in around 130 companies with 66, 600 employees. The brands annual sales turn up to be more than 50 million Euros. Some of the consumer products of L’Oreal are L’Oreal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York, soft sheen Carson to name a few. The brand has its presence felt globally and has been well accepted by the people. Issue and problem Consumer behaviour reflects the decision made by the consumer with the consumption, dispo sition and acquisition of goods, services and ideas (Hoyer, Macinnis & Dasgupta, 2008, p.4). In today’s context consumer behaviour has become extremely important for marketing decisions in deciding upon the marketing mix elements, segmentation or in exploring new ideas with the change in the environment. The luxury and leisure market such as for shampoos and creams have boomed in recent times. With a change in psychographic and lifestyle of the people, there has been a shift in the habits of the consumers.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Facebook and the Case for Editing Oneself Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Facebook and the Case for Editing Oneself - Essay Example I really liked this person I met at a party, who I would just call Alex. I and a friend of mine freely talked about him on my Facebook timeline. I was quite confident because he was not on my friend's list. The next day, I was surprised when I got a call from Alex because, apparently, he learned about the conversation because he was a friend of a Facebook friend, so he had access to my profile. First, it was embarrassing second, it was disastrous because he turned out to be obnoxious and would post in my timeline rude things. I have to delete my profile and not use Facebook for a month.Sethi cited the problem that many users experience with social media: Facebook is accessible almost to anyone. Sometimes we post things that are intended for friends. But then, our Facebook "friends" and our social network are not all composed of friends but other groups such as family, colleagues, future employees, future partners, and so forth. So it is incredibly difficult, to be honest, and post ju st about everything that transpires in our lives because each of these has different standards of propriety. Sethi pointed out, for instance, that she is careful not to post anything such as short haircuts and other things that might be offensive to her conservative family living in Thailand. It is important to note that the data stored on Facebook could be accessed regardless of location and also time. We post pictures or messages that seem alright today but the case might not be true in the future.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Biotechnology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Biotechnology - Essay Example Recent technological advancements in the application of biotechnology have raised certain ethical concerns among people. Genetically engineered food has been a subject of hot debate for the past three decades. Genetically engineered food is an application of biotechnology in agriculture which has enabled us to design and create plants with the desired characteristics through genetic engineering. This idea has been rejected by some and praised by others. Both parties do realize how this technology could revolutionize the world but the idea of this revolution differs. The proponents and opponents of biotechnology and its application envision different futures. The idea of biotechnology is to aid human life but no one can guarantee whether it will be used to aid life or not. Scientists face such criticism everyday but this does not mean that they should stop doing their research. If they did so in the past then we may probably be living in miserable conditions. Technology is only a tool that has helped humanity survive through tough times. The crux of the matter is that the rewards of biotechnology do outweigh the risks associated with it. Biotechnology or Bioengineering has been accused of carrying potential threat but this does not mean that no reward comes with this threat. In fact Biotechnology does promises potential rewards whose proof can still be observed. Risks and threats have always accompanied technology but this in no way implies that one should give up on technology as I further stated that it is our moral obligation to provide our future generations with whatever we can to help them battle the problems of the world. This can in fact be termed as a compensation for using the resources of this planet for our present generation of people. Evidence of the fruits of Biotechnology has been most visible in the

Friday, September 6, 2019

Virginia Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony Essay Example for Free

Virginia Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony Essay Virginia Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony are two of the North American Colonies. These colonies have a lot of similarities especially in their government since they are under the governance of Northern America but differ in their ways of living and social structure. The Massachusetts Bay Colony and Virginia Colony are governed under their constitutions. The legislature under these colonies, called the General Court, consists of a Senate of 40 members and a House of Representatives of 160 for Massachusetts and 100 for Virginia, all elected for two years. The legislature meets annually. The governor is elected for a four-year term (Brown, 2006). The lieutenant governor, secretary of the commonwealth, treasurer, and receiver general, auditor, and attorney general are also elected to four-year terms. The governor is assisted by an executive council of eight members, elected for two years. The judiciary is headed by the Supreme Judicial Court of seven justices. Other courts include the appeals court, trial court, and minor courts. All judges are appointed by the governor and council and serve until age 70 (Brown, 2006). In addition, during the next decade of Massachusetts, several small fishing settlements grew up along the Massachusetts coast. Moreover, it is a predominantly a manufacturing area. The most valuable products are machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, instruments, and fabricated metal items. Printing and publishing are also major endeavors. Other economic activities include the processing of foods, the production of beverages, and the making of rubber and plastic goods, paper products, chemicals, clothing, and textiles (Brown, 2006). It has the most valuable fisheries and is one of the leading colonies in the nation in the value of its catch. The catch includes flounder, haddock, cod, whiting, Pollack, tuna, herring, scallops, lobsters, and clams. On the other hand, Virginia’s economy is based heavily on government 9federal, state, and local), wholesale, and retail trade, services, and manufacturing. Together, they account for more than 80 percent of all nonagricultural employment. Its manufacturing accounts for about a fifth of the colony’s nonagricultural employment. Chemicals and chemical products are of outstanding importance (Morris, 2001). Chief among these are synthetic fibers, such as nylon, and polyester. Tobacco products, particularly cigarettes, are also important. Foods, including dairy products and canned and preserved fruits, vegetables, and seafoods, are processed in many localities. Virginia also has a number of textile mills. Moreover, livestock and livestock products, mainly cattle and milk, provide nearly 60 percent of all farm income. Beef and dairy cattle are raised throughout the area, but are most numerous on the northern Piedmont and in the valleys west of the Blue Ridge. The raising of turkeys and broilers is a major activity (Morris, 2001). In conclusion, Virginia was the site of the first permanent settlement and colony in North America. Virginians were prominent among the nation’s founding fathers and played major roles in the Revolutionary War while Massachusetts was one of the New England states of the United States. These two colonies contributed much of the history of the United States in terms of its state governance and economic contributions to the nation. Reference: 1. Brown, R. D. Massachusetts: a Bicentennial History (Norton, 2006). 2. Morris, Shirley. The Pelican Guide to Virginia (Pelican, 2001).

Of Mice and Men and the American Dream Essay Example for Free

Of Mice and Men and the American Dream Essay John Stienbeck’s novel â€Å"Of Mice and Men† is about the death of the American dream. George, Lennie and Candy’s dream is to own their own piece of land to work and live independently on. This dream is destroyed by Lennie’s ignorance and Lennie’s strength, which he cannot control. Curley’s wife’s dream is to be a famous Hollywood actress. Her dream is destroyed by her marriage to Curley and the Hollywood director who promised to contact her about her acting career but never has. Crook’s dream is for equality. Racism and the attitudes of others destroy this dream. Lennie and George’s dream is to own a piece of land to work and live where they can have cows, pigs, chicken a vegetable patch with alfalfa and rabbits. â€Å"O. K Someday – we’re going to get the jack together and we’re going to have a little house and a couple of acres and a cow and some pigs and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  ‘An’ live off the fatal the land’ â€Å"We’ll have a big vegetable patch and a rabbit-hunch and chickens. And when it rains in the winter we’ll just say the hell with going’ to work, and we’ll build up the fire in the stove and set around it an’ listen to the rain coming’ down on the roof. (Steinbeck 1937:18) This quote illustrates the dream have about owning their own land and living independently on it, growing and harvesting their own crops in the vegetable patch, farming cows and goats for milk, pigs for ham and bacon and chickens for eggs. When Candy hears about this dream, he wants to become part of it by offering his saved money to fund the purchase of the piece of land and be able to work and live on the land with George and Lennie. George, Lennie and candy’s dream is destroyed by Lennie’s ignorance and Lennie’s ignorance of his own strength. When Lennie is in a stressful situation, like when he wanted to pat the girl’s dress and she screamed, Lennie panics and doesn’t know what to do. Lennie’s strength and ignorance ruins their dream when Lennie and Curley’s wife are talking in the barn. Curley’s wife invites Lennie to feel how soft her hair is. Lennie patted her hair very hard. Curley’s wife, not wanting her hair to be messed up, jerks her head away. Because Lennie is confused he grabs her hair and tries to make her stop yelling. But because Lennie does not know how to control his own strength, he squeezes Curley’s wife’s neck too hard and crushes her spine. Lennie then flees the ranch because Curley wants to kill him for what he did to his wife. So Lennie is not brutally murdered by Curley, George finds Lennie and, because he cannot get him out of trouble, shoots Lennie. Lennie’s uncontrollable strength and ignorance destroyed his, George and Candy’s dream Curley’s wife’s dream is to become a famous Hollywood actress. She dreams of fame, fortune, fancy clothes and large, expensive hotels. Curley’s wife is waiting for a Hollywood director to mail her about becoming an actress. This dream is destroyed by her marriage to Curley because once she is married she is not allowed to pursue an acting career because she has to look after the house, because Curley will not allow her to leave the ranch to become an actress. Her dream is also destroyed by a Hollywood director who believed she had the potential to become a film actress. Curley’s wife meets this director at a dance and he promises he would send her a letter about acting in one of his films, but she never gets the letter so she does not become an actress which is her dream. Her marriage to Curley and the Hollywood director who has not mailed her about her acting career destroys her dream. Crooks dream is to be equal. Because he is black, he is treated differently than others because of their racist attitudes. Crooks must not go in the bunkhouse so he has to sleep in the harness room. He is also abused by the boss of the ranch whenever the boss gets angry. Crooks dreams that he can be treated the same as everyone else, so he does not have to sleep in the harness room instead of the bunkhouse or by abused by another man. â€Å"And he gave the stable buck hell, too† â€Å"Give the stable buck hell? ’ he asked ‘Sure. Yak see the stable buck’s a nigger. † (Steinbeck 1937:22)This quote shows how Crooks is mistreated by the farm boss because he is a black man. The ranch boss thinks he can ill-treat and discriminate against Crooks because he is black. Crooks dream of becoming equal is destroyed by the racist attitudes of others The novel â€Å"Of Mice and Men† by John Steinbeck is about the death of the American dream. The dream of George, Lennie and Candy is to own their own piece of land to work and live on. Lennie’s ignorance and Lennie’s uncontrollable strength destroy this dream. Curley’s wife’s dream is to be a famous Hollywood actress. Her dream is destroyed by her marriage to Curley and the Hollywood director who promised to write to her about her acting career but never has. Crook’s dream is for equality. This dream is destroyed by racism and the attitudes of others.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

The Abc Service Agency Tourism Essay

The Abc Service Agency Tourism Essay This plan was developed with broad involvement and guidance from the Board of Directors and staff. The Strategic Planning Committee included seven board members and four staff on the management team. This Committee including several past presidents of the board met twice to reflect on the mission, vision, core operating values and assumptions underlying the organizations approach to its work. These meetings set the stage for a work session of the full board during which the organizations strategic direction was defined. The staff helped coordinate the planning process and provided important support and analysis to complete this plan. The ABC Service Agency began in 1961 as a volunteer parent support group. Today the organization provides supports and services annually to nearly 2,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families, and is one of the countys largest employers. Its assistance is designed to support individuals and their families from birth through the senior years. The Agency services include residential services and support job placement and support, planned relief for the caregivers of children and adults with disabilities, social activities, and vocational training. The Agency also offers information and referral services, and works to educate community. 3 Direction and Results The Agency strategic direction and goals included in this plan are The Agencys response to its understanding of what its customers value most about the organization, and current opportunities and challenges for offering a high quality system of support in the community for people with disabilities. The five-year period of this strategic plan will be a time of assessing and deepening With a fresh perspective on its mission, understanding what it does well, and the environment in which it operates, The Agency will pursue the following strategic direction: 1. Agency will review and deepen its existing direct supports and services over time to ensure that they are state-of-the art for working effectively with children and adults with disabilities. 2. Agency will further assess consumer and community needs to identify gaps or needed shifts in service delivery. 3. Agency will take a leadership role in working with a range of providers to identify and meet the needs of children and adults with disabilities. 4. Agency will explore the feasibility of expanding the organizations visibility in the community and making greater use of volunteers. 5. The Agency will emphasize building its discretionary financial resources to invest in providing quality services. 4 Set goals The following goals for The Agency over the next five years are the organizations response to the important issues identified in the environmental scan that was completed as part of the strategic planning process. These goals provide a roadmap for fulfilling the strategic direction. 5 Delivery of services The Agency will provide model supports for people with disabilities and their families, either directly or through partnerships with or referrals to other service providers in the following areas: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ work week opportunities (e.g. employment and day supports) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recreation and leisure activity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Residential support (e.g. community living and participation) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Family support and education Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 6 Human Resources The Agency will develop a stable, highly qualified and motivated workforce that actively delivers the organizations mission. 7 Resource Development The Agency will be a highly visible, well-respected, non-profit organization that attracts increased numbers of volunteers and higher levels of contributions to support operations and the endowment fund. Successful implementation of this strategic plan will result in more quality supports and services delivered to consumers, The ultimate result It is about changing community conditions that make full community life possible for every person. 8 Organization of the Strategic Plan This plan has two purposes. First, it presents the most comprehensive compilation of the plan and its component parts. Second, it is a reference guide for strategic planning. At the beginning of each section a box includes a definition of the component part. There are a few footnotes with additional helpful tips about how The Agency can use the information in the plan. In the future 8.1 Company Vision Vision statement describes the organization in the somewhat distant future twenty to 30 years. Components of the vision statement may include: 1) how big is the reach or scope of the work? 2) What is the organization doing? What is its role? 3) What does the organization itself look like? 4) Who are biggest partners? 5) What are the major sources of funding? It may also include major external context or assumptions that will influence this vision. 9 20-Year Vision for the Agency 9.1 In The Context In the year 2025, greater acceptance and full inclusion by the community, improved services and support and more prevalent and helpful technology will add to the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities. At the same time, because of population growth, the aging of the population, and higher incidences of multiple diagnoses, the needs of people with disabilities and their families will remain extensive and varied. Finally, people with disabilities and their families will control more of the resources and decisions about who provides them with help and support. 10 Role and Program Services The Agency is the leader in identifying needs and bringing together all kinds of resources and services for all children and adults with disabilities and their families in the county to support full long-term community inclusion and participation. Specifically The Agency: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Leads a collaboration of providers and community organizations and programs à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Directly provides cutting-edge, model services that meet identified gaps à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Collaborates with and makes referrals to other high-quality service providers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Leads many advocacy efforts to ensure services are provided either by The Agency or other providers. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 11 Funding Sources While government contracts are still a significant source of funding, The Agency has a robust and innovative fundraising program earning resources from private sources including individuals and businesses. 12 Company Mission Achieving full community life for children and adults with disabilities one person at a time. The Agency introduces a new sharper mission statement in this strategic plan. This statement reflects two dimensions, they are: Achieving means insuring that individuals with disabilities have the right combination of support and opportunity to experience their own individual potential. Full community life means the opportunity for every individual with disabilities to actively participate with their family, friends, co-workers and other valued relationships in creating a life that is joyful and fulfilled. 13 Core Operating Values Core Operating Values are the fundamental values or ideals at the heart of the organization. They articulate ideals that the organization aspires to hold itself accountable for and offer guidance about how the organization behaves in carrying out its mission. The following core operating values influence the culture and public image of The Agency Caring Attitude The Agency demonstrates compassionate support and concern for people with disabilities and their families Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. Responsiveness The Agency finds solutions that meet the needs and preferences of people with disabilities and their families through direct service or referrals to other providers. Respectfulness The Agency honours the choices of people with disabilities, encouraging each person to take control over his/her own life, and helps to shape these based on what is important to each consumer. Individualized Support -Agency knows that peoples needs vary significantly and can change over time; Diversity The Agency understands that people with disabilities are part of all races, ethnicities and religions; Integrity and Accountability The Agency has the highest level of integrity in its administrative, service, and outreach activities; we tie these activities directly to our mission, and we maintain and report our records accurately. State of the Art Practices -The Agency aims for excellent, high quality, state-of the-art approaches that people with disabilities and their families can always count on to be there. Partnerships The Agency works with a wide variety of partners and advocates for quality service by all partners. Advocacy The Agency educates the public and advocates for the long-term bests interests of people with disabilities and their families. Financial Sustainability The Agency believes its work as an advocate and service provider will be needed for many years into the future. 14 Underlying Service Assumptions This is a set of beliefs about the world that frame an organizations work. Directors and staff believe that the actions they will take will have the desired results. All of The Agencys services and the way it goes about its work are based on fundamental beliefs best way to support people with disabilities. The Agency believes: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ All people have equal rights. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ All people have strengths and assets. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is possible to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People thrive when they make their own choices and people with disabilities are capable of and have the right to make their own decisions; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People with disabilities deserve the same opportunity to participate in their community. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Engaging and participating in community life has a positive impact on people with disabilities. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People with disabilities are valuable members of their communities. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 15 Summary of Most Important Points in the Environment An environmental scan, called the e-scan for short, is a process for discovering and documenting facts and trends in the operating environment of an organization that are likely to affect the organization in its future work. E-scan findings are used to orient strategic planning participants on the context in which the organizations mission is carried out. The e-scan can also include a summary of internal information about the organization and its history including who has been served, results it has achieved, its current structure, and financial data. It is often put in the framework of a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis Threats are external activities or trends that threaten the current and future success of the organization. Strengths The Agencys key strengths include the organizations demonstrated ability to provide high quality, necessary services, which help people with disabilities live a fuller life in the community. Staffs are committed, and the services and programs offered are monitored for quality. When there is a challenge, the organization meets it through innovation. The Agency has an excellent reputation and is looked to by other service providers as a leader. Weaknesses Some believe that The Agencys significant growth has led to challenges to human resources, difficulty with supervision, lack of structure for coordination among departments, and inconsistent administrative and clerical support. There is a perceived need for improved management practices, use of technology, and increased use of volunteers. Issues with the employment program were mentioned, including tracking, matching people to jobs, training, and finding more opportunities. Opportunities The opportunities considered most important included: Increasing community acceptance and opportunity for further inclusion through employment. There appears to be increased emphasis on inclusion at schools and increased openness by employers to hire people with disabilities. These changes make The Agencys philosophy more prevalent and may increase demand for its services and opportunities for employment and inclusion. Government Agency Waiver. Government will now provide the person with disabilities with a check to buy services. . Threats The threats considered most important included: Dependence on government funding. Funding, particularly the residential funding stream, doesnt keep up with needs. Implications: The Agency needs to assess the real demand for its services, increase private pay options, and be prepared to explore other opportunities for generating revenue. The question of what happens when private money is gone needs to be addressed. Other threats mentioned included: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The aging population, which means aging caregivers and aging people with disabilities. The improvements in medicine mean people are living longer. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ There are a lot of nonprofits in the county, and volunteers and donors may not be engaged forever with a single service provider. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employment for persons with disabilities, especially in bad economic times, gets very difficult. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rising housing prices make affordable housing increasingly difficult to find and maintain. 16 Strategic Direction The strategic direction is a succinct statement about the strategy or approach an organization will take toward its work over a specific period of time. The statement is based on a combination of both the current environment (the opportunities and threats facing the organization) and the mission and competencies of the organization. It is often a direct response to the strategic questions asked by an organization. Based on the Board of Directors understanding of The Agencys mission, primary customer, core values, and the opportunities and threats in the current environment, the next three to five years will be a time of assessing and deepening its approaches to its work. Concurrently, The Agency will take more of a leadership role in working with a broader array of community resources, and it will explore the feasibility of actively engaging volunteers. The Agency will review and deepen its existing direct supports and services over time to ensure that they are they are state-of-the art for working effectively with children and adults with disabilities. They will further assess consumer and community needs to identify gaps or opportunities for shifts in service delivery. 17 Goals Areas Goals and objectives set out the broad results that the organization hopes to achieve within a specific time period (goals) and statements of shorter term results and collections of activities (objectives) which if achieved will constitute and achievement of the goals. In order to pursue the strategic direction described above, The Agency will fulfil the following goals and objectives. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 18 Delivery of Service The Agency will provide model supports for people with disabilities and their families, either directly or through partnerships with or referrals to other service providers in the following areas: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ work week opportunities (e.g. employment and day supports) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recreation and leisure activity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Residential support (e.g. community living and participation) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Family support and education 19 Main Objectives: A. Employment Support 1. More people with disabilities find and keep jobs in the community that pay a living wage and are satisfying. 2. The number of referrals for jobs and the amount of available training support increases. 3. There is an increase in the number of businesses in the county that employ people with disabilities. 4. Local public policy continues to create favourable conditions for supported employment. 1. Increase in the number of consumers in all programs over 5 years with disabilities who are using community resources in the county. 2. Consumers have greater choices and opportunities in social, recreational and civic activities in the community. 3. Consumers are more socially interactive and are better integrated into the community. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. C. Family Support and Education 1. More families with young children use The Agency as their go to resource for early information and guidance. 2. Consumers and their families have a structured approach for planning for all phases of life cycle transitions (e.g. children to youth, youth to young adulthood, adulthood to senior years, end of life). 19.1 Human Resources The Agency will develop a stable, highly qualified and motivated workforce that actively delivers the organizations mission. 19.2 Objectives: 1. The Agency improves its capacity to attract and retain qualified direct care staff. 2. All staff thoroughly understands the meaning of the mission and how their job contributes to achieving it. 3. A professional development program is implemented to strengthen and expand the supervisory and management capacity and opportunities among mid-level managers. 4. A professional development program is implemented to strengthen and expand the capacity of direct support staff to be community liaisons and successfully integrate the consumers they support into the community. 19.3 Resource Development The Agency will be a highly visible, well-respected nonprofits organization that attracts increased numbers of volunteers and higher levels of contributions to support operations and the endowment fund. 19.4 Objectives: A. Visibility 1. Update the communication plan to align with the strategic plan. 2. Use strategic communication to facilitate volunteer recruitment. B. Volunteers 1. Increase by 50% volunteers who are involved in all activities of The Agency. 2. Establish a volunteer development program, including selection, training, leadership development and recognition. 3. There is an increase in the number of family members and other volunteers who are actively involved in advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. C. Fundraising 1. The Endowment Fund reaches $1 million in assets. 2. There is an increase by 25% in the amount of contributions that support the operating budget. 3. A maintenance fund is established and dollars are raised annually to sustain it. (Amount to be determined with additional research.) 20 Strategic Action Plan Focus by Year The following is a summary of the anticipated major focus of activities by goal (in addition to on-going operations) for The ABC Service Agency Board of Directors and Staff in each year of the strategic plan. 20.1 Year Summary of Activity 1 Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Shift from strategic planning to plan implementation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Administrative department and staff reorganization; new Administration, Finance and Facilities Department Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ New Development Specialist position à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Update the communication plan to align with the strategic plan 2 Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fully develop capacity of the new administrative support team and strengthen program delivery with new practices using existing resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Program Directors working to strengthen program integration à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employment support triage to strengthen training and placement à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Partnership with business in The County à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increase advocacy efforts with HCPSS and DORS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Work on communication skills to support people with disabilities accessing and using community resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop agency-wide interest inventory à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Pilot typical after work activities à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reorganize family support for increased capacity for meeting needs of families with young children. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Management Team focus on best practices Human Resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Update training curriculum for direct support staff Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 20.2 Year Summary of Activity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Creation of professional development program for direct support staff Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plan for expanded use of volunteers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Establishment of Volunteer Leadership Development program à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Build capacity of resource development efforts including technology and tracking giving trends à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Information/funding raising breakfast events à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Begin seeking support for endowment fund à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop maintenance fund and secure initial funding 3 Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue work to strengthen service delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Formalize system of professional development for direct support staff à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement processes for assessing satisfaction with employee supports and tracking participation with community resources and expanded family support and education support à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Expand internship initiative with businesses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Community Access Specialist position à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Meet the Agency events for families children à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Strengthen supports and approaches for managing life cycle transitions Human Resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement new staff committee structure Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Begin to implement volunteer services plan, including hiring a Volunteer Coordinator à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement a fall fundraising event 4 All Goals à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop expanded action plan Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue developing and stabilizing all new activities and initiatives Expand marketing for employment services to expand the number of people who are supported à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Dedicate portion of rolling access funds to support access to community resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Community Access Specialist focuses on relationship skill building for people with disabilities to further support community integration Human Resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue focus on staff development including developing a supervisory and management curriculum for mid-level staff Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue to grow volunteer program à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue strengthening resource development efforts 5 All Goals à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue developing and stabilizing all new activities and initiatives; begin increasing numbers of consumers supported across program areas à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Take broad look at lessons learned in terms of successes and obstacles in implementing all new activities and initiatives à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plan for new strategic plan