Ethics and Governance free essay sample

The Coca-Cola Company did not take into account the stakeholders’ interest, upon the launch of their new product- VitaminWater. First off, the consumers were being misled that the VitaminWater was a healthier alternative, but in real, due to the ingredients contained in the drink, it is not. Upon investigation, the truth in the content of the VitaminWater would be released, and hence consumers worldwide would know the truth of contents. With the act of misleading consumers, there would be extreme negative effects on trustworthiness towards the source of information and the future willingness to buy their products. When this happens, it would be very tough job to gain the consumers’ trust again, in order to have the major market control in the drinks industry. Further to this issue, the label was not clearly communicative due to the fact that the content or ingredients of the drink were not fully stated. Although VitaminWater offered more vitamins for the human body, it was unhealthy due to the fact that the amount of sugar in the water will result in the consumer having a higher chance of getting sugar related health problems. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics and Governance or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The sugar content, which could be easily and clearly labeled on the drinks, could well be printed on the label of VitaminWater to let known the amount of sugar used to make the drink. Upon probed on whether the sugar content of VitaminWater will contribute more to obesity, the company became defensive, stating that the allegations made were ridiculous and wanted to defend the lawsuit. Another issue that is very unethical would be the over-pricing for VitaminWater. It costs USD 1. 50 for 590ml, which is a very high price compared to the average price of the other drinks that Coca-Cola produces. The fact that not only the drink is costly, but it also harms the body more than it helps the body; it has greatly shown that the Coca-Cola Company overlooked the ethical issues in the company. 3. ) Ethics Policy and its Development 3. 1) Proposed Ethics Policy -The Coca-Cola Company will act with integrity and accountability. -By practicing integrity, we will ensure that all information provided of the products is truthful and genuine to all our consumers. We shall neither engage in any deceptive nor misleading practices. By practicing accountability, we are responsible for our actions and ensure transparency in our processes. All the product components used in the development of our beverages are to meet the right criterion, having the contents of the beverages clearly labeled and communicated clearly to our consumers. -We will have the commitment to take into consideration our stakeholders’ interests, and to make sure that we provide them the products with fairness and equa lity. -We will constantly maintain the highest quality of our products, so as to offer our consumers the excellence quality at a reasonable price. Keep in mind to ensure that the materials used in the manufacturing process are keep to the minimal waste. -We will uphold the ethical standards and corporate social responsibility to portray a positive image, credibility and reputation. 3. 2) Rationale of Ethics Policy The ethics policy has been developed based on the main issues identified from the case study. In order to portray a positive image, trustworthiness, and reputation, it is very essential for company to be accountable for all the negative issues. Further to that, negative issues must be solved and rectified the issues promptly, the soonest possible. This assists to build the company’s credibility and this will attract potential and retain existing consumers to the company. 3. 3) Policy Development Ethics is a set of moral principles and values that individual possesses (Trevino Nelson 2004, p. 13). Ethics, which also refers to a well-developed norms and standards of conduct, is essential to an organization, due to the fact that the employees of the company would have to follow the acceptable ethics to perform their job more effectively. Our group developed the ethics policy by focusing on the following theories: 3. 3. 1) Virtue Ethic Virtue ethic focuses on the individual motivations, character and intentions (Trevino Nelson 2004, p. 93). It is about individual integrity to carry out tasks ethically that aligns with the organisation’s code of ethics. For example, the representative of Coke is supposed to inform the public the right content of the â€Å"healthy drink†. 3. 3. 2) Utilitarianism Ethic Utilitarianism ethic focuses on the consequences of the action on all the people affected by it (Collins 2009). Under utilitarianism, everybody is treated equally and there can be no favouritism based on power or status (Collins 2009). According to Parsons (2004), John Staurt Mill augmented the utilitarianism ethics. She mentioned that ‘neither the intent behind the action nor the fundamental rightness or wrongness of the action is at issue, only the consequences. ’ (Parsons 2004, p. 44). Based on the Coca-Cola case study, Coca-Cola should begin with understanding the consequences on the public reactions towards the introduction of the drink, rather than waiting till consumers complain about it after the fact has been found out. . 3. 3) Kantianism Ethic Kantianism ethic is based on the moral principle that requires everyone to be treated as a free individual equal to everyone else (Velasquez 2002). Velasquez (2002, p. 98) mentioned that ‘Kant’s categorical imperative focuses on a person’s interior motivations and not on the consequences of one’s external actions. ’ According to Kantian theory, moral right or wrong are identified by the reasons the person has for what he tries to do and not measured by the end result (Velasquez 2002). Therefore, a person’s or corporate action that is motivated by a sense of duty is considered as right moral. Based on the Coca-Cola case study, the intention is morally right. 3. 4) Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is defined as the responsibility and commitments of the company that contribute towards the social, such as community, environment and the general public (De George 1999). It also states that the corporate social responsibility must be able to fulfill both legal and social obligation. Legal obligation refers to obeying the â€Å"lawful† rules and regulations set by the government. Social obligation refers to the action done by the company that impacts make on the society (De George 1999). CSR comprises of four factors and they are law, ethics, economics and philanthropy. This factor allows the company to act as a good citizen while obeying the laws, and is ethical, thus profiting from the business (Gupta Prisch 2008). By adopting a good CSR will enhance the corporation’s image and its reputation thus creating more business demands in the long run (De George 1999). Based on the case study of Coca-Cola, they should adopt CSR so that they would be able to gain back the trust that they have lost from the general public, so in order to improve the sales figures of their products. 4) Implementation, Effectiveness and Limitations 4. 1) Implementation of Ethics Policy To implement the ethics policy successfully, the Coca-Cola Company needs to communicate the policy to all the stakeholders clearly and effectively. It would mean that the employees of the company must understand and practice the ethical standards that they are required to follow. To practice transparency, the company could engage a third party to be involved in the process of manufacturing the products. The third party will verify the product’s components used and ensure that the company follows the ethical standards. Alternatively, the company can allow and arrange for viewing of the manufacturing plant with the media and the public to build the trust in their product development. According to the article, the Hong Kong’s regulators encourage companies to initiate the practice of transparency. Being transparent, it allows the company to be more effective and be committed to uphold the good ethical standards (Mar Young 2001). The company needs to engage internal and external audit to conduct audit checks on the process of manufacturing quarterly or yearly to ensure the manufacturing process is maintained in high standards. With the implementation of the audit checks, the company could also ensure that the prices of the materials used are of reasonable costs to provide the consumers’ the worth value of the products and the shareholders’ the achievable profit. To align with the corporate social responsibility, the company needs to do regular checks, practicing quality control, on the equipments and materials used in the development of product to ensure that all materials are eco-friendly and the products are of excellence quality. One article mentioned that some companies encourage their employees to adopt the environmental initiatives. To take on the environmental initiatives, the company would have to support the idea. This would enhance the company’s overall performance and may increase the efficiency and profitability (Ramus 2002). 4. ) Effectiveness of Ethics Policy The policy is effective with clear communication, audit checks and the practice of transparency. With the clear communication of the policy to the stakeholders, they are aware of the contents of the products. This ensures them the credibility that the company is building; hence they would feel the fairness and the price worthiness of the products. One article indica tes that effective communication is important for business success. It allows companies to exchange information and build good rapport and strong relationships while minimizing the communication barriers (Griffith 2002). The audit checks conducted, will certify the minimum requirements that the company is required to fulfill in order to produce excellence products’ quality. This would also make sure that the material costs are acceptable to achieve consumers’ satisfaction and shareholders’ profit. By practicing transparency, this builds up the trust and confidence level of the stakeholders by educating them with the trips to visit the manufacturing plant. This creates awareness of the methods used and how the products are developed. It has indirectly enhances the credibility of the company. And by arranging such trip visits to the manufacturing plant, the company fosters rapport with the stakeholders and ensuring them that the company encourages corporate social responsibility. From the article, a study was conducted among 460 consumers which results that corporate social responsibility is essential in affecting company’s image and performance. Consumers are more willing to purchase items from those companies that practice CSR. Their perceptions are of the company’s positive ethical practices that lead to increased consumers’ satisfaction, support and reliability (Gupta Prisch 2008). 4. 3) Limitations of Ethics Policy According to the article, Bandura (1999) mentioned that most people used their personal judgments and thinking, to deduce whether or not to accept and follow suit the set of ethical standards set by the company. Employees will usually react with their own behaviours which might not align with those ethical standards of the company (Trevino, Weaver Reynolds 2006). The culture in the company that has been already in long run since the company begins also plays an important role for the employees’ decisions on whether to follow the ethical policies in the company. Regardless to the fact that there is clear communication, with indications of the contents labeled clearly on the products, a limitation would be that consumers, might not be bothered by the sugar level. The main reason to this would be that as some of them are not really health conscious, although given understood the contents of the drinks. Due to these, Coca-Cola must also understand that there would be doubts and questions to be resolved from the media and consumers. Audit checks could well be implemented used to express and show fairness, with the presence of financial statements, in all material respects, Coca-Cola’s financial position and cash flows, including the end results of operations. However, there might be loopholes or situations whereby they are not able to identify the problems even after auditors examine the financial statements and supporting records. . Conclusion From the case study, we learnt that the lack of transparency caused great friction between the Coca-Cola Company and the stakeholders, hence causing disputes over the main issues identified in this report. To salvage the situation, in order to regain the trust and confidence of the stakeholders, the ethics policies in this report are to remedy these issues. The implementations proposed would greatly improve the company’s image an d reputation as there will be transparency in their operation processes. The products’ prices are also justifiable based on the quality. Furthermore, being corporate social responsible, there will be a minimal wastage of materials and environmentally friendly. Despite the limitations of the policy, we believe that based on the findings on the ethical standards, Coca-Cola could take into considerations of such limitations and make improvements to minimize the undesirable outcomes. All employees of Coca-Cola will use this set of ethics as a guideline to maintain and uphold the ethical standards and be responsible towards our society. In the real world, no ethic policy nor governance system is able to fully prevent any mis-happenings in the company, including employees putting their personal interests ahead of the interests of the companies they manage. But many steps can be taken to improve the ethics and governance, and thereby reduce opportunities for getting the wrong things done. The management of the company has an important role to play to make sure that the ethics policy are well written out and let know to the employees of the company. It would also be essential for the management of the company to make sure that employees follow the ethics, rules and regulations promptly to as to achieve a greater milestone, gaining better revenue and achievements, and heading towards the long term goals and targets. 6) Reference List Collins, D 2009, ‘Essentials of business ethics’, John Wiley Sons, New Jersey. De George , RT 1999, ‘Business Ethics’, 5th edn, Prentice Hall, New Jersey Donaldson T, Werhane, P Cording, M (eds) 2002, Ethical Issues in Business: A Philosophical Approach, 7th edn, Prentice Hall, New Jersey Griffith, DA 2002, ‘The role of communication competencies in international business relationship development’, Journal of World Business, vol. 37, issue 4, pp. 256-265, viewed 2 August 2009, ScienceDirect database Gupta, S Pirsch, J 2008, ‘The influence of a retailer’s corporate social responsibility program on re-conceptualizing store image’, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, vol. 15, issue 6, pp. 516-526, viewed 2 August 2009, ScienceDirect database Ethics And Governance free essay sample It raises the interelated notions of individual rights, fairness, equality and entitlement. The principles vary in numerous dimensions. These issues explore the appropriate distribution of social and economic benefits and related costs. There are five principles included an equal share for each individual, a share according to the needs of each individual, a share according to the efforts of each individual, a share according to the social contribution of each individual and a share according to the merits of each individual. There are three theories of distributive justice included Libertarianism, Utilitarian and Egalitarianism. Libertarianism approach It is a theory that defends unlimited laissez-faire capitalism as the only morally justified regime. Libertarian required for the maximization of freedom and liberty or the minimization of violations in these as long as the corporations don’t harm other’s freedom and not breaking the law. Following Locke, Nozick, the entitlement theory depends on the original acquisition of holding, the legitimate transfer of holdings to/ form others and the illegal acquisition of holdings. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics And Governance or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Libertarianism is doesn’t consider actual distributing in society. It means that the right of every individual to unlimited utilization of his own person (self-ownership); and the right to unrestricted, or relatively mildly limited, appropriation of external resources without suffering others and fraud from these transactions. In addition, an individual has exclusive right to all the goods that are product of use of his talents and efforts and he has either the right to appropriate all natural resources, which he finds and takes before others. Whether the distribution is just depends solely on how holdings were acquired. Property rights are derived from an individual’s basic moral rights, which take priority over all social or legislative arrangements imposed by society. This theory is interested only in this that the above procedures are satisfied and that nobody has used violence to take some goods from others. Forceful intervention of the state for the sake of helping the poor is not allowed. Therefore, any taxation involves violating of libertarianism and allowing some people to own other people. As my choosing company PARKnSHOP Supermarket which organized by Hutchison Whampoa Limited, it is affecting environment that stop handing out plastic bags automatically for customers. For libertarian view, they have used the libertarian approach on their corporate actions and the legitimacy of their actions. The customers have their freedom and choice and right to buy something with plastic bag. Everyone kwon that the plastic bag offered by PARKnShop’s which is not good for the environment. However, most of people like to buy something with plastic bag because they have their freedom and self-ownership. For libertarian, it is ethic for PARKnSHOP’s can offer biodegradable bags and do the promotion on use biodegradable bags and involuntary levy on bags to the customers. It is because PARKnSHOP’s is rewarded so long as they are not breaking the law and don’t harm other’s freedom. However, it’s has some arguments against the libertarianism. It is because any taxation and helping environment involves violating of libertarianism. But, it always helping environment and do a lot of community activities such as involvement in the â€Å"Say No to Plastic Bags† campaign. Utilitarian approach Utilitarianism is the ethical doctrine that the moral worth of an action is solely determined by its contribution to overall utility. Following John Stuart Mill, utilitarian approach is a theory that takes as its primary aims the attainment and concern with maximum possible personal happiness of a society as a whole, which should ultimately determine what is just or unjust behavior. This goal is to be achieved in such a way that one first checks what makes every particular individual in a society happy, then sums up all these various wants and preferences, and finally finds out how to satisfy the greatest number of them. John Stuart Mill acknowledged that the society can receive more return from the more efficient laborer and it is just that talented workers can receive the greater remuneration. It is obtain efficient us of the resources if allow people to benefit from labor. A redistribution of resources increases general happiness of a society. However, the arbitrary and great disparity of distinctions and advocate strict equality may cause the unjust behavior and may cause social breakdown. It is because it would have an adverse influence on the working motivation of the able individuals, and thereby on the overall wealth of the society. Therefore, the utilitarian standard is essential for resolving any conflict between rival principles of justice and increases the allover happiness of a society. The main task is to find a balance between factors that point towards equality and those ones that go against it. It seems that the utilitarian view can be found in PARKnSHOP’s. For PARKnSHOP’s, it concerned with the maximization of happiness of society. It’s has providing a lot of jobs opportunity for the people. Also, PARKnSHOP’s are willing to do the supports community programs, which operate at the grassroots level, usually focused on local, global environment-related issues. It’s always giving back to society and help to create a better end and achieved to the utilitarian. However, it is not mean that can justify the ends. It is because the plastic bag of PARKnSHOP’s is a big problem. The research from the Friends of Earth (HK) shows shoppers want a bag whose need to pay 20 cents for each one. If the levy is constrained, they will initiative to reduce plastic use. One of the reasons of this research is because of they have already build up a habit of using plastic bags. They are driving a change with making profit and contributions. It is a big problem and not concerned with the maximization of personal happiness and argues to the Utilitarian View. Egalitarian approach John Rawls explores the egalitarian approach and tries to determine principles of just society with the help of hypothetical contract among members of a society. His hypothetical introduces the notion of an abstract social contract to establish principles of justice. It is supposed by John Rawls that individuals who make this contract primarily care for their self-interest, that they are rational, well informed about human nature and functioning of society, and that they are placed under so called veil of gnorance. They are also assumed to know nothing about those of their characteristics, individual situation and circumstances that might influence impartiality of the decision-making. In egalitarian, that all members of a society should have the equal social, political, and economic rights and opportunities. John Rawls addressed that each person h as equal right to the most extensive scheme same basic liberties and defends this notion that every individual would be assured justice as equal treatment for all once the veil of ignorance is removed. In addition, John Rawls addressed that social and economic inequalities are to meet two conditions. The two conditions are economic inequalities are allowed but only if they benefit even the least advantaged individuals and attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair quality of opportunity. The basic social structure, not the transactions between individuals, should establish justice as a cooperative project for the mutual benefit of society, and minimize the socioeconomic consequences or random natural differences between people. For PARKnSHOP’s, the stakeholders of it is included employees, customers, suppliers materials, wholesales, creditors, government and the environment society. It seems that the equalitarianism can be maintained. It’s paid the high taxes. It’s has always been committed to serving the community through involvement in the territories many social services for all stakeholders as well as charity work such as World Wide Fund for Nature. In addition, they are care about the welfare of people and built up the Li Ka Shing Foundation for the people who in hospital, education, construction and support the community activities and benefit people worldwide. It’s help people in need around the world and gives the equal social, political, and economic rights and opportunities for the people. It is the mutual benefit of society, and minimizes the socioeconomic consequences or random natural differences between people. Moreover, It’s gives the equal job opportunity to the minority and women.

Puerto Rican And U.S. Essays - Psychometrics, Personality Tests

Puerto Rican And U.S. Essays - Psychometrics, Personality Tests Puerto Rican And U.S. Most instruments designed to measure acculturation have relied on specific cultural behaviors and preferences as primary indicators of acculturation. In contrast, feelings of belonging and emotional attachment to cultural communities have not been widely used. The Psychological Acculturation Scale (PAS) was developed to assess acculturation from a phenomenological perspective, with items pertaining to the individual's sense of psychological attachment to and belonging within the Anglo-American and Latino/Hispanic cultures. Responses from samples of bilingual individuals and Puerto Rican adolescents and adults are used to establish a high degree of measurement equivalence across the Spanish and English versions of the scale along with high levels of internal consistency and construct validity. The usefulness of the PAS and the importance of studying acculturation from a phenomenological perspective are discussed. Psychological acculturation refers to changes in individuals' psychocultural orientations that develop through involvement and interaction within new cultural systems. Rather than conceptualizing acculturation as a process in which people lose connection to their original culture (Gordon, 1978), new research has emphasized the individual's negotiation of two cultural entities (Berry, Poortinga, Segall, Buriel, 1993). Responding to distinct sets of norms from the culture of origin and the host culture, acculturating individuals emerge with their own interpretation of appropriate values, customs, and practices as they negotiate between cultural contexts (Berry, 1980). People vary greatly in their abilities to function within new cultural environments (LaFromboise, Coleman, & Gerton, 1993) and may seek different levels of attachment to and involvement in a host culture or their culture(s) of origin (Padilla, 1980). To study individuals' cultural orientations, measures of acculturation traditionally have focused on individuals' behaviors and behavioral preferences and have relied heavily on language use and other behaviors as indicators of acculturation (Marin, Sabogal, VanOss Matin, Otero-Sabogal, Szapocznik, Kurtines, & Fernandez, 1980). For example, Szapocznik et al. (1980) described acculturation as based in two primary dimensions: cultural behaviors and values. Paralleling their conceptualization of acculturation, the Behavioral Acculturation Scale (Szapocznik, Scopetta, Kurtines, & Aranalde, 1978) includes items most closely related to cultural behaviors and preferences (e.g., What language do you speak at home? and What language do you prefer to speak?). Similarly, Cuellar, Harris, and Jasso (1980) measured acculturation with items pertaining primarily to cultural behaviors and values (e.g., What language do you prefer?). This measure also included several items concerning migration history (e.g., Where were you raised?) and one item concerning ethnic self-identification (i.e., How do you identify yourself?). These factors can be important in interpreting individuals' acculturation experiences; however, rather than assessing personal acculturation factors and sociodemographic factors as separate concepts, Cuellar et al. (1980) combined these items within the same measure. We feel that this approach may be problematic in two primary ways. First, such modes of measurement blur distinctions between factual histories of individuals (e.g., age of arrival on the U.S. mainland) and the assessment of individuals' acculturative change. Second, measures heavily based on cultural behaviors may not assess adequately individuals' acceptance and understanding of the values from each culture (Betancourt Rogler, 1994) or grant sufficient attention to individuals' emotional attachments to each culture (Estrada, 1993). Alternatively, new instruments can be designed to measure acculturation as it is psychologically experienced by the individual. Reviews of the acculturation literature have identified cultural loyalty, solidarity, identification, and comprehension as overlapping elements of psychological responses to cultural exposure (Berry, 1980; Betancourt Szapocznik & Kurtines, 1980). To assess these psychological components of acculturation, the 10-item Psychological Acculturation Scale (PAS) was developed. Unlike traditional measures, the PAS targets individuals' psychological negotiation of two cultural entities (in this case, Anglo-American culture and Latino/Hispanic culture), with particular attention to their sense of emotional attachment to and understanding of each culture. This set of studies was designed to assess the psychometric properties of the PAS. In particular, cross-language equivalence, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity were examined. CROSS-LANGUAGE EQUIVALENCE Back translation and decentering are widely used methods for determining cross-language equivalence of a scale (Brislin, 1986). For example, to create a Spanish version of an English-language measure, one person translates from English to Spanish, and a different person translates the Spanish version back into English. Discrepancies in the translated versions are resolved through decentering, a process of several iterations whereby the measure is pulled away from the idiosyncrasies of the source language (i.e., the original English-language version). We share the concerns of Bontempo (1993) and Olmedo (1981) about the validity of this accepted procedure. Even when original and back-translated versions are quite similar, measurement equivalence can still not be assumed or guaranteed for the two language versions because concepts and wordings for scale items originally were produced in only the source language (Bontempo, 1993; Olmedo, 1981). As an alternative,

Successful security management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Successful security management - Research Paper Example Since security is a mission to protect the people, property and the business, an integrated approach in policy making is essential for successful security management. A formal security frame work in an organization incorporates various security controls which need continuous review for an efficient functioning of the security system. A good security management model envisages security standards for effective practice which increases confidence level of the various stakeholders of the organization. The structure for security management in an organization should be established with clear-cut authority and clarity in reporting system since coordination during the times of exigencies and emergencies will be very crucial. This ensures proper communication at all levels, improves coordination and avoids delays Talbot & Jackman (p. 10) state, â€Å"The term â€Å"security† can of course be a much broader term. For example, if we consider security as a â€Å"state of being protected from hazards, danger, harm, loss of injury,† it also includes elements of protection from natural disasters and concepts of organizational resilience.† Security management is closely related to risk management. Risk could emanate due to various factors, such as accidents in work place, damages due to acts of god, eruption of fire, wars, political and communal violence, theft and loss of confidential information and business secrets. Combination of one or more factors may lead to loss of financial resources and bankruptcy. Also, risks involve health and safety of people and property. Liberalization and globalization drive in various countries have actually increased the risk profile of the projects and businesses considerably due to innovations in information technology and telecommunications and pose threats to the lives of industrialists and politicians. Industrial espionage which is aided by sophisticated

The Influence Of The Mongol Rule On Russia In The 13-15th Centuries Essay - 1

The Influence Of The Mongol Rule On Russia In The 13-15th Centuries - Essay Example While there existed 15 quasi-independent principalities in the Russian lands of the mid-12th century, their numbers swelled to more than 50 on the eve of Mongol invasion (Vernadsky, 1973). The largest of these principalities included the Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal that dominated the North-East Rus, the mercantile Republic of Novgorod that was practically independent from the Riurikid dynasty due to its custom of electing its princes, and the Principality of Halych in the South-West that became a basis for Dual Principality of Halych-Volyn’ after the unification of Halych and Volyn’ under Volynian prince Roman Rostislavich (ruled 1189-1205) in 1199 (Martin, 2003, pp.97). The other principalities, including Ryazan, Smolensk, Chernigov, and Polotsk, were generally weak and dependent on their larger neighbors. The political fragmentation of Kievan Rus was accompanied by bitter infighting between various principal cliques for the domination over Kiev, which, while havin g lost its previous political and economic importance, still remained a lucrative prize for an ambitious prince. The most important feudal wars in the 12th to 13th century included the warfare between princely clans of Monomashichi and Ol’govichi in 1146-1154, the raid of north-eastern princes led by Andrey Bogolubsky against Kiev in 1169, and the war between Roman of Volyn’ and Suzdalian Grand Prince Vsevolod the Big Nest (ruled in 1154-1212) in 1202-1203 (Martin 2003; Vernadsky 1973). While the separation of Rus’ lands into distinct polities allowed rapid economic development at the local level and facilitated the formation of cultural centers independent from Kiev, it undermined the potential for a joint struggle of different principalities against the Great Steppe nomads.  

Google Monopoly Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Google Monopoly - Term Paper Example It delivers the world’s top search engine, the most popular mobile operating system and the best advertising platform in the world† (Reisinger 2010). As the company’s popularity continued to spread, Google was able to acquire other companies, which only served to continue its explosive growth. As it has been reported, Google acquired several small companies to develop products for itself. In 2007, YouTube, an online video site, was acquired†¦ Several other acquired companies include Keyhole Inc. (Earth Viewer, later developed into Google Earth), Adaptive Path (weblog statistics application), JotSpot (wiki developer technology for collaborative websites), DoubleClick, and Postini (enterprise message security and compliance). (Gudimallan, 2009). Google is very popular indeed. Any company who desires to overthrow the reign of Google will have a hard time succeeding. For this reason it is easy to assume at first glance that Google is a monopoly. It is likely that when most people think of searching for something online, they think of Google first. The company has become somewhat of a gateway to the rest of the internet. Businesses that want to be successful online work hard to improve their ranking in Google’s search results. However, in order to determine with accuracy rather or not Google is indeed a monopoly the company must be viewed from the perspective of the law. The Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) was enacted to protect trade from those who would dominate it. Having a monopoly can be a bad thing for society. Laws were established to make them illegal. There are instances in which having a monopoly can be legal, however, the focus of this paper is not to call for condemnation of Google Inc. The company has clearly done a lot of good for society. Yet, the company is a very powerful one and the possibility that it holds a monopoly, at least in some area, is

Reflection Paper on Effective Listening Skills

Reflection Paper on Effective Listening Skills Listening is defined, the act of hearing attentively (Princeton, 2010). Restated, it takes more than simply hearing communication; listening is an active thought process. It is hearing and concentrating on the verbal as well as the non-verbal. I took the listening quiz (Burley-Allen, 1982). My score was 75. What does this mean? According to Burley-Allen (1982), a score of 75 is average. I think effective listening skills are analogous to the Gestalt style of psychoanalysis. According to Corey (2004), Gestalt therapy is based on the assumption that we are best understood in the context of our environment. The basic goal of Gestalt therapy is to provide a context that will enable individuals to increase their awareness of what they are experiencing and doing. Moment-to-moment awareness of ones experiencing, together with the almost immediate awareness of ones blocks to such experiencing, is seen as the goal of this therapy. As a physician, Gestalt therapy does not use the language of p athology, or normal and abnormal. Instead, individuals are viewed as having the capacity to self-regulate and to develop their dealings with the various environments they encounter throughout life (Corey, 2004). Listening is defined, the act of hearing attentively (Princeton, 2010). Restated, it takes more than simply hearing communication; listening is an active thought process. It is hearing and concentrating on the verbal as well as the non-verbal. In addition, most of our communication is non-verbal, which includes listening. What did your score say about your listening skills? Were you surprised by the outcome? I took the listening quiz (Burley-Allen, 1982). My score was 75. What does this mean? According to Burley-Allen (1982), a score of 75 is average. What does this mean? I do not know because, unfortunately, Burley-Allen omitted the explanation of his four score categories. He did not describe the strengths and weaknesses of each score category. Therefore, this paper will answer the remaining questions from my point of view, instead of Burley-Allens. In addition, I will focus the paper as pertaining to my profession of medicine. I believe this will help me become a more effective listener because I will be able to learn from my strengths and weaknesses and apply them accordingly. I think effective listening skills are analogous to the Gestalt style of psychoanalysis. According to Corey (2004), Gestalt therapy is based on the assumption that we are best understood in the context of our environment. The basic goal of Gestalt therapy is to provide a context that will enable individuals to increase their awareness of what they are experiencing and doing. Moment-to-moment awareness of ones experiencing, together with the almost immediate awareness of ones blocks to such experiencing, is seen as the goal of this therapy. As a physician, Gestalt therapy does not use the language of pathology, or normal and abnormal. Instead, individuals are viewed as having the capacity to self-regulate and to  develop their dealings with the various environments they encounter throughout life (Corey, 2004). I believe this is an invaluable tool as a physician. Listening to patients explain their symptoms, being aware of their moment-to-moment experience, will facilitate the therap eutic process and even lead to more accurate diagnosis. What are your strengths and weaknesses when listening to others? How can you improve your listening skills to strengthen your weaknesses? In addition, how can your strengths be utilized and applied to your profession? The listening quiz does not qualify if a listening habit is considered a strength or weakness. Some individuals will define certain listening strengths as weaknesses and vice versa. For example, habit eight states, Form a rebuttal in your head while the speaker is talking? (Burley-Allen, 1982). The score for this habit is one point for most of the time, two points for frequently, three points for occasionally, and four points for almost never. In order to score the maximum four points then the answer would be almost never. However, I disagree with Burley-Allens assumption. I think effective listening is to be engaged in the thought process while the speaker is communicating. This includes forming a rebuttal in your head while the speaker is talking. The listener can then adjust the rebuttal accordingly to the speakers suggestions. Forming a rebuttal includes concentrating on the communication (habit 5), learning from the speaker (habit 6), recognizing semantics (habit 7), accomplishi ng communication (habit 17), think about reactions (habit 19), and etcetera. According to Burley-Allen, some of these habits are considered strengths and some are considered weaknesses. Therefore, the listening quiz shows low internal validity. The primary act that a physician does with a patient is listen. During the first encounter between a physician and patient, the physician will start the communication process by asking, What brings you in today? This question is followed by active listening. During this process, the physician tries to understand the patient and assemble a diagnosis. If pieces of an analysis are missing, then the physician will paraphrase the data and ask additional questions in order to narrow the choices. I believe that active listening is the most important act that a physician can do. In relation to the topics covered thus far, identify at least three techniques that could help you improve your skills. The three techniques that can help improve my skills are: (1) resist distractions, (2) summarize in my own words, and (3) keep an open mind. The first technique is resisting distractions. The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology (2001) defines stereotype as, A set of relatively fixed, simplistic overgeneralizations about a group or class of people. Here, negative, unfavorable characteristics are emphasized, although some authorities regard positive but biased and inaccurate beliefs as components of a stereotype. It is easy for my mind to become distracted while listening to a speaker. I tend to do this frequently. For example, if a patient comes in who looks underprivileged, then I tend to stereotype the patients background and struggles. This causes me to ignore important communication from the patient. (Note: It is difficult to resist distractions when a patient has a foul odor and the physician is trying not to vomit.) The second technique I have identified is summarizing. This is a useful tool when applied correctly. However, I tend to assume to know what the patient means and not summarize  in my own words. If I can learn to summarize a patients story in my own words, then there will be fewer miscommunications. This will lead to a more productive doctor-patient relationship. The third technique is to keep an open mind. The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology (2001) defines ethnocentrism as, The tendency to view ones own ethnic group and its social standards the basis for evaluative judgment concerning the practices of others, with the implication that one views ones own standards as superior. Hence, ethnocentrism connotes a habitual disposition to look with disfavor on the practices of alien groups. I am very judgmental. I consider this habit a strength; Burley-Allen scores it opposite as I do (habit 28). Being judgmental allows the listener to form personal thoughts from the speakers message a gestalt of the communication. Habit 28 did not specify if judging was considered positive or negative, so I give it a positive connotation. Our textbook states, Try to understand the emotions or interests that may lurk hidden beneath a given complaint or statement. Often the person youre talking with wont be fully aware of them themselves (Hattersley McJannet, 2008 ). In the context of ethnocentrism and judging negatively, this can be detrimental to effective listening. For me, this is similar to technique one: resist distractions. I can be a more effective listener if I keep an open mind and not judge negatively about a patient. (Note: It is difficult to keep an open mind if a patient does not have insurance, which is unethical by the physician.) Why is it important to possess strong listening skills in business and management? The Website for the California Society for Oriental Medicine reports, The February 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association published a report by the Agency for  Health Care Policy that studied the communication level between primary providers and patients. They found that physicians who listen to their patients and use a friendlier manner during visits might reduce the risk that they will be sued for malpractice. In the randomized controlled study they found that physicians that told their patients what procedure or technique they were doing, or going to do, who elicited opinions and questions from the patient, and were more likely to use humor and laugh, were more often in the group without any malpractice claims. Physicians who spent more time with their patients were also more likely to be in the no claims group (CSOM, 2003). This is invaluable including non-monetarily as a physician. The patient will feel more comfortable and allow the physician to perform examination procedures if the physician first explains the procedure and actively listens to a patients opinion and questions. In addition, I think it is essential to allow multicultural or multiethnic patients to construct their own understandings of the therapeutic process and to engage in interpretation and other forms of higher-level functioning. This will further facilitate an active process of listening by the patients. I believe sacred and confidential communication between physician and patient contain specific phases that can maximize listening efficacy. First, during the initial interview, the physician can begin to establish a collaborative relationship with the patient. It is essential that the interview focus on the patients own wishes and goals. Second, the physician should honor the patients concerns. It can be easy to respond to the emotional side of patients feelings the pain or need that motivates them to seek help and enter the hospital. The reactive emotions and resistance of patients disclosure may be helped through effective listening. Third, physicians need to respond to patients questions and suggestions that can only be accomplished through the  active listening process. Responding to the patients feelings, in an open-ended way, will usually produce the most information and intensify the doctor-patient communication. Finally, termination is an important and distinct phase of me dicine that needs to be negotiated thoughtfully. Ending the relationship will almost always be of great significance to patients. It is necessary to listen to a patients closing remarks because this usually suggests the overall quality of care. I believe that all of these phases will contribute to a more effective listening and communicating relationship between doctor and patient. The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology (2001) defines countertransference as the analysts displacement of affect onto the client [and] the analysts emotional involvement in the therapeutic interaction. This means that all feelings, thoughts, or actions of the physician that involve or influence the doctor-patient communication process are countertransference. This definition suggests that countertransference is a destructive element in medicine; however, not all countertransference issues are unconstructive. I believe that through maturity and growth, as a professional, combined with a thorough understanding of his/her ethnicity, values, and biases, can enable a physician to effectively identify and manage countertransference to make it productive. Countertransference is a constant element in interpersonal processes, and I believe it is inevitable in the doctor-patient relationship. In conclusion, when a physician engages in effective listening, the physician, without sharing it with the patient, has an opportunity to learn something about him or herself and utilize it for his or her personal maturity and professional growth. The physician needs to be aware of his/her own personal assumptions, values, and biases, and understand the worldview of culturally diverse patients to develop appropriate interventions, strategies, and techniques.

Amathophobia :: Eliot Wasteland Maddy Future Present Past Essays

Amathophobia Death is the great equalizer. We all have unique experiences in life, but we each succumb to the same final fate. Rich or poor, strong or weak, exalted or scorned; everyone is humbled when faced with his own mortality. Death does not play favorites, and Death will find everyone. Though often frightening, some argue that the thought of death also heightens appreciation of life. British novelist EM Forster wrote, "Death destroys a man, the idea of Death saves him." Indeed, knowing that time on earth is limited can motivate people to take risks. The term "carpe diem" implies that life is short, and every moment must be captured before it expires. The urgency of this phrase stems from the common fear of leaving things unfinished or unattempted. Fear is a powerful motivator, and death is the ultimate fear. Death is the primary theme in TS Eliot’s The Wasteland. Written just four years after the conclusion of World War I, The Wasteland mirrors the despair felt by much of the post-war generation. The poem begins with a section titled "Burial of the Dead." In this section Eliot deems April "the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain." With these lines, Eliot suggests that springtime’s regeneration of life only causes people to remember what was lost in the past. Eliot again addresses death in the very next stanza: What are the roots that clutch, what branches grow Out of this stony rubbish? Son of man, You cannot say, or guess, for you know only A heap of broken images, where the sun beats, And the dead tree gives no shelter, the cricket no relief, And the dry stone no sound of water. Only There is shadow under this red rock, (Come in under the shadow of this red rock), And I will show you something different from either Your shadow at morning striding behind you Or your shadow at evening rising to meet you; I will show you fear in a handful of dust. This stanza is teeming with biblical allusions. The speaker is talking to Jesus, "the Son of man," about a "dead tree [that] gives no shelter," thereby hinting that Christ’s death on the cross (or "dead tree") yields little comfort. Eliot also mentions a "dry stone" with "no sound of water." In John 4:7-26, Jesus tells a Samaritan woman that whomever drinks the living water he provides will never thirst again.

Management of Primary and Secondary Education in Nigeria Essay

Introduction There is no gainsaying the fact that education is very vital to the pace of social, political and economic development of any nation. This is why most nations of the world strive to devote a sizeable proportion of their Gross National Income to develop the educational sector. In Nigeria, between 7. 6% and 9. 9% of our annual expenditure is devoted to education. Management of primary education refers to the process of planning, organizing, directing, staffing, coordinating, budgeting for and reporting on primary education system. Primary education in Nigeria refers to the education which children receive from the age of 6 years to 11 years plus. It is the foundation level of the educational system which runs for six years, and it is aimed at developing basic literacy, numeracy, communication skills and transmission of the culture of the people to younger generations. Information gathered through the education data bank shows that as at 1998, there were 41,814 primary schools with an enrolment of 16,348,324 (13. 75% of these were females) and 468,770 teachers (26. 45%) of these were non-qualified teachers). The teacher/pupil ratio at the level was 1:38 while the completion rate was 64. 1 percent and the Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria74 transition rate of products to Junior Secondary Education level was 39. 1 percent. The structure of our population in Nigeria is such that about 45% of the people are within the age bracket of six to twelve years. According to the provisions of National Policy on Education, this is the corresponding age group for primary education. Obviously, the enrolment pattern in the educational system follows the pyramidal structure of the nation’s population distribution. The primary level has the largest enrolment, followed by the secondary level and then the tertiary level. This enrolment structure, no doubt, depicts the structure of our social demand for the various levels of education. The primary education level, being the bedrock of the child’s basic education, is a very vital aspect of the nation’s educational system that deserves to be handled with great care and caution. Any error committed in the organization and management of this level of education may reverberate on other levels and thus seriously mar the lives of the people and indeed the overall development of the nation. This is one good reason why all the stakeholders must show enough concern for those issues that concern the organizing and managing of our primary education system. This paper presents a humble attempt to highlight some contemporary issues and problems facing the organization and management of primary education in Nigeria with a view to proffering possible solutions to them. Contemporary Issues in Primary Education Management No doubt, there are numerous issues and problems involved in the management of primary education system in Nigeria. However, this paper would simply highlight some of the crucial ones. Some of such issues include: a. Policy gap in the management of primary education in Nigeria, b. Data gaps, c. Funding gaps, d. Institutional capacity gaps, e. Expansion of the curriculum to cater for early childhood care, f. Gender balancing in enrolment, g. Quality assurance in Primary Education, h. Improved nutrition/Health of learners and i. Issues of HIV/AIDS pandemic 75D. O. Durosaro Over the last two decades, the management of primary education had been experiencing some problems as a result of policy gaps. Teachers salaries were not paid adequately, schools were not well-maintained and facilities were not adequately provided owing to the fact that management of primary education had to be oscillating among State Government, Local Government and Federal Government. At a time, State Government took control, later it was handed over to the Local Government and then to a Federal Commission. Moreover, it was just until lately that a concrete legislation was passed on primary education in Nigeria – the UBE Bill. Lack of accurate and timely data has long been the bane of policy formulation and management of our primary education system in Nigeria. To obtain accurate data on enrolment, teachers, non-teaching staff and even facilities appears to be a difficult task for the school managers. The school managers and teachers appear to lack adequate cognitive development in the areas of data collection, analysis and storage. Apart from this lack of capacity of the school managers, school data collection and analysis seem to be marred by other socio-politico-economic factors such as fraud, politics of national resource allocation and social apathy. Another issue of concern in the management of primary education in Nigeria is that of inadequate funding. According to a World Bank survey on Nigeria, the federal expenditure on education seems to be below 10% of its overall expenditures. For instance, between 1997 and 2002, the total share of education in total federal expenditure ranged between 9. 9% and 7. 6% with the trend showing a downward plunge (World Bank, 2002). Table 1: Federal Government Expenditure on Education as Percentage of total Federal Government Expenditure 1997 – 2002 _________________________________________________________ Expenditure199719981999200020012002 Area%%%%%% Recurrent12. 312. 011. 79. 49. 59. 1 Capital6. 17. 55. 08. 56. 06. 0 Total9. 99. 69. 09. 07. 58. 0 Source: FGN, Annual Budgets 1997-2002 It would have been more interesting to spell out what proportion of this expenditure on education actually goes to primary education but the non ¬ Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria76 availability of accurate data did not permit this. It is even worth mentioning here that the bulk of this meager expenditure shown on Table 1 even goes to recurrent activities. This issue of under-funding of education U so endemic that it has now encompassed series of other problems of shortages of human and material resources (Durosaro, 2000). The current pattern of investment within the education sector is such that the tertiary level gets the lion share while the primary level gets the least. This pattern is inversely related to number of institutions, enrolment and teachers at the different education levels. Table 2 presents the data on the pattern of funding of the educational levels by the Federal government. Table 2: Pattern of Federal Government funding of Education by levels, more 1996 – 2002 ____________________________________________________________ __ Educ. 1996199719981999200020012002 Levels%%%%%%% Tertiary79. 978. 968. 469. 175. 868. 176. 9 Secondary10. 411. 314. 618. 715. 315. 515. 6 Primary9. 79. 816. 912. 28. 916. 47. 5 Total100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0 The issue of gaps in the institutional capacity to deliver primary education of a sound quality is also crucial in the management of primary education in Nigeria. It is a known fact that most of our institutions do not have vision whether written or unwritten nor a mission statement to guide their activities. There is widespread shortage of qualified teachers, shortage of even classrooms, shortage of both pupils’ and teachers’ furniture and a dearth of required fund, teaching materials and textbooks. In a survey conducted on primary education cost, financing and management in Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States, it was discovered that only f9. 57% of the schools in Kwara and 27. 08% of the schools in FCT had school libraries while none of the schools in both Kogi and Niger States had any school library. It was also found that 24% of schools in Kogi State, 21% of schools in Kwara State, 40. 3% of schools in Niger State and 16. 75% of schools in FCT were not using any form of wall charts teaching aids (Abdulkareem and Umar, 1997). All these gaps have combined with frequent teachers’ strikes and absenteeism in recent years to weaken the capacity of the institutions to deliver sound primary education. 77D. O. Durosaro Furthermore, there is an emerging issue of great importance in the management of primary education in Nigeria. This is that of restructuring the level by expanding it to accommodate both the early childhood care and the pre-primary education curriculum. This is now a burning issue in view of the level of social poverty and the need for poverty alleviation by economic empowerment of women. Stakeholders in primary education are now being mobilized towards this direction with a view to encouraging both public and private participation. This issue will however have grave implications for funding, personnel, facilities, curriculum development and monitoring. A related dimension of this issue is that of expanding and restructuring the system to also cater adequately for the almajiris, area boys, street children and disabled school-age populace across the nation. Furthermore, the issue of poor enrolment in primary schools in some special areas should be of great importance to primary education management in Nigeria. This issue has three major dimensions. The first is that of how to ensure gender balance in enrolment in some parts of the country. Owing to some socio-cultural factors in some parts of the country, female enrolment needs to be improved. In another part, it is the male enrolment that needs improvement. But in majority of cases, the second dimension is that of non-enrolment in public schools. Parents prefer the private school since they appear more effective. The third dimension of this issue is ensuring retention and completion once enrolled. Resolving this issue is closely connected to the next issue of poverty alleviation and provision of good nutrition for children. The issue of poverty alleviation is more about the parents and the wider social constituency of primary education. This phenomenon impacts greatly on schooling particularly at the primary level. Owing to poverty, parents cannot afford to buy school uniforms, books, pay transportation cost and even provide good nutrition for their children. These impair both teaching and learning. There is no doubt that the primary school management should find a way of intervening in assisting the pupils within the national framework of poverty alleviation scheme. Some States have already introduced free mid-day meal service to primary schools. This meal service has some implications for school management to ensure it is . not counter-productive. Nutritional well-being in childhood has been shown to have large benefit on school performance as well as physical and mental capacity in later life (World Bank, 2003). Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria78 A similar issue which could also impact seriously on primary education is that of HIV/AIDS pandemic. This could have impact on both teachers and students and its effect on parents or guardians of the pupils could spill ¬over to the school. It was reported in 2001 that the prevalence rate was 5. 8% of teachers nationally (World Ban, 2003). Across the federation, it was found to range between 1. 8% of teacher population in Jigawa and 13. 5% of the teacher population in Benue. This disease was found to be prevalent in the age-group 20 – 24 years which forms the core age group from which primary school teachers are recruited in Nigeria. Table 3: Projected Teacher Attrition due to HIV/AIDS Pandemic in Selected States of Nigeria, 2003 ____________________________________________________________ __ StatesNo. of TeachersPrevalence rateAttrition of % of HIV/A IDSTeachers Benue1384813. 5185 Lagos180405. 590 Plateau175265. 098 Rivers83215. 542 Table 3 presents the projected attrition of teachers due to HIV/AIDS disease in some selected States of Nigeria. This projection is based on the rates found for these States in a previous survey reported by the World Bank. Given the clear fact that AIDS is real and the spread is growing, there is the need to estimate its likely impact on the primary education management in Nigeria and ensure the problems are contained. This could be done through creation of HIV/AIDS awareness programmes on the school curriculum for both learners, teacher and even parents. Expert could be invited to assist in enlightening the school community on how to combat the spread of this pandemics. Conclusion It is quite clear from the foregoing that for primary education in Nigeria to achieve its stated objectives, these crucial issues of policy, funding, data, curriculum review and capacity buildings gaps must be squarely addressed by education managers in Nigeria. In addition, the issues of genderization, poverty alleviation, pupils’ and teachers’ health and nutrition need prompt attention of the stakeholders and managers of 79D. O. Durosaro the system. Primary education is central to the achievement of the overall national educational goals. The primary education managers, in their quest to continue to meet the national demand for primary education quite efficiently and effectively, must constantly device new and improved ways of managing the system. The following recommendations are put forth: There is need for the creation of more social awareness on the recent Ube Bill to ensure compliance. The various States and Local Governments should also back this up with edicts and byelaws where necessary. Various tiers of government should also formulate clear policies on enrolment of pupils, funding, provision of facilities as well as quality assurance. There is the urgent need to set a national minimum standard for primary education which must be followed by all providers of primary education in Nigeria whether private or public. Since the government is still the major source of found to education in Nigeria, there is the need to change the pattern of funding so that provision for primary education should adequately match its needs, To be able to take sound decisions on the management of primary education in Nigeria, there is the need to ensure availability of accurate data on the system. The present effort of the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with both the UNESCO and UNDP on the creation of an Education Data Bank is highly commendable (FGN/UNE SCO/UN DP, 2003). The government should give the data bank all the enabling environment required to generate and analyse and bank the data. The institutional managers and teachers should be constantly trained and retrained in the modern data management techniques. There is the need to step up the institutional capacity building. The school managers should be mandated to attend training workshops and conferences to improve their managerial skills. Organizations like the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, which have been set up for capacity building in educational management, should be empowered to start some annual training programmes towards this end. Concerted efforts by ways of quality control and monitoring would improve the quality of public schools and the drift from them to private schools would be checked. Effort should also be made to promote gender balance in schools Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria80 through gender sensitivity of the teachers, curriculum and teaching materials. The school environment should be made more child-friendly. The government needs to step up its poverty alleviation process by rendering assistance to parents indirectly through provision of free books, uniforms and even free mid-day meals to the children of the poor. There is need to embark more aggressively on the public enlightenment on the HIV/AIDS disease control. This would help reduce both pupil and teacher loss that this disease could cause. References Abdulkareem, A. Y. and I. O. Umar (1997) Follow-up Study on Primary Education Cost, Financing and Management in Kogi, Kwara and Nigeria States and the Federal Capital Territory. National Primary Education Commission Project. Durosaro, D. O. (2000) Resource Allocation and Utilization for University Education in Nigeria, Trends and Issues in E. G. Fagbamiye and D. O. Durosaro (eds,). Education and Productivity in Nigeria, N AEAP 51-67. Federal Government of Nigeria (1997 – 2002) Annual Budgets World Bank (2003) School Education in Nigeria: Preparing for Universal Basic Education. , (Human Development II, African Region), September 1. FGN/UNESCO/UNDP (2003). A Decade of Basic Education Data in Nigeria (1988-1998).

French and Indians essays

French and Indians essays The French and Indian War was caused by the worldwide struggle for empire by France, Spain, and England. The fighting of these countries often times spilled over into North America, where colonist were dragged into three wars: King Williams War, Queen Annes War and King Georges War, these wars lasted between 1689 and 1748. With the threat of war breaking out in Europe, the prospect of more colonial warfare remained. To gather a plan of defense and to gain Iroquois as allies, representatives from seven colonies and the Iroquois League met in Albany, New York. During the Albany Congress the delegates adopted Benjamin Franklins Albany Plan of Union. However the colonial assemblies rejected the plan, fearing that it would cause a raise in taxes and give Great Britain an up hand in power. The Iroquois decided that the English were too disunited to defeat the French, would not commit their support. In 1749 land speculators bought land in Virginia, hoping that there would be a quick profit form its resale. The Virginians felt the need to protect their land so the built forts at the junction of Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela rivers- this is present day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The French thought that the land was theirs as well, so of course this caused some friction between the British and French. During the friction the French decided to dive the Virginians off of the land. Once the Virginians were off the land they completed the fort and named it Fort Duquesne. This outraged, Lieutenand Governor Robert Dinwiddie of Virginia sent George Washington and a company of militia to send the French from the area. But the French but up a good fight for the land. The British was just as determined to keep the land so they sent General Braddock, Washington and a large force of British and colonial soldiers to take Fort Duquesne back for their own. The colonial forces however were ve ...

College Student Drinking

College Student Drinking Introduction Based on the pronounced freedom and exposure that students get in colleges, majority find themselves seriously addicted of drinking despite their earlier-on sober and well-calculated life. This behavior becomes problematic, when they attempt to free themselves out of the bondage. Problematic drinking in college has become and significant public health issue. The objective of this review is to examine the position of college student drinking.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on College Student Drinking specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This assessment addresses problematic drinking and the variables strongly related to drinking among students. Drinking is often crisis because the drinking habits in colleges is binge drinking. This brings to mind the self-destructive and uncontrolled drinking stints whose consequences include failing to go to work because of serious hangover, extravagant spending, and engaging in detrimental behavior like risky sex or fighting. The Problem Problematic or binge drinking is a significant problem among college students that need addressing as a social concern. Over the recent years, college students have increasingly been consuming more alcohol as a social activity. The Harvard school of public health alcohol research of 1990s puts the estimate at 44% of the sampled students being binge drinkers (Wechsler 199). In addition, the study found that 23 percent drunk (binge drinking) frequently. Alcohol drinking causes some health and psychosocial problems. These problems are more common among binge drinkers (Wechsler 199). Therefore, binge drinkers face the highest risk of engaging in violence, unprotected sex, car accidents, dropping out of college and disregarding other responsibilities. When college student begin to engage in violence and other risky behavior when drunk, it is termed problematic drinking (Hingston 136). This problem has a number of co nsequences as a public social health issues. For that cause, it is pertinent to comprehend variables, which could be risk factors for the binge rather problematic drinking among college students. It is pertinent to note that college students have unique drinking patterns brought about by the ‘ideal lifestyle’ they tend to live. Compared to the general population, college students have an ‘ideal’ life and behave differently as a group (Hingston 136). Because of the high variability of drinking among college students, the main problem of the paper is to address psychosocial variables that predict excessive drinking and, therefore, account for the problem of drinking among college students. College Student Drinking- The Culture The drinking tradition among college students has evolved exceptionally fast into some culture. This tradition appears to have some strong beliefs and customs now embedded in every level of college life. These customs go down from gener ation to generation of college drinkers (O’Malley, and Johnston 23).Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This has reinforced the need to drink and drinking habits as necessary tools for success in social life in college. These beliefs and expectations stimulate powerful pressure on college student’s conduct and consumption of alcohol. There are also some customers, which promote college student drinking entrenched in student environments. The sporting events are the most popular arena for drinking (O’Malley, and Johnston 26). There are numerous advertisements using sports personalities and alcohol companies supporting sports. If these sports people are successful alumni, as perceived, they promote the alcohol tradition in colleges by this influence alone. Students love alumni social functions and these functions also promote drinking to a greater le vel. Communities around colleges nowadays do not seem to have a problem with creating establishments near colleges to sell alcohol. These businesses rely on the college student clientele for their economic achievement. As such, students draw their expectations of drinking from the environment and peers (Wechsler 203). This could be because of the insecurity of identity and building their personality as influential people in the social setting. The combined pressure from the environment and peers propels the drinking culture. This culture, therefore, promotes problematic drinking actively of passively by tolerating it, tacitly approving it as a rite of passage and hailing it as fashionable phenomenon (O’Malley, and Johnston 29). Two crucial problems characterize binge drinking violence and risky sex. This unprotected sex puts student at risk of contractive sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies. College students use alcohol as a ‘social lubricantâ€℠¢ to make the students to establish wider circle of friends and have fun (Wechsler 205). The student drink in groups for unity and for assertion of manliness or togetherness making alcohol a way of maintains cohesiveness. Because of the carelessness and irrational behavior caused by drinking, college students often begin using other drugs, as well. With a better understanding of the connection between alcohol and substance abuse, violence, sex and academic performance, measures can be out in place to help mitigate this problem (Hingston 143). Student Perception of Drinking Many college students do not believe that they have a trouble with drinking even when it is obvious that they are (Hingston 139). They simply believe that they drink on social events and respected occasional. However, they tend to have too many and unnecessary social events ranging from outstanding parties to drinking because a boy- of girlfriend broke up with them.Advertising We will write a custom resear ch paper sample on College Student Drinking specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Attending parties and drinking are not only fashionable but also an occasion celebrated like a major success (Mustang 2). Even movies promote such drinking habits hence reinforcing the perception of students that drinking and partying are fundamental aspects of college life experiences. As the study of Cal Poly students shows, those who drink regularly do so because it is just a way of life. It is stylish and thrilling to party as a student at Hathaway Avenue, throw bashes once you become a senior in college and celebrating turning 21 are among leading events of a student’s social life (Mustang 3). Statistics also show that, at the beginnings of every year, partying is often highest. The numbers then begin to reduce as the academic year progresses and particularly in winter and summer holidays since students normally go home. College Drinking Problems The dri nking pattern among student is unique and variable with a transient course. Only few students show heavy drinking patterns consistently for a long time into adulthood. After then hype period as freshmen, students begin to reduce drinking gradually to moderate levels as they advance in college (O’Malley, and Johnston 35). This means they are maturing out because the older they get the more responsible they tend to be. The drinking in college students differs considerably from non-college people in the same age. The rate of drinkers among students aged 18 to 24 is higher in relation to non-students of the same age bracket (O’Malley, and Johnston 23). Even though most of the students seem to transition from heavy drinking to moderate after college, some fail to undergo the transition. Heavy drinking puts the student lives at risk of suffering significant negative alcohol-related consequences in college (Wechsler 207). Alcohol-related problems fall on a continuum ranging f rom recklessness like skiving lessons to serious crimes like doing drugs and getting in trouble with authorizes. This puts every drinker at risk of experiencing several alcohol related problems in the future. Alcohol also causes more accidents and, therefore, contributes to accident deaths more than any other cause. Alcohol related accidents are a leading cause of deaths among college students aged 17–24 years. Over a half of a million students suffer unintentional injuries because of drinking each year (Hingston 139). The media has recently increased attention to alcohol-related deaths among college students like deaths from alcohol poisoning, drowning, car accidents, accidental fires, hypothermia and falling (Wechsler 201). There are some mild problems, which binge drinkers experience five times more than non-binge drinkers are. These include hangovers, missing classes, forgetfulness and unprotected sex (Wechsler 207). Heavy drinking affects student health, since alcohol lo wers immunity. The drinkers are hence unable to resist illnesses like respiratory infections, a phenomenon not common in light drinkers (Wechsler 208).Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The consequences of healthy drinking can be shocking. For example, heavy drinking commonly results in physical assault, sexual violence and destruction of property. Every year, there are reports of over 600,000 other students hit or assaulted by a drinking student (Hingston 139). Driving under the influence of alcohol is a significant risk that students often take. This puts them at risk of injury and possible death. Hingston (142) found that besides over 2 million students driving while drunk, over 3 million drove as passenger of a drunk driver. This puts even more people at risk. Conclusion When college student dies due to alcohol intoxication or other alcohol related causes. This incident captures the media’s attention for a while. At the university, the administration deals with the problems immediately and normalcy resumes. The incident is does not cause a change in policy or long-term measures to curb future happenings of similar cases. One of the main reasons for this apparent inattentiveness to permanent is that, the problem of drinking in colleges is deemed unsolvable. Many schools have put in place structures to help reduced drinking among the students. They seem not to have noteworthy campus-wide success. Every failed attempt makes the problem of drinking in college obstinate. This further demoralized the administration’s attitude. With experts in the field of counseling, community administrations and student welfare, it can be easier to use combined knowledge to find a solution. In the recent past, there have been some notable recommendations presented for solving this problem. These recommendations have included a culture change, which has to use three level intervention strategies. First, it has to begin at the individual level – student character. Second is the student fraternity level – group drinking culture and third, at community level – alcohol businesses around campus. Having this overarching structure in place, the colleges will be able to tailor a program addressing alcohol-related problems among college students. Underlying these measures is the fact that even though the general trend of drinking may seem the same, no college is similar to another in terms of the environment influences and individual student’s characteristics. Therefore, the effectiveness of these remedies extends beyond the school to the entire community. Hingston, Ralph, Timothy Heeren, Zakocs Ronda, Kopstein Andrea, and Henry Wechsler. Magnitude Of Alcohol-Related Mortality And Morbidity Among U.S. College Students Ages 18–24. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 63.2 (2002): 136 – 144. Mustang, Daily. The Drinking Habits Ofna College Town. News for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 2011. Web. O’Malley, Patrick and Lloyd Johnston. Epidemiology of Alcohol and Other Drug Use among American College Students. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 3.2 (2002): 23–39. Wechsler, Henry, Lee Jae., Kuo Meich un and Lee Hang. College Binge Drinking In The 1990s: A Continuing Problem: Results Of The Harvard School Of Public Health 1999 College Alcohol Study. J. Amer. Coll. Hlth 48.5 (2000): 199-210.

BERNOULLIS EQUATION AND CONSERVATION OF MASS, ENERGY AND MOMENTUM Lab Report - 1

BERNOULLIS EQUATION AND CONSERVATION OF MASS, ENERGY AND MOMENTUM - Lab Report Example To find the flow rate you find the division between the volume and time taken to get 0.18kg/s. The percentage error was found to be 5.88% which is the rate of change of the theoretical value to the experimental value. The flow rate in the venture meter was established as shown in the calculation section. In the venture meter, the water is present in the three columns of manometers. The experiment did not matter if water was absent in every column. The two manometer columns were selected from where the measurements were taken. The diameters were recorded at the position where the manometer measured the static pressures. The heights of the fluids found in the manometer were recorded as shown in the calculation section. Using the application of the Bernoulli’s equation and the conservation of the mass at the two positions. The fluid velocity at the two positions in the systems were determined. The computed values were reported as the calculations and measurements were undertaken. Based on the taken velocity measurements, the mass flow rate was determined of the flow at the two sections. The values were then computed and calculated as shown below in the calculation sections. The mass flow rate was determined be the measurement of one liter. The determined values were determined and the calculations and measurements were taken. Comparing the two mass flow rate, they were not the same. The discrepancy is due to the difference in the diameter of the two pipes. The group members moved the Pitot tube from the paper’s upstream to a place downstream (Welty, 2001). Looking at the manometer connected to Pitot tube it was realized that the liquid in the pitot tube did not move. The Pitot tube is used to measure the total pressure. The main objective of the experiment was to determine the force on the target from the impinging water jet. The experiment illustrated one of the

How Society was Developed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

How Society was Developed - Essay Example The norms can vary from one society to the other. When we were born, we found the society following the laws and it is our mandate to follow these laws. Therefore, we can ask ourselves how the society was formed from the ancient times until we are not following the suit. Most of our ancient leaders like Plato and Confucius can help us understand how the societies were developed. Some other leaders also like Moses and Hammurabi can help us in explaining how the laws were made until people in the society will adhere to them. Views from these prominent leaders therefore, will help us understand how the society was developed. Since the society cannot progress without some stated laws, the leaders’ views will also help us in determining how the laws were used to govern people in the society. According to Plato and Confucius, there were many factors that helped in creation of the society. These two well-known scholars had similar opinions on how the society was formed. On the other hand, the two leaders also had different opinions on the same issue on creation of the society. Similarities in their opinions were because they both had same occupation, teachers, in their lifetime. The differences might have been caused by the different backgrounds in which each of the leaders was brought up in (Wolf, 2005). Confucius is one the well-known Chinese philosophers in history. He was both an educator and a philosopher (Wolf, 2005). Through his education, he was able to influence many people and students in the East Asia. His teachings were very influential more especially to his students. He taught for most of his lifetime. His family was very poor and his father died when he was just 3 years old. He also lost his mother when he was seventeen. Due to her poor background, he was not able to support himself in terms of education. He was forced to have private education. These challenges made him work harder in order to achieve his goals in education. He familiarized hims elf with reading, writing, music and art. Later, his life changed when he was employed as a teacher. On the other, Plato was born into a well-established family. His parents were related to the sixth century kings. He did have to struggle in life Confucius. He spent most of his time teaching in his academy. He taught the youth on matters concerning society ethics and government control. However, these two philosophers have some views on the way the societies were developed during the World Civilization of 1500 (Wolf, 2005). They have similar belief on how societies were developed in the ancient times. They both believed that, for a society to be developed, superior leaders must come together. These two leaders must possess superior wisdom and virtue. Plato and Confucius challenges Hammurabi’s idea of using law to develop a society. They claim that these laws create greed in the society instead of creating harmony. They believe in harmony and peace in the society. They argue t hat moral truth is practiced by everyone in the society. They discourage the self-government form of society because their main focus is on the individuality. Both Confucius and Plato believed that intelligence and virtue are the most important factors that can be used in developing the society. From Confucius point of view, he argues that anyone who has gone to school and has gained some knowledge has the chance of ruling the society. From Plato’s view, he said that not everyone who was educated was able to rule the society. He