Is Christmas Pagan?

As every year draws to an end, so the atmosphere of Christmas starts to fill the air. The 25th of December is a day that has caught the heart of most Christians and filled it with gratitude- for it is said – that it is the day that Jesus Christ was born. It is marked on calendars as a public holiday, but it is written on hearts as a celebration of the birth of our savior. It is the time when families and friends gather together, bearing gifts for one another and where feelings of love are evident and friendships are strong. But, what if Christmas is not what it appears to be? What if we just imagine it to be this great celebration of Jesus birth, but in reality Jesus Christ was not in Christmas at all? There is a snare inside this honeycomb we call Christmas. It lays dormant, unseen, it appears harmless, and when one partakes in it, it tastes sweet in the mouth but is really bitter in the spirit. The following essay will emphasis the pros and cons of what hides behind Christmas, and will explain the roots of the traditions, rituals and celebrations that people practice over Christmas. If Christmas is not the birth of Christ, then where did it come from and what does it mean? Allow me to show how and where it all started. The celebration of Christ’s birth was not even a consideration until the third century. It was only about AD 350 when a Roman Catholic, Pope Julius I, decided to introduce the celebration of Christmas as the birth of Christ, and then the thought of honoring Christ’s birth materialized into a documented festival. Why would a Pope, the head of the Catholic Church, choose December the 25th to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ? Scripture reveals that Christ was not even born in December, as shown In Luke 2:8 when the three shepherds saw the star signaling the place of Christ’s birth they were â€Å"abiding in the field keeping watch of their sheep by night†. If it had been December, they probably would not have been sleeping in the field because of the severity of the winters in Palestine at that particular time of year. Pope Julius I also knew that the transition of Paganism to Christendom was hard. He decided to find a compromise – a gray area. He knew that if only he could chisel away at the righteousness of the Christian faith, then he could bridge the gulf between Paganism and Christianity. So herein he found an answer. Pope Julius I strategically set Christ’s birthday on the 25th of December so that the Babylonians would feel accepted as they worshipped the birth of their messiah, Tammuz. The Romans would feel able to participate for they too were worshipping Saturn, and the Egyptians would feel comfortable as they worshipped the rebirth of Mithra. This was the only way that Christians would not feel excluded from their surrounding community but be able to participate in the celebration and festivals. Were they right? Christmas traditions bear their roots in Babylon, as I will explain a little futher. As the Babylonians would worship and honor the son of the Babylonian Queen of heaven, Tammuz (the Babylonian Messiah) they used certain rituals, which later were adopted by the church and established as Christmas traditions. In Babylon their celebration was known as the winter solstice festival. It was recognized by the thrill of having parties, feasts, and the privilege of giving gifts to one another. Every family would cut down an evergreen tree – they would kill the tree and decorate it as a way of commemorating the premature death of Tammuz. The Catholic Church adopted this Pagan tradition of cutting trees as well as decorating them. This act being contrary to scripture, as described in Jeremiah 10:1-5, â€Å"Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: thus says the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workmen, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with hammers, that it move not†. One of the other traditions that were held during the Babylonian celebration was the burning of candles on the night before the celebrations began, in Catholicism one of the watermarks of Christmas is burning candles around the house on Christmas Eve. Babylon was not the only nation that contributed to the forming of Christmas and its traditions, but Rome also played a considerable part in this merge. The Romans used the 25th as a time to honor their agricultural god, Saturn. They called their holiday Saturnalia. The purpose of Saturnalia was to celebrate, and thank the god’s for the coming summer. Every year when the days shortened, Romans, had no way of knowing if the days were going to lengthen again. When the days lengthened in December they saw it as a sign of the end of winter – the mercy of Saturn, the god of agriculture. This lengthening would allow them to prepare for the planting season. They had decided to use the time to commemorate and celebrate the mercy of their god – thus festivities began. Saturnalia’s practices such as dancing and singing naked in the streets became caroling and singing house to house on Christmas evening. Merrymaking and feasting, became the Christmas lunches and dinners practiced by so many Christian families each Christmas. The exchanging of good-luck gifts in Rome are the gifts we see under the Christmas trees today. Romans would deck their homes and doors with boughs of greenery and candles and today the Christmas practice is the decorating of our homes with lights, wreaths and mistletoe. The mistletoe was considered a sacred plant. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe began a ritual to bring fertility to the couple. Holly berries associated with Christmas cakes and also in the decorations were really thought of as the food of the gods. In northern Europe the pagans celebrated their own winter solstice, which they called Yule. The word Yule means â€Å"wheel,† which is a pagan symbol for the sun. Yule was symbolic for Mithras (the sun god’s) birth, which was believed to be on the shortest day of the year. The thought was as Mithras grew so the days because longer, and his ability to warm them became stronger. In all hopes to encourage Mithras to reappear the following year, it was customary to burn Yule logs to represent the warmth that the sun gives. In modern day Europe they still burn logs on the fire. It was also traditional to light candles to signify the light that the sun produces. The question that looms over this essay is, â€Å"Is Christmas a truly Pagan Festival? I will say a definite yes! It is clear, that because Christmas has been a worldwide tradition for so long but the clarity of its roots have long been forgotten The very thought of the celebration of Christ’s birth was not an idea that originated from any form of scriptural background at all, but it materialized from a Pope seeking to dilute the pureness of the Christian faith with Pagan trad itions. This is a pure compromise – a huge compromise! I have shown the heresy of Christmas and the detachment that Christians should have from it. Anything that tries to reduce the magnitude, r detract from the holiness of Christ, cannot be from the spirit of Christ and therefore it must be the spirit of the antichrist. If something is held up by the pillars Paganism, supported by the beams of the spirit of antichrist, then it cannot be for Christians to partake in. The scripture in Jeremiah 7:17-20 says â€Å"Do you not see what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, the father’s fondle the fire, and the woman knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods that they may provoke me to anger. Do they provoke to anger? † says the Lord. â€Å"Do they not provoke themselves, to the shame of their own faces†? The refusal of Christians to recognize the importance of relinquishing demonic association is a powerful indicator that the Christian world has gone astray, and forsaken the truth that once burned in the hearts of men. The Lord says, â€Å" My spirit will not always strive with a man†. We should not fight God, but rather be quick to submit to his word lest we do not see ourselves start to fall away. We must be careful that by taking part in Christmas we are not paying tribute the false gods that birthed this tradition.

“A Civil Action” by Jonathan Harr

â€Å"A Civil Action† by Jonathan Harr is considered to be one of the most popular movies about legal issues.There was even film adaptation that had starred John Travolta as the protagonist lawyer. But what businessmen could learn from the story is not concerned with the legal process. The insights that this story provide is concerned with what could be the positive and negative characteristics that a businessman could have.The protagonist of the story is the flamboyant lawyer Jan Schlichtmann. The book had expressed that over-confidence could cause an individual to be off-guarded from unexpected predicaments. But what is commendable about Schlichtmann is his strong determination and perseverance. He had managed to pull himself together through their arduous legal battles with giant companies.What the book is suggesting to those in field of business is that confidence is essential but one must make sure they keep their feet on the ground.The world of business is full of risk t hat may catch businessmen off-guard just because their focus is on their achievements and profits. But more significantly, the book teaches us the importance of determination and perseverance. It is an unfortunate reality that in the business world, failure is almost inevitable. It is important for businessmen to keep a high level of determination and perseverance until success smiles upon them permanently.Work CitedHarr, Jonathan. A Civil Action. New York: Random House, Vintage Books. 1964

Goodwill Industries Essay

Goodwill Industries are organizations for nonprofit making that provide or render employment, community based programs, placement services, and job training to individuals that cannot access proper education, disabled individuals and the unemployed. A huge network of institutions of retail thrift, that works as organizations of nonprofit organizations, sponsor goodwill industries. A large portion of goodwill industries finance is donated items from retail stores. The community’s generous donations of household items and clothing provide the store’s merchandise. Such donations are critical to goodwill industries mission of Colorado Springs, both donating and shopping in their stores, give a hand in supporting programs for workforce development that serve more than 45000 people every year in northwest N. C (Helms, 2001). Goodwill Industries are nonprofit making organizations that render or provide employment, job training, placement services and community based programs to people who have no proper access to education, to those who have a disability, unemployed. Goodwill is sponsored by a massive network of retail thrift institution which also operates as nonprofit organizations. Goodwill Industries works hand in hand with employers to identify other people who qualify for employment opportunities available at any particular time (Helms, 2001). A substantial portion of the financing of Goodwill Industries comes from the sales of donated goods in various stores. Merchandise in this stores is provided via generous donations things such as household items, clothing’s and from different communities. Such donations are critical the mission of Goodwill Industries (Moore, 2001). Goodwill Industries accepts material donations of any kind, such as cars, computers and boats. The common donations include; clothing, shoes, house wares such as dinnerware, pans and pots, kitchen utensils and flatware. Small appliances are also common donations like blenders, toasters, juicers and mixers; bicycles; toys; sporting equipment; books; collectables; furniture; tools; decorations; computers among others (Moore, 2001). Goodwill industries ensure that business operations and community activities are carried on in an environmentally favorable manner. The Industry is dedicated in turning discarded things into useable products, and where they cannot salvage an item; they ensure that thorough recycling methods are utilized (Moore, 2001). Goodwill’s Mission Goodwill industries sell donated goods. The profits generated by the sales fund training opportunities for various those with trouble in finding and keeping jobs. They also train and hire individuals with disabilities. These disabilities can be mental or physical due to lack of previous work experience, housewives re-entering the job market, outdated work skills, senior citizens, and people with limited communication skills (Moore, 2001). Goodwill Industries serve people experiencing barriers in employment and related circumstances. A barrier to employment include development age, disabilities, learning disabilities, single parenthood, lack of education, language barriers, felony history, prolonged absence from the workforce (such as disabled veterans or displaced homemakers), substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, domestic neglect or violence, homelessness, and physical challenges. These Industries serve to intervene for such people and hence contributing to economic development in the long run. The Supported Program for employment is projected for only those with significance of disability. It provides greater comprehensive support to the victims in order to increase their opportunity for being successful on their relevant job (Moore, 2001). Goodwill Industries only accepts only those items that are in excellent shape. For instance if the items include electronics they have to be fully operational. Goodwill Industry does not perform repairing services. In case it accepts non functional items without its knowledge, it contracts a salvage company to clear from its stores non working items such as radios, televisions, microwaves, cameras and similar products working order (Moore, 2001). Goodwill can offer pick up services for organizations, businesses and schools that would be interested to donate: overstock, scratch and dent, office furniture and surplus inventory. Goodwill Industries have created policies help them follow up and keep constant track of all donated items. These policies also aids in preventing frauds. To begin with, any donated goods that are yet to been processed cannot be issued or sold before they reach the relevant retail stores. After they are processed, they are distributed to store randomly (Helms, 2001). Goodwill Industries also provide career solutions for adults via various programs. These programs include, computer classes, forklift certification, job readiness sessions, Microsoft Office Suite classes, security guard training, call center training, janitorial services, counseling and job placement, customer and retail, service basics, and also transitional employment services. Goodwill determines prices of donated items by market value and competitive. However, prices at Goodwill Industries are at least 50 percent less compared to what customers would pay in other retail stores. Any states do not charge taxes on second hand goods an especially clothes which acts as a major advantage for Goodwill Industries (Helms, 2001). These industries offer retail jobs, which include; Retail sales clerks, Administrative, support staff, processors and management Youth services staff, Truck drivers/helpers Rehabilitation program aides, Adult services staff, material handlers and Donation center attendants. These employees enjoy accrued benefit such as health insurance, vacation, Competitive wages, dental insurance, holiday and a retirement plan (Helms, 2001). Goodwill Industries do not hold fundraising events or solicit cash donations, but financial donations are gratefully accepted. Most of these Industries set offer employment with higher opportunities for disabled and those with barriers to employment. Some of the services that the disabled perform include, Light Assembly, sorting, labeling and Packaging. They are also involved in: shrink Wrapping, Mailing, Blister Packing, Craft projects and Stuffing Envelopes (Keeler, 1992). Goodwill Industries strive to ensure that their stores are invariably full of fresh products. Merchandise remains in the retail stores for few weeks, and then it is marked down severally after few weeks. If the item does not sell after a given time, it is transferred to any Clearance Center where it is offered at an amount. If the items still fail to sell in the Clearance Center, they are sold in bulk to third party recyclers or recycled (Moore, 2001). Goodwill Industries make sales online. They have created online bidding sites that require bidders to register online in order to browse, place bid and be able to buy any item that is available for sale. This site normally notify bidders whenever they are outbid on an item and if they have lost or won the auction (Keeler, 1992). All activities of Goodwill and business operations are handled in a manner that they are environmentally friendly. They believe in making useable goods from discarded items, and if an item can’t be salvaged a proper method of recycling is ensured. By so doing, they are able to call themselves upstanding citizens of environment (Helms, 2001). Policy of Goodwill Industries Goodwill industries are dedicated to services delivery in an environment that is conformed to the highest standards of administration accountability, financial management, developmental training, marketing and business. Goodwill industries leadership is committed to the need to detect and prevent fraud, misappropriation of funds, fiscal management and hence maintenance and development of a corporate compliance formal program to ascertain conformance and ongoing monitoring with all regulatory requirements that are legal. Additionally, the organization is dedicated to the maintenance, implementation and establishment of a program of corporate compliance that insists on a number of things (Moore, 2001). Firstly, avoid wrong doings, which can be both unintentional or intentional, and immediate investigation and reporting of questionable practices and activities without any penalty to the party reporting. Secondly, immediate correction of any circumstance that puts the goodwill industries, its staff or leaders, consumers and sources of funding at risk (Moore, 2001). Procedures of Goodwill Industries The operations of goodwill industries entail the following procedures. The board of directors through official declaration, delegates’ general responsibility for the program of Corporate Compliance to the CEO/ President with supervisory responsibilities allocated to the Committee specifically the Finance Committee. The CEO/ Preside will assess the program of the corporate compliance of the Organization and provide regular and periodic reports to the whole Board of Directors and committee on issues relating to the program. The CEO officially delegates to the Administration and Finance Vice President as Officer of the Corporate Compliance. The Officer of Corporate compliance has various responsibilities (Moore, 2001). The first responsibility is providing staff assistance to the Financial Committee and works as the main contact point of the Organization for all issues of corporate compliance, which include coming up with recommendations to the Board of directors, the Committee and CEO/President and regular reporting on activities of compliance (Helms, 2001).. Another responsibility is to monitor, implement and develop – on a consistent and regular basis – the program corporate compliance of the organization, which include all systems and procedures, reporting and investigative processes, auditing, and external and internal monitoring (Helms, 2001). Thirdly, the committee is responsible for monitoring, coordinating and scheduling periodic and regular reviews of areas of risk by competent external and/or internal persons to the organization. These reviews will supplement the yearly audit of the organization’s system of accounting and offer an additional inner measure. This is to make sure that it complies with financial practices and policies that will endure the thorough examination of any regulatory examination or audit. Another responsibility of the committee is that it has unimpeded and directs access to the independent auditors of the organization, legal body on issues that relate to compliance of the organization, board of directors and CEO/president (Helms, 2001). The reports to the Board of directors, the committee and CEO/President will include the following, a summary of all criticisms processed in the previous twelve months in combination with the program of corporate compliance, investigations and allegations. Additionally, a description of all complete corrective accomplishments taken and thirdly, any recommendations to changes in procedures and/or policies of the organization. The summary will consist of incidents of theft of funds of Goodwill and or pattern, product of irregularities in finances, significant irregularities in accounting and/or errors, investigations of media related to ethics and confidentiality breach (Moore, 2001). Committee Formation The Board’s Finance Committee shall be in charge of oversight of all activities of Corporate Compliance. Committee members can also be part of other committees. They should not depend on management and free themselves from any association that would affect the use of their independent decision as members of the Committee. The Committee of such organization shall meet more than two years annually, and as frequent as the situation requires. The committee of goodwill industries shall keep all the meetings’ minutes to document its recommendations and activities (Moore, 2001). Primary Committee’s Goals The committee helps the Board in accomplishing its fiduciary duties relating to financial and legal compliance with applicable policies, industry guidelines laws, and regulatory requirements. Additionally, it is in charge of all practices of auditing reporting and accounting, whose goal is to reveal accurately and properly the financial condition and status of the Organization (Keeler, 1992). Another responsibility of the committee is to oversee the implementation and adoption of procedures and policies that will necessitate for the industry and its workers to comply fully with all relevant polices, regulations and laws. Moreover, it helps the board to fulfill its tasks to stakeholders that relate to integrity and quality of financial reporting, practices of financial reporting, and policies of accounting (Keeler, 1992). Duties of the Committee While the committee carries out its responsibilities and duties, it should ensure that part of its members possess expertise in the financial field. The financial experts must have a general understanding of GAAP and an understanding of statements of finance. Additionally, such persons should have an in depth understanding of preparing, analyzing, auditing, and evaluating statements of finance, which should include a level and depth of complexity of issues of accounting that are usually around six to twenty pages. These pages should be comparable to the complexity and breadth of matters that can rationally be anticipated to be introduced by the financial statements’ registrant (Helms, 2001). The financial experts should be experienced in supervising individuals taking part in these financial activities. Additionally, they should understand internal procedures and controls for financial reporting. Another duty of these experts is to have an understanding of compliance and audit functions. Moreover, they should provide ample opportunity for the external auditors to meet with committee members so that they can receive feedback on their individual compliance evaluations relating to auditing, accounting, financial, regulatory and legal practices (Helms, 2001). The financial experts meet with the financial management and independent auditors at the end of the yearly audit to review results of audit which include any recommendations or comments of the external auditors. Moreover, they evaluate changes in the applicable procedures and policies and standards of accounting. Additionally, they review the outcomes, which is included in the management letter of the independent auditors and response and actions of management to be taken. Another duty involves evaluation of the yearly statements of finance and ensures that the external auditors become satisfied with the disclosure and content and of the statements of finance. Moreover, they are in charge of the compliance program’s implementation connected to business conduct that will make sure that high conduct and ethical standards are complied with and communicated properly to all employees regularly (Moore, 2001). Adequate Documentation Policy The purpose of the policy of documentation is to ensure that all cost, accounting and financial, data based its information on adequate, verifiable and auditable documentation. The policy of all release or disclosure of statements of finance should be stated such that it does not contain false material statement, or leave out a statement of material fact. Additionally, it should reconcile the information of finance presented including the financial results and condition of business operations. Moreover, all financial and cost data should be based on statistical and financial records that can be verified. The data of cost should be relevant to an approved costing method and on accrual accounting basis (Moore, 2001). Goodwill industries prohibit material omissions and misstatements of any data that is arranged on behalf or by the organization. Additionally, presentation of cost, accounting and financial data which is misleading is not acceptable. Moreover, financial data accessible to external reports must follow GAAP. Adequate cost, accounting and financial data should be efficient and effective for the organization’s management, should be reliable in relation to applicable business concepts and should be capable of undergoing auditing. Moreover, adequate cost data must have records which support it so as to gain reimbursement by any government or agencies from which finances are gotten. The prerequisite of adequate information insists that data have sufficient details and be accurate in order to achieve the goals intended (Keeler, 1992). The financial disclosure statement policy has been introduced by goodwill industries to guarantee the integrity of disclosure of financial, annual statement. The objective of financial disclosure integrates integrity, review of any possible variance of interest between affiliates, officers and board of directors and auditor that can affect the independence of auditors (Keeler, 1992). Another objective is to promote professional competency and ethics standards, performing evaluation of a work product of auditors, and ensure capability of auditors. All these goals are intended to validate assessment of management of the performance of the organization, business trends and effects of significant accounting estimates and policies. This is highlighted as the crucial feature of annual disclosure of financial statement. This policy is intended to ensure the truth of documents of corporate finances, highlight the imprecision in all activities of reimbursement and ensure immediate remediation and disclosure of any overpayments identified (Keeler, 1992). The goodwill industries ensure that Ethics Code are adopted and applicable to each and every employee and promotes ethical and honest conduct; averting of variances of interest; timely, fair, accurate and understandable disclosure in the periodic reports of the issuer, and conformance with applicable government regulations and rules. For example, to make sure that the Colorado Springs goodwill industries’ best interests are fulfilled, the organization has introduced a policy of conflict of interest which applies to all employees, officers and directors. Additionally, the committee will oversee entire financial and other types of disclosures as stated under such a policy (Helms, 2001). Good will industries have a legal policy related to search warrants, subpoenas and other investigations. These policies provide assistance relating to how search warrants, subpoenas and other investigations are handled. This legal policy does not take care of investigations or subpoenas, which a worker may receive and which are not directly linked to their Goodwill employment. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that goodwill organizations cooperate with external audits, searches and investigations of the government. In case of an inquiry or a visit from an agency of the government related to legal documents, search warrant and subpoena is received, the CCO (Corporate compliance officer) must be notified. This officer will evaluate the document and ensure that follow up action is undertaken, including the legal CEO Counsel being notified (Moore, 2001). Members of Staff who receive an inquiry or a visit from an agency of the government regarding any Goodwill Industries should direct such a person to the CCO, and must desist from talking about business matters of the Organization with such an individual until and/or unless CCO gives such a directive. Moreover, members of staff served with a subpoena requiring them to testify on a matter linked to their employment must notify the CCO. The CCO will review the subpoena received immediately and ensure that follow up action is undertaken (Moore, 2001). In conclusion, Goodwill industries ensure that any operation that is carried out by such organization is environmentally friendly. Additionally, such industries have financial experts who ensure that the statements of finance of such organizations are not misrepresented. Therefore, goodwill companies ensure that they employ integrity in all their financial and operational activities.

CHANGE MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

CHANGE MANAGEMENT - Essay Example The organisation is undergoing change in the management structure in order to acquire better efficiency. The organisation was unable to reach the target population and was also incapable of reaching the desired target. Thus, a change has been proposed which can help to make significant differences in operational system. The objective of the essay is to describe the change procedure of Children and Young People Service by using different change management models and theories. Description of Change Process The change process of Children and Young People Service has occurred through three phases. The first phase involves understanding the reasons for restructuring in the organisation. In this phase, a proposal has been made and justification for change has been developed. In the second phase, management team has been developed and change management models have been selected. The management team evaluated the present operational structure and established new operational structure on the basis of proposed objectives. ... While changes occur to individuals’ jobs, and at times they disagree with the change, alteration is internal in nature and it occurs in the mind of individuals during the change process. Thus, it helps to deal with the sentiments of individuals throughout the change process (Bridges & Mitchell, 2012). A weakness of the model is that it cannot be considered as a substitute for other approaches for change management. Moreover, the model cannot be regarded as an independent model for change management (Bridges & Mitchell, 2012). Strengths and Weakness of ADKAR Model The key strength of this model is that it delivers valuable management specifications which directly deal with people related aspects of change. Besides, this model permits for concentrating on those functions which are useful for accomplishing the desired outcome (Hiatt, 2006). However, one significant weakness of this model is that it fails to differentiate between the roles of leadership and management; it simply i gnores the requirement of leadership and concentrates on managing the change (Hiatt, 2006). Identification and Description of Models used in Change Management ADKAR Model of Change in Planning In the change management of Children and Young People Service, it can be recognised that ADKAR model of change has been followed within the planning process. ADKAR model states that in order to plan any kind of change, at first, there is a need for generating the desire for change among the members of organisation. Without proper desire the organisational members will be unable to participate in the change process and the change will become a failure. Awareness

Eastern Religion thought Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Eastern Religion thought - Assignment Example The creation of movements brought together charismatic leaders as well as supernatural techniques with a sense of approaching new age (Catherine Albanese 230). Religions of the Nearer, Middle, and Further East show the increase of religions to quite a large number and thus the expansion of the religious culture. At the same time, these religions point to the counter-energy that leads people, within the religions, to merge their worlds and contract. Religious combination is the critical issue realized from the tendencies, expansion and contraction. A union of an atheistic person with a theosophical individual and others from the catholic religion or the Protestants expressed an expansive Universalist creed and an ethical code. Additionally, the contemporary new age has contributed to the culture of expansion through the new technology whereby channels like radio and televisions help to spread spiritualism (Catherine Albanese 232). Ritual work in the new age stresses the material world by stimulating the forces of mind and imagination so as to have control over matter. The Christian rights movement created from the combination of religions i s an evidence of the religious culture of contraction. It has a strong tradition of religious privatism whose concern was to mobilize a segment of the population who were never concerned with the public life. The movement developed a sense of togetherness and support for a world looking inward and not outward (Catherine Albanese

Gay Marriage Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Gay Marriage - Research Paper Example The following are the approaches that have been used to attempt to solve the standoff. 1. Political Approach The gay community has been needlessly subjected to negative tagging by the ‘straight.’ This has left authorities with no choice but to adjust the law in order to protect this minority group from intolerant and homophobic treatments. But is it true that the gay are victims of homophobia and intolerance from the straight society? â€Å"Homophobia is the hatred or fear of homosexuals †¦ sometimes leading to acts of violence and expressions of hostility.† (Anti-Defamation League, 2001). Fear and hatred of homosexuals is something that should be condemned in bold letters. Supporting Proposition 8 therefore exposes the gay to unjust and unfair treatment. However, only extremist individuals and groups come to this extent of being out-rightly insolent against the gay-and this is totally unacceptable. If someone is peacefully expressing their opinion against ho mosexuality because they think it is wrong, should they be termed intolerant and homophobic? If a church-based organization says it cannot admit gay individuals because its value system does not allow such, is that intolerance? Not any more than than Tyson (Meat Company) can join the American Vegetarian Association! It is not intolerant, it is just plain unreasonable. Cost of Implementation Not everyone who opposes homosexuality hates or fears the gay: they are simply expressing their opinion and practicing their freedom of expression. Apparently, the gay are cushioned by the law, such that they can get away with something that other people don’t. For instance, is it not ‘freedom of expression’ to talk against religion and the religious, but not against homosexuality? Jennifer Roback says, â€Å"I’m voting ‘yes’ on 8, not because of my views of gays and lesbians, but because of my views about marriage. I view marriage as a gender-based instit ution that attaches mothers and fathers to each other and to their children.† (Jennifer Roback, November 1 2008). Is it fair and just to have children in a situation where they cannot utter ‘mum’ or ‘dad’, because we adults have disordered these roles? Would a child feel the same way if they were cuddled in the bosom of a ‘male mother’ as they would in that of a ‘real’ mother? No one has the right to abuse homosexuals, but opposing them does not amount to discriminating against them. Rejecting Proposition 8 amounts to giving the gay way too much liberty at the expense of others-especially children; and criminalizing rather honest and kind opinions. 2. Sociological Approach Maggie Gallagher and Joshua K. Baker seem to reject the proposition by positing that gay marriages have no negative implication on the society. They assert that â€Å"†¦ children raised by lesbian and gay parents†¦ do as well if not better than c hildren raised by heterosexual parents† emotionally, socially and educationally. (Gallagher, Maggie and Joshua K. Blake, Pg 2). They posit that the gender of the parents does not matter; provided love, care and protection thrive in the family unit. However, they point at the immense significance there is in a traditional family by admitting that marriage is more than a private emotional relationship. â€Å"It is also a social good; †¦

Short Fiction Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Short Fiction - Term Paper Example The story takes place in the forest where old guard Long legs live with his wife and daughter. The Prussians, on the other hand, are patrolling the forest that is near the old town of Rethel. In their patrol duty, they come across the Long-legs forest home, tired and hungry. Amidst fear and uncertainty, Long-leg’s wife and daughter gives them a warm welcome, offers them delicious food, water and accommodation in his absentia. The fear in them drives them to long for his arrival to appear and protect them against these enemies. The French and Prussians have remained rivals for a long time. In the process of the wife and daughter playing their gracious roles, long leg arrives and is alerted about the Prussians presence. In a twinkling of the eye, long leg runs to town and summon the Rethels’ army freshmen. Monsieur Lavigne, the head, orders them to surround the house in an attempt to capture the Prussians. No killings are meant to take place at the time. The leader calls the Prussians to come out of the cellar peacefully but they relent. He orders the army to pipe in water into the cellar in an attempt of drowning them. As a result, the Prussians can no longer withstand the pressure of the pumped water; they surrender and agree to come out. They are then requested to submit their rifles, which they do, and the pumping is stopped. Monsieur Lavigne is crowned for capturing the most feared Prussian guard and Maloison; the fat beaker awarded a military medal for standing the wounds he got at the hands of the enemy. Together, the French army makes a triumphant entry into Rethel. In this piece, De Maupassant outlines the works of the anti-Prussians. It is remarkably well narrated with laughter evoking instances like the trapping of the soldiers in the cellar room. The narrative demonstrates high standards of writing and authenticity. The story is not frightening;

Should The Pin-Up Photographs And Calendars Have Been Taken Down Essay - 1

Should The Pin-Up Photographs And Calendars Have Been Taken Down - Essay Example This author’s opinion is that the pin-up photographs and calendars should have been taken down. But it would have been more prudent to communicate to employees why they would be taken down. A simple reason could be that personal pin-up photographs and calendars, or any other personal poster for that matter, are not allowed in the workplace as an employer’s rule. The workplace is, after all, the employer’s property. It may also be argued that the pin-up photographs and calendars create a sexually hostile environment for women, as it did for Barbara Hill. A woman is not expected to work in a sexually hostile work environment when she takes a job where most of her co-workers are men. She has the right to work in an environment free of sexual harassment and she is entitled to work where female employees are not made uncomfortable because of their gender. These may be the very reasons why the supervisor decided to take down the pin-up photographs and calendars, as wel l as shared Barbara Hill's views regarding them. The supervisor may have believed it in his power or authority to take down the offensive materials. However, although according to Chambers, sexually suggestive or explicit photos can be used to support a hostile environment claim, he also contends that hostile environment law involves disparate treatment, not disparate impact. Funk, therefore argues that there is no judicial support for prohibiting graphic representations in the workplace as long as no gender is was made to feel inferior or treated differently.

Financial resources and decisions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Financial resources and decisions - Essay Example After utilizing the three capital budgeting techniques, I strongly recommend project A as it generates a higher annual rate of return on average investment, shortest payback period, and higher net present value. Task 2. The following table shows the computed unit costs of products A, B, and C. It should be noted that to ensure accuracy, Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet is employed in calculation. The overheads are allocated according to machine hours in the case of machining department, and labor hours in the pressing and cutting department. The overhead rates are computed as follows: 1. For machining overhead costs, the total amount of overhead costs is computed and is divided with the total machine hours; 2. For cutting, the total overhead allocated to cutting is divided by the total number of labour hours both skilled and unskilled; 3. For pressing, the total overhead allocated to pressing is divided by the total number of labour hours used. Thus, machining has an overhead rate of 2.33/ machine hour, cutting has an overhead rate of 1.83 labor hour, and pressing has an overhead rate of 1.42/labor hour. For the services department, these are the cost allocations: The overhead costs for the services departments are allocated based on machine and labor hours computed above. For example, the overhead rate for cutting is allocated by dividing the total costs for cutting by the total number of skilled and unskilled labor hours for cutting. The following are the computed overhead rates for the engineering department: while the following are the computed overhead rates for the personnel department: It should be noted that in the case of personnel department costs allocated to the engineering department and vice versa is computed by...However, this technique disregards the additional cash flow which can be recouped from the project as it only focuses on the time when the whole investment will be recovered. The Net Present Value (NPV) analysis is very much different from the other two techniques discussed as it takes into account the time value of money. This method recognizes that the value of a pound today is greater than its expected value tomorrow. This technique is favored by more economists and managers because it is more realistic. It also takes into account the total cash flow from the investment including the depreciation and the tax shield from it. After utilizing the three capital budgeting techniques, I strongly recommend project A as it generates a higher annual rate of return on average investment, shortest payback period, and higher net present value. The overhead costs for the services departments are allocated based on machine and labor hours computed above. For example, the overhead rate for cutting is allocated by dividing the total costs for cutting by the total number of skilled and unskilled labor hours for cutting. It should be noted that in the case of personnel department costs allocated to the engineering department and vice versa is computed by dividing the total cost to the total number of units produced for each product. Price sett

Problem based exercises on Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Problem based exercises on Law - Case Study Example The letter stated that the offer was "exclusively" being made to the "members" of the yatch club against payment of $80,000. The letter also states that the first member to accept the offer will receive the yatch, hence according to the Sales of Goods Act 1979 Section 18 (3), in case of sales on approval, property passes when the buyer signifies his acceptance to the seller. 3. At 8 pm, Dandy, a club "visitor" rang Gemstone, Mrs Gemstone answered in the absence of her husband and Dandy proposed $90,000 for the yatch. Not being a "member" of the yatch club, Dandy does not fulfill the contract according to the Contract Law, since he has not been offered a deal to accept. However, it can be considered that Dandy is now making an offer for Gemstone to accept, but since Mrs Gemstone did not clearly state that she is accepting the offer (she only replied "My husband will be pleased. He asked me to receive any acceptances as he is away tonight. I suggestto arrange delivery") See Gibson v Manchester City Council 1979 1 AER 972, where using the word "suggest" merely illustrates final arrangements, but does not show that any stage the offer has been accepted. 4. Chuck posted his acceptance letter at 9 pm. ... I suggestto arrange delivery") See Gibson v Manchester City Council 1979 1 AER 972, where using the word "suggest" merely illustrates final arrangements, but does not show that any stage the offer has been accepted. 4. Chuck posted his acceptance letter at 9 pm. According to the Contract Law, an offer is acceptance at the time the letter is posted, irrespective of the time the letter reaches destination or even if it does not reach destination. see Byrne v Van Tienhoven (1880) 5 CPD 344 in which it is stated that an offer is accepted once it leaves the hands of the person. Since Chuck is a member of the club, and he is the first to accept Gemstone's offer, legally according to point 2 above, he is the righteous person to claim the yatch. 5. Slick, also being a club member sent his acceptance by mail at 9.30 pm, hence 30 minutes after Chuck. Thus the contract having already been formed being Chuck and Gemstone, Gemstone having clearly stated that the first member to accept will receive the yatch, Slick has no legal right to claim for the yatch. As we can see, Gemstone wants to deliver the yatch to Dandy. Considering all the above points, Chuck is now the righteous owner of the yatch legally. Slick cannot make any legal claim since he was not the first member to accept Gemstone's offer. So, legally, the yatch should be delivered to Chuck. However if Gemstone persists and delivers the yatch to Dandy, he will be making a major breach in the contact with Chuck, who can sue Gemstone immediately for damages. Question Two This case discusses about an "Oral" Contract, that is, one which is not a drafted formal contract between the two parties and where there exists neither evidence nor proof in writing and signed documents. Generally an oral

Computer Software and Information System Computer Software Essay Example for Free

Computer Software and Information System Computer Software Essay Computer software and information system computer software is no longer a major barrier to wide use of wireless information systems [writers name] [institutes name] computer software is no longer a major barrier to wide use of wireless information systems introduction to know about the connection of these topics it is must to know about the link between these phrases as well as the basic concept of these two. firstly to know what is computer software and wireless information systems and then secondly to discuss about their affects upon each other. computer software is basically some programs or events that are written just to achieve certain functions by the software engineers. events are the set of steps that is written and combined to make a program. Now there arises a question that what is a program then the answer of this question is that: programs are basically a set of rules and instructions on the basis of which a computer act to achieve certain functions. to perform specific set of actions on computers intelligently or normally is the basic need to write a program. wireless information systems are basically the systems that used wireless. what is wireless and why and how question arises then wireless as its name shows that it means some sort of transport of data and information among wireless devices without using wires. it can be used in form of mobiles pdas and on large scale radio is the example of it. Wireless information systems can be range on mobiles wireless devices and networks. the device used for it is basically a device that is installed first and then it can be used. wireless network and information processing system 2008 certain dependencies in case of wireless information systems there are certain dependencies. among those dependencies some of them are very basic and are: mobility of the user mobility of the resource explanation these dependencies can be differentiated in a way that in case of user mobility it can be in the form of travelling user whereas the case with the second dependency is that a network if created among multiple pdas and now in this case if the pdas are moving. Along with this dependency there is certain other as well. just to be focus on the actual behavior of the wireless and then wireless information systems only two are mentioned here to emphasize the main and important factors affecting the wireless in general. important features to consider about there are certain tendencies that are important to know about these systems. according to these information systems have to develop first. while developing these systems a software engineer needs to know the protocols specific rules of dealing on networks and standard to follow upon them and then to develop finally feldman 2007 there are certain standards that need to follow while considering wireless. In this way there appears a need to select a standard according to the type of wireless information system. those standards are as follows: iee802.11 iee802.11a iee802.11b iee802.11g iee802.16 iee802.16a open air home based blue tooth based discussion after implementation of these steps architecture to develop a software program is required. when these wireless systems developed then these should cope with the problem fairly on real time. if an architecture of software program is designed in such a way that it is safe for security flexibility and other issues as well. if technology is implemented selected in an improved way then an information system can work well. if there are leaks in the design and programming tactics and technology implementation then there would be a lot of leak in the system as well that result in a very severe or drastic problem. in this way it can be say that software programs that developed to resolve a problem needs attention in all these metrics to work up on and to get a better result. If there is a better program written by a programmer who is reliable and portable efficient and of strong functionality then fulfill the better requirement in this case. whereas if we are talking about the wireless information systems things become more sensitive as we are dealing on real time and gather a lot of security risks. thats why after applying and implementing rules and regulations and following the standards will get the better results. the use of wireless information systems is beneficial for the companies and organization in various ways first of all it is accessible in minimum resources. it reduces the time and mobility issues problem and enhances the productivity of the organization in this regard. wireless networking in the developing world session 2007 the use of wireless management systems can improve the effectiveness of applying multiple procedures. output of these procedures when resulted in a good form then increased or enhanced the productivity of the organizat ion in a fast manner. Well reputed industries companies and organizations are referring towards these wireless information systems that is very fast growing. along with all this there are still new advancements are just coming on the way to increase the quality of the projects or to attain the benefits of the technologies as much as it can be. references phillip m. feldman 2007 emerging commercial mobile wireless technology and standards suitable for the army: http://www.rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/mr960/index.htmlwireless network and information processing system 2008 wireless network and information processing system 2008: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7433699.htmlwireless networking in the developing world session 2007 wireless networking in the developing world session wireless network: http://wirelesssummit.org/content/cwns-and-developing-world

Documentation Requirements for the Acute Care Inpatient Record Essay Example for Free

Documentation Requirements for the Acute Care Inpatient Record Essay The medical record is a tool for collecting, storing, and processing patient information. Records are being used daily for a multitude of purposes, including: providing a means of communication between the physician and the other members of the healthcare team caring for the patient providing a basis for evaluating the adequacy and appropriateness of care providing data to substantiate insurance claims protecting the legal interests of the patient, the facility, and the physician   providing clinical data for research and education ? General Guidelines for Patient Record Documentation ?†¢ Each hospital should have policies that ensure uniformity of both content and format of the patient record based on all applicable accreditation standards, federal and state regulations, payer requirements, and professional practice standards. ?†¢ The patient record should be organized systematically to facilitate data retrieval and compilation. ?†¢ Only persons authorized by the hospital’s policies to document in the patient record should do so. This information should be recorded in the medical staff rules and regulations and/or the hospital’s administrative policies. ?†¢ Hospital policy and/or medical staff rules and regulations should specify who may receive and transcribe a physician’s verbal orders. ?†¢ Patient record entries should be documented at the time the treatment they describe is rendered. ?†¢ Authors of all entries should be clearly identifiable. ?†¢ Abbreviations and symbols in the patient record are permitted only when approved according to hospital and medical staff bylaws, rules, and regulations. All entries in the patient records should be permanent. †¢ Errors should be corrected as follows: draw a single line in ink through the incorrect entry, and print error at the top of the entry with a legal signature or initials, date, time, title, reason for change, and discipline of the person making the correction. Errors must never be obliterated. The existing entry should be left intact with corrections entered in chronological order. Late entries should be labeled as such. ?†¢ In the event the patient wishes to amend information in the record, it shall be done as an addendum, without change to the original entry, and shall be clearly identified as an additional document appended to he original patient record at the direction of the patient, who will thereafter bear responsibility for the explaining the change. The health information department should develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures related to quantitative and qualitative analysis of patient records. ?†¢ Review any requirements outlined in state law, regulation, or healthcare facility licensure standards as they relate to documentation requirements. If your state requires that verbal orders be authenticated within a specified time frame, accrediting and licensing agencies will survey for compliance with that requirement.

Service User and Carer Participation in Social Work

Service User and Carer Participation in Social Work Identify, using examples, how a professional social worker should work in such a way as to ensure user and carer participation. Consider the practice issues for working anti-oppressively with users or carers who are either a  frail elderly person and their carer. A professional social worker must approach the elderly person as an individual and ensure that individual as opposed to generic needs are assessed. In practical terms this means that the approach taken is built upon a mix of professional pragmatism and textbook rules. This manner of approach also ensures that the social worker can approach the practice issues identified in an anti-oppressive and professional manner which promotes both user and carer participation. Certainly in terms of personal reflection, and from the writer’s perspective; as a white, middle class person, integrating the theory of how one is required to engage oneself anti-oppressively, in the capacity of social worker with the pragmatics of good social skills and an ability to put a user, such as a frail elderly person and their carer at ease is all the more important where there are differences between the practitioner and the service user in terms of age, race, religion and sex to name just a few examples. Therefore promoting user and carer participation and working anti oppressively with frail elderly users is by no means an easy task. Such a task requires an understanding of models of oppression. Models of oppression mainly relate to the ‘isms’ within society such as ageism, sexism, classism, racism and many others (Williams, (2002) 1), and in the context of this question perhaps ageism and its avoidance within a user/practitioner setting is the most relevant. The professional social worker must be aware that models of oppression must be understood and applied within carer/user settings in order to promote an ethical, participatory relationship between the two (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (2006) 14). This is because as Beckett and Maynard ((2005) 46) observe, the social worker often deals with those groups within society who are the ‘least powerful’. One classic example of this for the social worker in a practice situation could be at a juncture where a frail elderly person reaches a stage where their needs cannot be accommodated at home, and supported accommodation options for the elderly person may need to be discussed. In this instance ‘alone time’ spent between carer and the social worker and the user and the social worker can allow both to discuss the issues at hand frankly, and decide what the best way forward might be. This ensures that there is holistic user participation, as it is important that the needs of a frail elderly person are not entirely overshadowed by the input of the carer. This by no means implies that the carer should be ignored during a home visit, or should be excluded in any manner, but there will be times when it is appropriate for the frail elderly person (provided they are compos mentis) to express their viewpoint independently of those close to them (for example if they express a wish t o have arrangements made for a will). This will also give the social worker an opportunity to have some time alone with the carer, which gives the carer an opportunity to raise concerns or to discuss issues which they would perhaps not feel comfortable raising in the presence of the person who they take care of. Of course, the user participation will be important once these discussions have taken place, because a frail elderly person cannot be placed into supported accommodation without their co-operation and consent. However, it is often beneficial, where a sensitive issue should as a move between home and supported accommodation is to be broached, that a carer and a professional social worker have an opportunity to discuss the needs of the ‘user’ of the services in a setting where these issues can be spoken of frankly. This does not mean that issues should be concealed from a user or from a carer, but often in terms of facilitating anti-oppressive practice issues it i s appropriate to relate to both user and carer in different ways, and therefore it may be necessary to communicate with one or another (user and carer) separately. In this context the issue of power within society and how it relates to social inequalities must be understood. The social worker is in quite a powerful position compared to an elderly and frail service user, and therefore a professional social worker is required to appreciate how their language must be employed as a strategy to engage the service user, and carer anti oppressively, and at the same time promoting participation. To take stock of another example to illustrate this point, let us look at a scenario whereby an elderly person who is frail is hostile to interventions from a social worker. Here, the requirements for anti-oppressive techniques of care become all the more important. Difficult questions become apparent in this context. Some examples are as follows: What should one do whereby a frail elderly person has a carer who looks after their needs on a part time basis, and the social worker feels that there are issues of self neglect during episodes where the carer is not present? To take this example a little further, a scenario could arise where a frail elderly person, whose carer is not present, is being visited by a social worker. Let us imagine that the social worker wishes to gain entry to the house of the elderly frail person in order to assess their needs and the elderly person is suspicious and does not wish to allow the person in. How can language be employed in this setting to promote an ethical relationship based on anti-oppressive techniques in this scenario? A simple answer would be for the social worker firstly to explain who they are and why they wish to pay a visit to the elderly person, and secondly another strategy which could be employed would be to say to the service user (the elderly frail person); Can I come in for a Chat/some Tea?, rather then an overly formal explanation of why they are there for example ‘I have to speak to you to assess whether you are capable of looking after yourself’. This approach also empowers the service user, since they may feel more in control of the interaction, and they might also be more inclined to perceive the social worker on friendly terms. To pose another critically important question here: how should a social worker in this above outlined scenario handle a conflict which arises between an elderly user and the state where an elderly person, who lacks capacity to make decisions for themselves is self-neglecting and will not co-operate with a social worker who encourages them to move into supported accommodation? Two models of intervention may be employed here by the social worker, to deal with the conflict. One is the state intervention model, which may involve sectioning the frail elderly person and removing them into the care of an institution, and alternatively the social worker can choose to employ more moderate interventions which involve living support from voluntary sector groups (Scottish Executive (2006) Section 1.3). Which one is best always depends upon the individual circumstances of the frail elderly person, and the judgement of the individual social worker[1]. In this context, and to continue the reference to the particular example where a social worker wishes to gain entry to the house of a frail, elderly person for the purposes of assessing their needs, it is also important to remember that the social worker owes the frail elderly person some legal responsibilities. All social work practitioners, for example are required to adhere to the various codes of ethics which have been issued through the General Social Care Council, which was set up in 2001. Amongst other duties, each of the 84000 social workers and social worker students on the Social Care Register must submit to inspection by the Commission for Social Care Inspection, and are required to have their own copies of their codes of conduct; and also as of 2003, the Social Care Register requires that only registered social workers may describe themselves as social workers (to label oneself a social worker, and at the same time intending to deceive others in this respect is now a crim inal offence) (www.gscc.org.uk). Another legal responsibility which the professional service user owes to the user and to the carer is the duty not to discriminate unnecessarily against a person on the grounds of their race, ethnicity, disability, and age to give just a few examples of areas which are protected by law by anti-discrimination legalisation. Research into what practice issues are important for services users including carers and the elderly which was carried out by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust suggests that the combating of discrimination and how it can lead to an oppressive relationship between service user and social worker is very important in social work practice (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (2006) 14). In terms of both user and carer participation, the issue of confidentiality is of the utmost importance. This builds trust between user and the social work practitioner and also may lead to a feeling of empowerment by the service user, who is in the context of this question a frail elderly person. To refer back to the first example used in this essay (where the issue of perhaps assessing the needs and views of both carer and an elderly frail person separately has been raised); where there are issues which are quite sensitive between a carer, and a frail elderly person, it is important that the confidence of both parties are respected by the social worker. It is also important to speak to each person on their terms. One classic example of this in the context of a frail elderly person, addressing the user firstly by using their formal title ‘Miss Jones’ for example or ‘Mrs Smith’, as opposed to the use of first names is potentially an important strategy to emp loy. It is often the case that there will be a large generational gap between the frail elderly person and the social worker, and this makes to concept of anti-oppressive techniques and participation techniques all the more important. Such a generational gap may make a frail elderly person perceive the social worker as more of a threat to them, and may perhaps convey to them the impression that the social worker has little understanding of their needs and view of the world. In this sense, also good case management and record keeping (often a legal requirement for social workers) will also facilitate user and carer participation, as well as anti-oppressive practices. In conclusion therefore there are a plethora of practice issues which are pivotal in a scenario where a social worker is required to interact in a professional capacity with a frail elderly person and their carer. All of these issues are intersecting, related, and sometimes contingent upon each other. The requirements for user and carer participation and for an understanding of anti-oppressive techniques are therefore complex concepts which require a pragmatic approach, integrated with a theoretical approach on the part of the contemporary professional social worker. These arguments have been supported throughout the essay through a focus upon reflective and theoretical reasoning. Bibliography Books Beckett, C. and Maynard, A. (2005) Values and Ethics in Social Work. Publisher: Sage Publications. Place of Publication: UK. Articles Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (2006) Strategy for Social Work and Social Care. Publisher: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. Place of Publication: UK. Scottish Executive (2006) The Need for Social Work Intervention. Publisher: Scottish Executive. Place of Publication: UK. Williams, C. (2002) A Rationale for an Anti-Racist Entry Point to Anti-Oppressive Social Work in Mental Health Services Critical Social Work, 2002 Vol. 3, 1. Website http://www.gscc.org.uk/News+and+events/Media+releases/Put+social+care+centre+stage+in+social+exclusion+drive.htm >>. 1 Footnotes [1] See the Scottish Executive Publication for a more in depth account of models of intervention.

Loyal Disobedience - A Social Tract of Euripides in Medea and Helen Ess

Loyal Disobedience-A Social Tract of Euripides      Ã‚  Ã‚   In ancient Greece the females were considered to be conniving and deceiving whisperers, and men almost never trusted their wives.   The ideal woman was an obedient and placating wife.   They believed that the female should be strong but still yield to the power of the male in charge, whether it was older brother, father, or husband.   Euripides often used females in uncommon ways; he did not simply show them as complacent animals.   Women in Euripides' plays were used for social commentary.   They were not just simple characters; they could be both agathos and kakos.   The females in the works of Euripides were extremely strong and devious and they were loyal but at the same time hypocritical.        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ancient Greco society contained a vast amount of gods, demigods, and other godlike beings.   Even though it was widely known what females should be like, the gods themselves did not emulate this.   Hera was not obedient to Zeus.   There are other contradictory goddesses: the goddess of Peace, and the goddess of War.   In the time of Euripides there was a double standard.        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In both Medea and Helen, the title characters are disobedient females.   They do not listen to the males around them.   In ancient Greece it was not acceptable for a female tolive by herself.   They believed that females should be the servant, or the subjugated property of a male.   Females relied on men for their protection but in return they gave their loyalty.   What might have been seen as obedience, most likely was loyalty.   Men might have thought they had an obedient wife but this was not the case.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Menelaos is shipwrecked in Egypt after a long and arduous j... ...allowed to break their physical bonds, i.e. kill the children.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To Euripides, women were in no way obedient.   He believed that women were loyal to those who provide for them, but if you cut the provisions you will lose their loyalties.   In both Helen and Medea the title character is a strong and independent woman.   They are loyal to their husbands, but just so long as their husband reciprocates the loyalty.   They were loyal but disobedient.   If the connection is broken, they will not listen.   A man might think he has an obedient wife, but it is most likely loyalty. Works Cited Ancient Greek Women in Athens. 20 January 2002.    Marschke, J. The Roles of Women in Greek Tragedies. 20 January 2002.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     

Expatriate Management :: essays research papers

Many companies deal with expatriate executives/personnel in a variety of ways. In determining an expatriate there is no right or wrong way. The difference is determined by how the company is trying to meet their goals. The selection process for an expatriate varies significantly from one company to another. When a company has entered the international/global market, it is vital for that company to decide upon which method to use for determining their expatriate executive/personnel. The two methods available are outsourcing and promoting internally. This paper will focus upon promoting internally. Both outsourcing and promoting internally have their advantages and disadvantages. When trying to decide between outsourcing or promoting internally the company should consider these questions: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Have you looked at the cost of administering this function in house versus outsourcing? (Cook, 1999, p.177) 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Have you done some preliminary recruiting to see if experienced HR staff with expatriate experience are available? What are the going salaries for these professionals? (Cook, 1999, p.177) 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Will performing the daily administrative details of the expatriate function consume an inordinate amount of time, even if you have experienced staff? (Cook, 1999, p.177) 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Do fluctuations in the company’s expatriate population make it difficult to maintain appropriate levels of HR staff assigned to get employees overseas, maintain them, and bring them home? (Cook, 1999, p.177) 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Have you identified the specific expatriate activities you would want to outsource and which ones you might effectively maintain in-house? (Cook, 1999, p.177) 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Have you discussed the pros and cons of outsourcing these services with other HR professionals or COs who are doing it now in order to get a better understanding of the issues? (Cook, 1999, p.177) 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Do you know all of the compensation and benefits issues you face in each country where you plan to do business? (Cook, 1999, p.177) Cook (1999, p.177) said, “Large established companies that have multiple global operations; Companies that are just starting their international operations that may not have experienced staff to effectively handle international HR situations; and Companies whose business needs fluctuate as overseas projects are initiated and completed.'; If your company has decided to outsource then there are many sites on the web that are specifically geared towards outsourcing. Some of these locations are: http://www.iorworld.com  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.eems.com http://www.expat.ca  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://escapeartist.com Many companies and organizations will decide to internally promote and produce an expatriate executive rather than outsourcing the process. When a company or corporation does decide to promote internally many factors must be considered. The company will have to decide where to build the new facility, what products to produce, what resources to use, where to get the resources, what governmental policies must the facility adhere too, the size of the facility, and so on.

Main Economic Features of Oligopolies and Price-fixing Theories Essay

Introduction Oligopoly, from the ancient Greek ÏÅ'ÃŽ »ÃŽ ¯ÃŽ ³ÃŽ ¿ÃŽ ¹ "a few" and πώÎ »ÃŽ ·Ãâ€š "seller" (Woodhouse, 2002), defines the market with a small number of large players. (Begg and Ward, 2009, B&W). To demonstrate a clear understanding of what it is and how it works, this essay will be tacitly divided in two sections. In the first section I will discuss oligopoly's definition, demand curve, main features and price-fixing. In the second, I will illustrate oligopoly by referencing the UK Beer Market, and the extent to which this industry could support price-fixing. Oligopoly: definition Under monopoly one firm has no rivals (Rittenberg and Tregarthen, 2009). On the contrary, in perfect competition many small firms co-exist, none with the power to influence price (Sloman and Sutcliffe, 2001). Equally important, as a combination of monopoly and competition, monopolistic competition represents the market with freedom to enter and many firms competing. However, each firm produces a differentiated product and therefore has some control over its price. Finally, oligopoly exists when few large firms can erect barriers against entry and share a large proportion of the industry. Moreover, firms are aware of their rivals and concerned about their response to competitive challenges (Allen, 1988). Consequently, oligopolies operate under imperfect competition. Demand Curve Oligopolies present kinked demand curves. These curves are downward-sloping, similar to traditional ones. However, they are distinguished by a convex bend at a discontinuity. This change in elasticity shows that price rises will not be match by competitors, yet prices reductions will (B&W). Therefore, firms will tend not to raise prices because a small increase will lose customers... ...n_law [Accessed on 21/11/2010]. Rittenberg, L. and Tregarthen, T. (2009). Principles of Microeconomics, 2nd edition. New York: Flat World Knowledge, Inc. Routledge, R.(2010). Bertrand competition with cost uncertainty. Economics Letters, no. 107, pp. 356–359. Sab-Miller Report. (2003). On-trade and off trade. Available at: http://www.sabmiller.com/files/presentations/2003/000503/may03_ontradeofftrade_slides.pdf [Accessed on 21/11/2010]. Sloman, J. and Sutcliffe, M. (2001). Economics for business, 2nd edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Vives, X. (2001). Oligopoly pricing: old ideas and new tools. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. Woodhouse, S. (2002) English-Greek Dictionary: A Vocabulary Of The Attic Language. 10th edition. Padstow: TJI Digital. World Bank. (2010). Indicators by country. Available at: [Accessed on 16/11/2010].

Water Supply Project Brief

Contents Table of Contents†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 1 Task†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 2 List of Abbreviations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢ € ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 TASK2 1. 1Project Title4 1. 2Introduction4 1. 3Project Location Map5 1. Terms of Reference6 1. 4. 1Project Details6 1. 4. 2Reporting Structure6 1. 4. 3Personnel Duties7 1. 5Schematic Layout7 2. 1DELIVERABLES8 2. 1. 1Dam8 2. 1. 2Water Treatment Works9 2. 1. 3Elevated Steel Tank10 2. 1. 4Water Transmission10 2. 1. 5Metering11 3. 1Project Management Process12 3. 1. 1Initiating12 3. 1. 2Planning12 3. 1. 3Executing13 3. 1. 4Controlling14 3. 1. 5Closing14 List of references†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 16 List of AnnexureAnnexure 1 – Project Budget Annexure 2 – Work Breakdown Structure Annexure 3 – Project Network Diagram Annexure 4 – Project Gantt Chart Annexure 5 – Project Summary TASK You are a consultant of a firm that has won a tender to develop a turnkey water project in Kajiado County. Using necessary tools including Ms Project prepare a WBS, and do a schedule of project tasks, their resources and assume a tracking of the project progress. Hence do a status report in a PDF file. The completed work should not exceed 20. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS WBS- Work Breakdown StructureWARMA – Water Resource Management Authority NEMA – National Environmental Management Authority ToR – Terms of Reference GI – Galvanized Iron RCC – Reinforced Cement Concrete 1. 1Project Title Proposed Water Supply Project in Kajiado Town 1. 2Introduction A project is one-time, multitask job with a definite starting point, definite ending point, clearly defined scope of work, a budget and usually a temporary team. A project is therefore a series of activities which are meant to achieve particular goals or objectives using specifi ed resources and in a specified period of time.A turnkey project refers to a project that is built and handed over ready for use. The proposed water project in Kajiado County being a turnkey project will entail the consultant to take up construction from the initial stages of the project and hand it over when water has been connected to individual residents and/or users. Kajiado town lies at the intersection of the Nairobi – Kajiado road along the A 104 highway, and the railway line that serves Magadi Soda Company in Magadi. The town is situated 80 KM South of Nairobi. It is the administration centre for Kajiado County.Kajiado Town has a mean annual rainfall ranging from 450mm to 900mm. The major rivers found in Kajiado are among others Athi River, Ewaso Ngiro South River, Olekejuado River, Nool-Turesh River, Esokota River. The project involves construction of a dam along Olekejuado River, a water treatment plant, an elevated tank, a generator room, water transmission and dis tribution lines and water meter chambers. The presenter intends to use tools of Project Management Information Systems including MS Project 2010 software in achieving the implementation framework.The paper will be guided by Project Management processes of Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling and Closing to achieve set deliverables of the proposed project. 1. 3Project Location Map Figure1 – Map of Kajiado County 1. 4Terms of Reference This contractual document outlines the terms and conditions for the contracted project team. The process of initiating a project starts when the Client contacts the Contractor either with an already drawn ‘Terms of Reference' or with intent for a joint process in drawing the Terms of Reference. 1. 4. 1Project DetailsEmployerMinistry of Water and Irrigation Funding agencyGovernment of Kenya (Development Vote) EngineerGeneral Manager (Design & Construction) ConsultantsKiama Consortium Limited Contract No. MOWI/001/2011-2012 Contract A rea20 Square Kilometres Water Meters2000 Residents Contract Value (USD)USD 2,000,000 Capacity Required2,000,000 Litres/day ContractorPentacon Limited Award Date2 December 2012 Commencement Date1 January 2013 Completion Date4 October 2015 Project Duration2 Years 1. 4. 2Reporting Structure 1. 4. 3Personnel Duties The following will be the Key personnel for the project: Project Manager – Overall supervision of the project ?Financial Controller – Financial supervision ?Human Resource Officer – staff recruitment ?Procurement Officer – acquisition of resources (material) Monthly and Quarterly reports will be submitted to the client. The monthly report shall be submitted by the 5th of every month while quarterly report shall be submitted after every three months of the project duration. 1. 5Schematic Layout 2. 1DELIVERABLES Deliverables are the end results or outputs of undertaking a project. They may include reports, manuals, actual working systems or actual pr oducts.In this project deliverables include a dam, a water treatment plant, an elevated water tank, water distribution mains and water meters. 2. 1. 1 Dam ?Diversion of River The dam is designed to hold 10,000, 000 liters of water at its full capacity. The dimensions shall be 100m x 100m x 2m. During the construction of the dam, River Olkejuado will be temporarily blocked up stream and water diverted until the dam construction is completed. ?Intake Chamber The intake will be constructed and an allowance velocity of 0. 45m/s will be provided that will direct water to the pumping station. ?Spill WayThe spill way will allow water to overflow in case the dam fills up excessively. ?Embankment An embankment will also be constructed to safeguard the walls of the dam from failing. Reinforced Cement Concrete retaining wall works will be done as an embankment to safeguard and strengthen the dam walls. ?Pump House A pump house shall be constructed to provide for a stand by generator to cater f or 50% of the maximum pumping capacity and incase of power failure. It should also be noted that a generator can work for a maximum of 16 hours a day, therefore that should be considered in case of a total power failure in case of electrical faults. . 1. 2Water Treatment Works The assumption is, the water being harvested contains 50 – 50, 000 coli form count, a figure that requires water to undergo full treatment before consumption. ?Coagulation Tank This is the first tank, where water is chemically coagulated by adding alum and soda ash. The tank contains flocculation chambers. The water passes through baffles so that it can mix up well with the chemicals. ?Sedimentation Tank The sedimentation process will be aided by addition of alum in the coagulation tank. The baffles help the formation and in turn settle finer particles such as silt and colloids.The sedimentation tanks designed as upward hydraulic velocity and downward settling velocity enable sludge concentration. The d esign flow rate is proposed at 222m3/hr and the surface loading rate velocity is proposed at 1. 5m3/m2/hr. The allowed detention time is 3 – 4 hours. ?Rapid Sand Filter The proposed rapid gravity filters are back washed with air and water. The design flow rate is recommended at 222m3/hr and a filtration rate of 5m3/m2/hr. The storage time is about 10 – 20 minutes. ?Disinfection Tank pH correction will be done by adding soda ash.It could be due to dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) or excess amount of alum was added into the water during the coagulation process. Disinfection of the water will be necessary to lower health risk and infection with water borne diseases. In that case, Calcium Hypochlorite will be added to the water as per the calculated quantity depending on the volume. ? Reinforced concrete storage tank After water has been successfully disinfected, it will be pumped to the storage tank and allowed for chemical reaction for about 30 minutes before it is pumped to the elevated water tank ready for distribution. . 1. 3Elevated Steel Tank The elevated water tank is dependent on the highest level in the region. This also allows for water flow by gravity therefore, there will savings of electricity and fuel cost that might have been used for pumping water. 2. 1. 4 Water Transmission ?Transmission Main Galvanized iron (GI) pipes of 250mm diameter are preferred since they withstand high water pressures. The pipe velocity is set at 2. 0 m/s and set at a depth n. e. 1000mm deep below the ground level. Reflux valves are allowed at a distance of 3-4 km spacing to ease repair and maintenance. ?Distribution MainThe minimum diameter of pipes recommended is 100mm diameter. uPVC pipes shall be used and the maximum 60m and minimum pressure of 10m. The pipe velocity is set at 06 – 1. 0 m/s, and service valves are set every 1km for ease of inspection, repair and maintenance. 2. 1. 5Metering Meters are installed in all 2000 houses or users to monitor water consumption. This will also helps in billing as per the actual amount of water consumed. The Meters will assist in curbing vandalism of water. 3. 1Project Management Process Project management is the process of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing a project.The project goal is the desired outcome it should be short and simple yet clearly communicate scope, time frame and budget. To achieve the goal of supplying water to 2000 users in Kajiado county, the management process outlined above will be adhered to. 3. 1. 1 Initiating It involves recognizing that a project should begin and committing to do it. Feasibility concerning technical, financial, operational, legal, environmental and social aspects of the project shall be carried out. Using MS Project 2010 the project start and finish date were identified. Legal issues such as NEMA and WARMA licensing were identified and dealt with accordingly.Approval of the project by the County council was also sought. The start date was 1st January 2013 while the expected completion date is 4th October 2013. The budget for the project was also drawn; it is envisaged that the project will cost Ksh. 179,445,100 (USD 2,000,000) This is shown in annexure 1 of this paper. 3. 1. 2Planning Initially, the project scope was defined and the appropriate methods for completing the project were determined. Following this step, the durations for the various tasks necessary to complete the work were listed and grouped into a work breakdown structure; this is attached in annexure 2.The logical dependencies between tasks were defined using an activity network diagram as shown in annexture 3 that enables identification of the critical path. Float or slack time in the schedule can be calculated. Then the necessary resources were estimated and costs for each activity allocated to each resource, giving the total project cost. At this stage, the project schedule was optimized to achieve the appropriate balance between re source usage and project duration to comply with the project objectives. Once established and agreed, the project schedule became the baseline schedule.Progress will be measured against the baseline schedule throughout the life of the project. Planning Involves devising a workable scheme of a schedule of tasks and resources. In the planning process, the project activities were identified and entered in the Gantt Chart. Timelines for the activities were drawn and subdivisions identified, milestones were also noted. Restrictions and relationships of predecessor and successor activities were also considered. Resources were then assigned to the tasks identified. The Gantt chart is shown in annexure 4 of this paper. ?AssumptionsWhen planning for this project, a few assumptions were made. They include the following: i. Land for the development of the dam and excavation of trenches for pipes’ distribution is already procured by the Olkejuado County Council. ii. River Olkejuado is a temporary river and the dam is being excavated during the dry season. The river does not, therefor, need diversion but, only blocking. iii. The electrical work cater for all the structures iv. Each tank will have a booster pump. v. All hired machines and equipment comes fully with operators vi. The shilling is exchanging at the dollar rate of 90 Ksh. ii. The dollar sign in the budget represents Kenya Shillings. 3. 1. 3Executing This phase will involve carrying out the scheduled plan while coordinating the people and resources to achieve the project goal. It will also involve reporting on a monthly and quarterly basis as stated in the ToR. Reporting will involve progress, resource usage, achieved milestones and challenges encountered if any. Milestones and Critical Path are shown in annexure 5. Creating project records and presentations will also be done at this stage. Adherence to the drawn out plan will be key to achieve the desired results. henever necessary, changes will be reque sted and improvements recommended. 3. 1. 4Controlling It ensures that the project remains within the objectives, tracking performance and taking necessary corrective measures. During this phase, achieved progress is compared to the scheduled progress and any slippage is noted. Tracking for activities especially at the preliminary stage of the project has been assumed. The tracking Gantt Chart has been observed to give progress in percentage. Corrective measure suggested in case of slippage is crashing of the project activities.Crashing will involve identifying activities with float and slack times and interrogating the resource allocation and dependencies therein. (24 hour days in shifts) Though it may imply increase in project cost, it may be the only way to ensure timely finishing of the project. Ensuring timely procurement of materials and hiring of equipment whenever required is also key in controlling the project. Effects of weather changes will also need to be taken into consi deration. 3. 1. 5Closing It involves formalizing the acceptance of the project and bringing it to an orderly end.Users are trained and handover of the project is conducted together with necessary documentation which aid in support and maintenance in future. The project audit and commissioning has been scheduled for the last month of the project duration as indicated on the Gantt chart shown in annexure 4. This being a turnkey project, cut-off handover is proposed. List of References www. imestopedia. com/terms/r/risk. asp en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Risk breakdown – freecover. blogpost. com www. mastery-project-management. com/project closure,html Uher, T. (2003) Programming and Scheduling Techniques, UNSW Press, Sydney

Learner Guide for a Level Economics

Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics How to use this guide The guide describes what you need to know about your Economics examination. It will help you to plan your revision programme and will explain what Cambridge International Examinations is looking for. The guide contains the following sections: Section 1: How will you be tested? This section will give you information about the different examination papers you will take. Section 2: Examination tips This section gives you advice to help you do as well as you can.Some of the tips are general advice and some are based on the common mistakes that learners make in exams. Section 3: What will be tested? This section describes the five assessment objectives in Economics Section 4: What you need to know This shows the syllabus content so that you can check: †¢ which topics you need to know about †¢ details about each topic area in the syllabus †¢ how muc h of the syllabus you have covered Section 5: Useful Websites  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 1: How will you be tested?The table below gives you information about the examination papers you will take. Paper Type Duration Number of Questions Maximum Mark 1 Multiple Choice (Core) (a) Data Response (Core) (b) Structured Essay (Core) 1 hour 30 30 Weight (% of total marks for syllabus) 40 45 minutes (recommended) 1 20 30 45 minutes (recommended) 1 from a choice of 3 20 30 2 2  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 2: Examination tips General Advice †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ It is very important that you look very closely at the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ words used in a question.These tell you what we are looking for. If a question asks you to ‘identify’, ‘ state’ or ‘calculate’ something, you should not write a very long answer. If, however, the question asks you to ‘explain’ or ‘discuss’ something, this will require you to go into much more detail and your answer should be longer. Very often, with a ‘discuss’ question, you will be expected to look at something from two contrasting points of view and then come to a reasoned and well supported conclusion. It is also important that you look closely at the number of marks that are awarded for each part of a question.This will give you guidance as to how long you should spend on each particular part. Some parts of a question will only gain you two or four marks while other questions will have sections worth eight and twelve marks. Remember to look very closely at the precise wording of each part of a question. You need to make absolutely certain that your answer clearly relates to what is specifically required. For example, you ma y answer a question about inflation and write all you know about how it is measured, but the actual question asked required you to write about the difference between two causes of inflation, cost-push and demand-pull.Time management is crucial. Don’t spend too long on one question, or parts of one question, and then leave yourself towards the end of the examination with very little time to read through your answer and correct any mistakes and/or add anything that you feel is missing. W herever possible, use diagrams to aid your explanations, but make sure that they are accurately and clearly drawn and correctly labelled. You should also make sure that you refer to them in your answer. You should also try and bring in appropriate and relevant examples, wherever possible, of current economic issues and problems to support the points you are making.Look back at the question every so often, just to make sure that you are answering the question correctly and staying ‘on trac k’. You do not need to write out the question; this is a waste of your time. Just make sure that you write the number of the question, and the sub-part, so that we know which question you have answered and there is no possibility of confusion as to which question has been answered. Do not answer more questions than you have to. For example in Paper 2, you are required to answer question 1 in Section A and then only one of the three questions in Section B. Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics An Example Paper 2 Section A: Question 1 This is the data response question which has to be answered. There are 20 marks available for this question. †¢ †¢ You need to spend time carefully reading through the information provided in Section A. In the example above the data response was concerned with the market for onions in Bangladesh. You need to be confident in what you have read so that you are able to identify, inter pret and manipulate aspects of the data, depending on the particular questions asked.You need to look at the title of the case study; this may well give you some clues as to what you will be required to do in answering the questions.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ You need to look at the data provided and appreciate its context. In the example above, this was concerned with the prices of essential foodstuffs in Bangladesh and the implications of this for traders, consumers and the government.If the data is in the form of a table, a chart or a diagram, look for the important features and see if you can identify any patterns, relationships or trends as some of the questions are likely to be drawn from these. Look for the economic theories or concepts around which the case study has been written; think about how and where these theories and concepts are embedded in the data as questions are likely to be drawn from these. In the example above, this was in relation to prices, demand and supply and government intervention in markets). See if there is a stated source for the case study; as this may help you to understand its context.See if you can identify any limitations of the data; for example, there may be other information that you would have found useful, but which has been omitted. The instruction on the examination paper states: â€Å"Brief answers only are required. † You need to be able to quote selectively and answer concisely. You need to look closely at and follow the mark allocation in terms of the time to be taken to answer each part of a question. In the example above, all three parts of (a) were allocated two marks each, both parts of (b) were allocated four marks each, and part (c) was allocated six marks.Half of the time allocated to the whole paper, 1 hour 30 minutes, sh ould be spent on answering Question 1, i. e. 45 minutes. This means that between 13 and 14 minutes should be allocated to each of (a) and (c) and 18 minutes to (b). W here the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ word is calculate, you do not need to go into a great deal of detail. In Question 1 (a) (i), in the example above, you simply needed to calculate the approximate price per kilo of onions in September 2003. W here the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ word is identify, you again do not need to go into a great deal of detail.In Question 1 (a) (ii), in the example above, you simply needed to identify two reasons why prices might normally be expected to rise before the Holy Month of Ramadan; you were not required to explain, analyse or discuss these two reasons. A question will sometimes explicitly require you to include a diagram. This was the case in (b) (i) and (ii), in the example above, when candidates were required to include a demand and su pply diagram. In the case of (i), this was to help explain how traders may benefit from reducing the supply of essential products.In the case of (ii), this was to help analyse the effect on the market for onions of the introduction of an effective maximum price. Your diagrams would need to be neatly and accurately drawn and correctly labelled. You would also need to refer to the diagrams in your answers; that is why it says ‘with the aid of a demand and supply diagram’ in the question. The maximum mark that could have been awarded in each of these sections, if no diagram had been included, was three out of the available four. In some parts of questions, the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ word is explain or analyse.In part (b), (i), in the example above, you were required candidates to ‘explain how traders may benefit from reducing the supply of essential foodstuffs’, while in (ii) candidates were required to ‘analyse the effect on the market for onions of the introduction of an effective maximum price’. It is very important that you fully understand what is meant by these words. Explain means to make clear how or why; analyse means to examine in technical detail. In some parts of questions, the ‘command’ or ‘directive’ word used is discuss.In Question 1 (c), in the example above, the question required candidates to ‘discuss the  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics †¢ desirability of the Government’s intervention in the market for onions’. You would need to look at this from both points of view, i. e. firstly saying that it would be advantageous and then going on to consider some of the possible disadvantages. You would then be expected to reach a conclusion as to whether it would be particularly desirable for the government to intervene in such a market.The maximum mark for only one side of the argument was four; the maximum mark for both points of view, but without a clear conclusion, was five. You should always try to leave time at the end of answering the question to read through what you have written so that you can check and correct any mistakes and add anything important that you have omitted. Section B: Questions 2, 3 or 4 This is the essay question and you have to answer just one question from this section. There are 20 marks available for this question. †¢ †¢ Each question will be made up of two parts with eight marks for (a) and twelve marks for (b).Part (a) will always require you to explain something. This means that you are required to give clear reasons for something or to make something clear in terms of how and/or why something is happening. For example, in Question 2 (a) you were required to explain how production possibility curves might be used in assessing a country’s economic performance. You would need to demonstrate knowledge of what is meant by a production possibility curve and then go on to explain both the static position of the curve and a movement of it.In Question 3 (a) you were required to explain the difference between absolute and comparative advantage. You would need to define the two terms and then go on to explain the terms and the assumptions which underpin the two concepts. In Question 4 (a) you were required to explain the difference between costpush and demand-pull inflation. You would need to demonstrate knowledge of what is meant by inflation and then go on to explain the two terms and, most importantly, the difference between them.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ As has been said, there are eight marks available for part (a), 40% of the total for the question. You should, therefore, aim to spend about 40% of the time available for answering this part of the question. The time allocated to answering this question is 45 minutes, so you need to aim to spend about 40% of that time on part (a), i. e. about 18 minutes. Part (b) will always require you to discuss something. This means that you are required to give the important arguments, for and against, in relation to whatever is being asked.For example, in Question 2 (b) you were required to discuss whether a mixed economy is the best way for a country to deal with the basic economic problem. You would need to demonstrate an understanding of both a mixed economy and the basic economic problem and then go on to discuss both the benefits and the drawbacks of a mixed economy. In Question 3 (b) you were required to discuss whether the principle of comparative advantage is a satisfactory explanation of the trade pattern of an economy with which you are familiar.You would need to apply the principle of comparative advantage to a pattern of trade and discuss the limitations of comparative advantage theory. You would then need t o go on to discuss other explanations of trade. This is a particularly interesting question because instead of requiring you to discuss a particular trade pattern between two economies, you are asked to discuss the trade pattern of an economy with which you are familiar, i. e. you are given the choice of deciding which economy to write about. In Question 4 (b) you were required to discuss whether a country experiencing inflation will always have a balance of payments problem.You would need to explain the link between inflation and the balance of payments and then go on to discuss the conditions when inflation would be likely to bring about a balance of payments problem and the conditions when inflation would not be likely to cause such a problem. As has been said, there are twelve marks available for part (b), 60% of the total for the question. You should, therefore, aim to spend about 60% of the time available for answering this part of the question. The time allocated to answering this question is 45 minutes, so you need to aim to spend about 60% of that time on part (b), i. . about 27 minutes. You should always try to leave time at the end of answering the question to read through what you have written so that you can check and correct any mistakes and add anything important that you have omitted.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 3: What will be tested? The syllabus sets out the five assessment objectives in Economics. Number of Assessment Objective 1 Skill Demonstration of Skill Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding 2 Interpret 3 Explain and Analyse 4 Evaluate 5 Organise, Present and CommunicateYou should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the specified content. You should be able to interpret economic information presented in: †¢ verbal †¢ numerical or †¢ graphical forms. You should be able to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, us ing relevant economic: †¢ concepts †¢ theories and †¢ information. You should be able to evaluate economic: †¢ information †¢ arguments †¢ proposals and †¢ policies. You should be able to take into consideration relevant information and theory. You should be able to distinguish facts from: †¢ hypothetical statements and †¢ value judgements.You should be able to organise, present and communicate economic ideas and informed judgements in a: †¢ clear †¢ logical and †¢ appropriate form. The Multiple Choice component (Paper 1) will seek to test particularly Assessment Objectives 1, 2 and 3. The Data Response part of Paper 2 will seek to test particularly Assessment Objectives 2 and 3 and, to a lesser extent, Assessment objectives 1, 4 and 5. The Structured Essay part of Paper 2 will seek to test particularly Assessment Objectives 1, 3, 4 and 5 and, to a lesser extent, Assessment Objective 2.  © Cambridge International Examinat ions 2012Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 4: What you need to know A table is provided below which describes the topics which will be tested in your examination papers. You can use the table throughout the course to check the topics you have covered. You can also use it as a revision aid. The column headed ‘comments’ can be used: †¢ to add further information about the details of each bullet point, or to give appropriate examples †¢ to highlight areas of difficulty which you might need to ask your teacher about.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level EconomicsTheme 1 Basic Economic Ideas Topic Scarcity, choice and resource allocation Different allocative mechanisms Production possibility curve The margin Positive and normative statements Ceteris paribus Factors of production Division of Labour Money  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 You should be able to: †¢ Define the meaning of scarcity †¢ Explain the inevitability of choices at all levels: o individual o firm o government †¢ Define and explain the concept of opportunity cost †¢ Consider basic questions of: o what will be produced o how it will be produced o for whom it will be produced Distinguish between: market economies †¢ planned economies †¢ mixed economies †¢ and problems of transition Explain: †¢ the shape of the production possibility curve †¢ shifts of the production possibility curve Explain decision making at the margin Distinguish between: †¢ positive and †¢ normative statements Explain the meaning of ceteris paribus Define the four factors of production: †¢ Land †¢ Labour †¢ Capital †¢ Enterprise Explain the meaning of division of labour Describe and explain: †¢ the functions of money †¢ the characteristics of money Comments Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Theme 2 The Price Sys temTopic Individual Demand curves You should be able to: Explain the construction of individual demand curves Aggregation of individual demand curves to give market demand Factors influencing demand Explain how individual demand curves are aggregated to give market demand Movements along and shifts of a demand curve Price, income and cross elasticities of demand Firms’ supply curves Factors influencing market supply Movements along and shifts of a supply curve Price elasticity of supply  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Identify and explain the various factors that can influence market demandExplain and distinguish between: †¢ movements along a demand curve †¢ shifts of a demand curve †¢ Explain the meaning of †¢ Calculate †¢ Analyse the factors affecting †¢ Assess the implications for revenue and business decisions of o price elasticity of o demand o income elasticity of o demand o cross elasticity of o demand Explain how individual firms’ supply curves are aggregated to give market supply Identify and explain the various factors that can influence market supply, including: †¢ indirect taxes and †¢ subsidies Explain and distinguish between: †¢ movements along a supply curve †¢ shifts of a supply curveExplain: †¢ the determinants of the price elasticity of supply †¢ the implications of price elasticity of supply for speed/ease with which businesses react to changed market conditions Comments Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Theme Topic Interaction of demand and supply Equilibrium price and quantity Consumer and producer surplus Prices as rationing and allocative mechanisms 3 Government Intervention in the Price System Externalities Social costs and social benefits Decision-making using costbenefit analysis Private goods and public goods Merit goods and demerit goodsGovernment intervention  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 You should be able t o: Explain: †¢ the meaning of equilibrium and disequilibrium †¢ the effects of changes in supply and demand on equilibrium price and quantity †¢ the applications of demand and supply analysis Explain the meaning of consumer and producer surplus Analyse how prices can be used as: †¢ rationing and †¢ allocative mechanisms Explain and distinguish between: †¢ positive and †¢ negative externalities Explain social costs as the sum of: †¢ private costs and †¢ external costs Explain social benefits as the sum of: †¢ private benefits and external benefits Explain decision-making using cost-benefit analysis Explain and distinguish between: †¢ private goods and †¢ public goods Explain and distinguish between: †¢ merit goods and †¢ demerit goods Explain government intervention through: †¢ maximum price controls †¢ price stabilisation †¢ taxes †¢ subsidies †¢ direct provision of goods and services Comm ents Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Theme 4 International Trade Topic Principles of absolute and comparative advantage Other explanations and determinants of trade flows Arguments for free trade and motives for protectionTypes of protection and their effects Economic integration 5 Measurement in the Macroeconomy Terms of Trade Balance of Payments Different forms of measurement in the macroeconomy General price level Price indices  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 You should be able to: Explain the principles of: †¢ absolute advantage †¢ comparative advantage and †¢ their real-world limitations Explain the opportunity cost concept allied to trade Account for other explanations and determinants of trade flows Explain: †¢ arguments for free trade and †¢ motives for protection Explain: †¢ types of protection and †¢ their effectsExplain the features of, and the differences between, a: †¢ free trade area †¢ cu stoms union †¢ economic union †¢ monetary union Explain the meaning of the terms of trade Explain the components of the balance of payments Explain different types of measurement: †¢ Employment statistics †¢ Size and components of labour force †¢ Labour productivity †¢ Definition of unemployment †¢ Unemployment rate; patterns and trends in employment and unemployment †¢ Difficulties involved in measuring unemployment Explain: †¢ the general price level †¢ price indices, such as the consumer price index and the retail price index money and real data Comments Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Theme Topic Shape and determinants of AD and AS You should be able to: Interaction of AD and AS: determination of level of output, prices and employment 6 Macroeconomic Problems Inflation Define inflation Explain the: †¢ degrees of inflation †¢ types of inflation †¢ causes of inflation †¢ consequences of infl ation Explain the: †¢ meaning of balance of payments equilibrium and disequilibrium †¢ causes of balance of payments disequilibrium †¢ consequences of balance of payments disequilibrium on the domestic and external economyDefine exchange rates and explain: †¢ the measurement of exchange rates – nominal, real, tradeweighted exchange rates †¢ the determination of exchange rates – fixed, floating, managed and ‘dirty’ float †¢ the factors underlying fluctuations in exchange rates †¢ the effects of changing exchange rates on the economy Analyse policies designed to: †¢ correct balance of payments disequilibrium or †¢ influence the exchange rate Comment on the possible conflicts between these three policy objectives Balance of Payments Problems Fluctuations in Foreign Exchange Rates 7 Macroeconomic PoliciesMacroeconomic policies Conflicts between policy objectives on inflation, balance of payments exchange rate  © C ambridge International Examinations 2012 Comments Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics Section 5: Useful Websites General Economics sites http://www. tutor2u. net This is probably one of the best of the various internet sites that are currently available for students of Economics. It provides a great deal of information on a wide range of topics and one section that is particularly useful is a range of revision notes on different areas of the syllabus.There are also a number of essay plans on different topics and there is an active forum and advice section, as well as regular news updates. There are interactive quizzes and a VLE (virtual learning environment) site. There are also PowerPoint presentations on many topics and a very useful Economics blog. http://brynsaseconomicsblog. blogspot. com This site is updated regularly and shows the list of topics covered down the left hand side with the number of entries for each topic in brackets. There are useful links to a wide range of resources including not only articles but also video clips. ttp://www. bized. co. uk/ This is a particularly useful site if you are looking for up-to-date facts about various companies, prepared by the companies themselves but with learners in mind. It also includes a range of learning materials that will be useful across all areas of the syllabus. It has a number of virtual reality exercises in the Virtual Worlds section of the site, including Virtual Economy, Virtual Factory and Virtual Developing Country. http://www. s-cool. co. uk This is one of the better websites, providing a lot of useful information for Economics students.It covers eighteen topic areas and in each of these there is a checklist of the main principles, a QuickLearn section that explains the main elements of that part of the syllabus, with some very helpful diagrams, and revision summaries that go over the main terms and concepts in that particular topic area. http://www. jusbiz. org This site is somewhat distinctive in that it aims to focus on the global and ethical dimensions in Economics. There is a lot of useful material and a very good glossary of key terms and concepts. There are also useful links to other sites. http://www. revisionguru. co. uk/economicsThis site provides an Economics textbook which has definitions and explanations of the key terms and concepts across all parts of the syllabus. It also contains some very useful diagrams.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics http://economix. blogs. nytimes. com This site, linked to the New York Times, uses Economics as a framework for thinking about many events taking place all over the world. http://en. wikipedia. org This internet encyclopaedia has some very good entries on many economic concepts and is helped by the links in blue to many other sections.Television, Newspaper and Magazine sites http://www. bbc. co. uk This is the website of the BBC and is updated regularly. You need to go to the bottom of the home page and click on ‘Business & Money’. There is then a menu on the left hand side of the home page; you just need to go to ‘Business’ and click on ‘Economics’. It provides convenient links to a wide range of related sites including video and audio links as well as articles. There are useful ‘Country Profiles’ providing economic information about countries all over the world and a number of ‘Special Reports’, many of which are of interest to the Economics learner. ttp://www. cnn. com This website has a range of articles and video clips on many aspects of economics. You can click on your geographical area of the world or on world business. http://www. economist. com There are many magazines and newspapers with websites which will be particularly helpful in gaining up-to-date information about Economics. This is one of the better sites and contains some very good articles, covering all parts of the world, which will help you to consider the application of economic theories to particular events and issues.Some access is limited to subscribers only. http://businesscasestudies. co. uk/ This site provides a wide range of case studies featuring a number of internationally known companies. The information is wide ranging and applies many economic theories to particular business situations. http://www. businessweek. com http://www. ft. com http://www. guardian. co. uk/ http://independent. co. uk  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012 Learner Guide for Cambridge AS and A Level Economics http://www. telegraph. co. uk http://www. the-times. co. uk http://www. thesundaytimes. co. uk/sto/All of these newspapers and magazines will have a great deal of economic information that is regularly updated. You should also get into the habit of looking at the websites of the most important newspapers and magazines in your own country and geographical regi on. Some access is limited to subscribers only. UK focussed sites http://www. statistics. gov. uk This site is particularly useful if up-to-date economic information is required on such topics as taxation, balance of payments, employment, productivity and inflation. It is primarily concerned with statistics that relate to the UK economy. http://www. bankofengland. o. uk This site is very useful for information concerning monetary policy and how it works, such as decisions about interest rates. It is also useful in relation to the role and function of a central bank. The Bank of England will focus on UK matters, but each central bank in the world is likely to have its own site. You will need to find out what is the website for the central bank of your country. http://www. ifs. org. uk/ This is the website of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. It covers a range of issues related to fiscal policy, but tends to be focused mainly on the UK.  © Cambridge International Examinations 2012