Tuesday, December 31, 2019

The Consumption Of Lynching Images By Leigh Raiford

Leigh Raiford’s piece entitled â€Å"The Consumption of Lynching Images† portrays the horrific truth of what racism looked like in the â€Å"New South† after emancipation. Similar to the film we watched in class: Without Sanctuary, The lynching photographs have the images of postcards that depict lynching and the spectacle these public executions caused at the time with crowds of people coming from all over the state to watch someone be killed. Leigh Raiford claims that through these lynching photographs whites are trying to hold on to their supremacy and identity in this new south after slavery has been abolished. The whites are frightened with the perceived loss of power and economic loss since the slave plantations will no longer be bringing in the income that they had with slaves. The lynching photographs also served as a new wave of technology by using print media for those who came to view the lynching, but were not close enough they could buy a souvenir. I n this article, Raiford says that White on black lynching can be understood as â€Å"The cruel physical manifestations of white patriarchal anxiety over a perceived loss of power in the years following emancipation† (Raiford 268). Another philosopher who writes on race is George Yancy. He wrote on the white gaze, the view that white is the transcendental norm, and whiteness is tied to socially embedded historical power privilege that functions on multiple levels of social life (Yancy). Even though lynching has ceased, the black

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Should Sex Offenders Be Treated Fair - 1608 Words

McCartney Malak Ethical Reflection Professor Cox April 1, 2016 The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) recognizes that sex offense and child sexual abuse cause great pain and suffering to victims and their families. (NACDL pg. 1) With the help of probation officers (PO Officers) and the help of Police Officers, both departments play an important role in their communities when tracking down a sex offender. Police officers are able to track down where they are and are able to help a PO officer out, while the PO officer deals with the sex offender and their consequences. It is difficult being in a community where sex offenders are ceased uneasy in a society. This paper will examine closely on if sex offenders can deter†¦show more content†¦The question is, does this policy prevent harm from communities? Well, that would be up to you. Remember, when people come out of prison and transition back to the real world, they face many challenges and have limited resources, and need financial help, and otherwise. Offenders are set up for failure for when they come out. They are put on a list where the public can view them whenever they want too, they can’t achieve anything because they lost their job, get evicted, and some offenders are even threatened to their own death. With trying to survive all with that, it then leads to more stress which then leads to the offenders wanting to commit another sex offense because they tend to feel like they have nothing to live for. I think we need to improve our systems but getting special programs that allow these offenders to get mental help when going into prison, and coming out of it. Maybe, we can get some educational programs on sex abuse so that it can be stopped and demolished. So, therefore, the answer to the question I believe that some policies do more harm than good for sex offense. Are sex offenders treated fairly? If mental illness is defined as a state of mind in which a person causes distress and/or harm to themselves and/or others, then all se x offenders are sick. Also they are, in fact, mentally ill. They have

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Misuse of Power How can social worker use their power responsibility Free Essays

string(128) " agency as emphasised my May \(1976\) ‘power with’ that alternative ways of treating S should considered \(Akister, 1996\)\." Introduction This essay intends to demonstrate an understanding of professional authority and the decision making progress and how the social work profession utilises its power.The essay will equally look at the meaning of power and responsibility in social work and will go on to discuss theories of power and of its misuse/abuse which will in turn demonstrate how and to whom power is shared. It will show how this distribution of power applies to social work and the service users. We will write a custom essay sample on Misuse of Power: How can social worker use their power responsibility? or any similar topic only for you Order Now Power and powerlessness go hand in hand as to have one the other must exist. There will always be inequalities both on personal and structural levels since the society is not equal. In order to understand professional power and responsibility in social work, professionals need to understand the theoretical explanation of how power, privilege, prestige and powerlessness are distributed within the society such as class, poverty and social divisions (Thompson, 2007). My placement is a statutory agency.Children and Young Peoples Services (CYPS) and we are involved with pieces of work that have to do with children and families. The agency is one of the 14 locality teams in Cambridgeshire covering the Bottisham, Burwell and Soham areas. The focus of our work is to work with schools and health to identify problems at an early stage and work to resolve them as soon as possible using a range of approaches. The team works with Bottisham and Soham Village Colleges and the 16 primaries that feed into them. The team is made up of Children’s Centre staff, Youth Service, Connexions, Education Welfare Officer, Extended schools co-ordinator, Parent Support Advisor and in school secondary support/Officer. The aim of the team is to ensure that all children aged 0 – 19 years are able to reach their potentials. The team work very closely with other county council staff, also the voluntary and independent sector who provide services for children and young people, such as Social Workers, Education/Teachers, Psychologist, Special need Officers, Police, Youth Offending Service, Health/School Nurse and Health Visitor and Family Support services. The fact that my agency operates under the statutory sector requires it to work under strict legislation and policy guidelines. One of the most important frameworks of the agency is the code of ethics which all professionals should abide by. It is our duty to treat service users with respect and dignity and also as individuals with rights as stipulated in the Human Right Act 1998 (DoH, 1998). It is equally our duty to be anti-oppressive in our practice and as well as to uphold the rights of service users. At my agency, there is a strict respect of the Data Protection Act 1998 regarding the confidentiality of information held on children and their families (DoH, 1998). This information can only be accessed by staff that has access to OneVision where all information are stored and this can only be accessed by having a password. Akister (1996) defines power as the ability to bring about change which can take many forms and be measured in many ways. She added that power can be perceived as an ability to interpret within the given guidelines and responsibility, choosing between giving and not given, duties and approach and to have information and knowledge. As a social worker it is important to understand different kinds of power, who has it, who doesn’t, and how those who doesn’t can have it. According to Thompson, (2002) the social work profession possesses a lot of power thus making academics believed that the profession is conditioned by some existing inequalities resulting to a limited capacity on the part of the service users to make their own decision which is in contrast to those who have the capacity to make decisions about their own lives. Northouse (2010) argues that those who actually possess power have the capability of affecting other people’s beliefs; attitudes and also t heir course of action and also the ability or possibility to influence. Similarly, responsibility can be defined as the act of professionals being responsible, accountable, or answerable; to themselves, their colleagues and the service users to expose discrimination and oppression (Akister, 1996). Theories of power and of its misuse/abuse Akister (1996) suggests that there are many theories of power a social worker should know of and be able to apply to her practice such as French and Raven (1959), Max Webber (1974) and Rollo May (1976). I will be using May (1976) theory of power to analyse my work with S and also be making references to French and Raven (1974) theory of power in the process. I reflected on May (1976) power dynamics while working with S which Akister (1996) categorised in four different ways namely; power against, power over, power for and power with. May (1976) considered Power against to be oppressive and damaging to service users which thus takes a form of a punishment. Smith (2008) pointed out that this theory is similar to French and Raven’s coercive power which is always in a position to punish. During my work with S I realised that my agency used power against by refusing S to attend the youth group activities stating that they want to minimise risk to himself and others. I could c hallenge this concept by suggesting to my manager that I do appreciate the concern of risk and safety however, I think S should be given the opportunity to make his own decisions, that is, if he wants to attend the group activities or not. I further said that his decision to attend the group activities should be his understanding of why he should attend and not being ‘forced’ or ‘turned down’. I could challenge this concept constructively as it is against the social work ethics and values to work in discriminatory and oppressive manner. The Human Right 1998 stipulates that service user’s right should be respected and professionals should avoid being discriminatory and oppressive (Brayne and Carr, 2008). I proposed to my agency as emphasised my May (1976) ‘power with’ that alternative ways of treating S should considered (Akister, 1996). You read "Misuse of Power: How can social worker use their power responsibility?" in category "Essay examples" May (1976) ‘power over’ was also considered as this power can be used to control individuals (Akister, 1996). ‘Power over can also be oppressive as a professional, I had the power to discuss S’ behaviour with my agency as well as the outcome which was his exclusion from group activities. This power is similar to French and Raven (1959) coercive power that places a professional in a position to punish which is also similar to their ‘Reward Power’ giving the capacity to reward or remove bad consequences (Akister, 1996). During my work with S, I realised that I had to look at different options that could be beneficial to him such as proposing a referral to undergo CBT sessions to. I made it clear to him that this was just a proposal and that he has the power to accept or reject it, to which he accepted. This practice showed that I had empathy for S and was there to make sure that he is supported and treated with respect and dignity in addressing his behaviour rather than just punishing him. May (1976) refer ‘power for’ as when social workers disempower service users by doing things for them. This was not evident in my practice as I empowered S to speak to the psychologist with regards to his appointment for CBT sessions. Even though S was of mixed parentage, he could speak English very well so there was no need to arrange for an interpreter. I made sure that my practice was anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive. I also made sure that I worked in partnership with him by not taking over all of the responsibilities. May (1976) ‘Power With’ is referred as power which is shared through partnership service users. This power was demonstrated while working with S’ mother when she had expressed her wish to move away from their present house. She had told me to assist her by filling the application for a new house stating that their present house was uncomfortable and unsafe for her and the children. S’s mother told me that she ha d previously made several applications to the housing association but nothing has been done. I thought that it was my responsibility to assist her since I am accountable for my work and it is part of my professional identity to be competence, responsible and to respect the codes of ethics and values (Brayne and Carr, 2008). I thought there was a misuse of here as I started filling the forms for her. However, I stop and let her continue and could support her by explaining to some bits she did not understand. If I had not stop filling the forms, it could have resulted in power not being shared and also not encouraging her to do things for herself or taking control over her life and this would have been disempowering and oppressive practice (Akister, 1996). Power should be shared by involving service users as much as possible. Power as argued by Burke and Harrison (2002) is a key theme of discrimination as long as long as discrimination is seen as a result of power-imbalance. It is thus important for social workers to recognise that oppression linked with discrimination can either be intentional or unintentional abuse of power with intention to act against service users. For example, I could easily concluded that the case of S and his family is one of an intentional abuse since they have made several applications to the housing association and no action has been taken. When I informed my manager about the situation, she advised me to use the law which I will discuss below to help the service users. French and Raven (1959) ‘Legitimate Power’ was considered during my assessment with S. This power comes from the official roles within the agency and requires social workers to take on certain task such as undertaking an assessment (Akister, 1996). S’s assessment was carried out under Section 17 of the children act 1989. By following and recognising the policies, procedures, guidance and also by respecting S’s human rights meant that ‘legitimate power was considered during the assessment to enable him and his family have all the services they deserve. Misuse of power So many people think that social workers are in the position to misuse their powers because they are not familiar with power theory, (Wilding, 1982 cited in Akister, 1996). Wilding (1982) further suggested ways that power can be misused by professionals such as making excessive claims about services that can be provided which always occur during an assessment. During my work with S, I made sure not to guarantee any services just to make him happy. I explained to him that after the assessment, I will complete the assessment form and contact my manager and services will be provided based on the assessment. In reflection, I noticed at my agency that the file of a service user went missing because a colleague forgot to put it back in the cupboard after using it. We were due to meet with the service user as I was shadowing my colleague. We were not able to get the service user’s historical information as a result of not reading his notes. I thought this was misuse of power a s the service user’s information and dignity was not respected. Several Social workers judge power as an aberration of their intentions to empower service users and to make agencies more caring.Akister (1996) argues that social workers must increase their power and their understanding of its dynamics and adopt a wider range of means of influence than they do at present. Safeguards designed to prevent the misuse/ abuse of power Understanding how power may be misused or abused was central to my practice with S and his family and it provided me with the basis of developing professional competence. Freire (1970) pointed out that professionals require a moral and ethical attitude towards equality to enable them to empower service users. He argued that if only people from oppressed groups can take on their responsibilities, there is little hope that professionals will ever achieve their vision (Freire, 1970). Safeguards designed to prevent misuse/abuse of power used within my agency include; working together, agency’s policies and procedures, supervision and complains procedures. In my agency, partnership working is one way of safeguarding against the abuse of power. Most of our work requires working with other professionals, effective communication, sharing of information appropriately and ensuring that service users are involved in the assessment process (Adams et al, 2009). While working with S, I made sure that I collaborated with other professionals and agencies appropriately and also that S was put centre of stage. According to Akister (1996) policy is an authoritative statement that is produced by a body which guides the practice of social workers. Policy acts as a safeguard to abuse of power because it legitimise, regulate and guide the practice of social workers during intervention in service user lives. When I realised during my work with S that there was concern regarding substance misuse, my initial thought was to contact the social services since as a student substance misuse was quite new to me. My lack of knowledge of substance misuse as a social work student only goes on to confirm Goodman (2007) who argues that social work profession have eventually ignored to acknowledge substance misuse which have created a gap. However, bringing this up during supervision with my manager made me understand that I could have potentially misuse my by jumping into conclusion of wanting to contact the social services. I realised that having supervision was very important as we were able to address the issue and I could learn from it. Jumping into conclusion or making assumptions can be discriminatory which result in being oppressive in one’s practice. Reflecting on this circumstance reminded me of my own personal beliefs towards service users who misuse drugs. Beckett and Maynard (2005) pointed out that we consider our personal values and that of our agency when working service users.However, I made sure that my practice did not add to the oppression the service users were already experiencing. To avoid unfair and abusive practice in my work with the young person and his family, I needed to examine the body of my values, which guided me throughout my work and it enabled me to move towards a more cultured and involving approach as suggested by Freire (1970). My agency works with other professional groups. It is thus important to know that there can be conflict resulting from individuals that differ in attitudes, beliefs, values and needs. Conflicts usually occur due to lack of effective communication, failure to share information appropriately, conflict of value and lack of effective leadership. Conflict can be managed using the following five strategies; stepping aside, working together, co-operating, challenging and collaborating. Using supervision to develop my practice This section will look on supervision and how important it was for my practice and professional development. Ford and Jones (1991) defines supervision as a planned and regular periods of time that the student and supervisor spend together to discuss and review the student’s work and progress whilst in placement. Holloway (1997) added that supervision is a relationship where the supervisor shows knowledge of an expert who can make a decision on the worker’s performance and also acts as someone who upholds the profession.Akister (1996) points out that supervision takes three different forms which are; accountability, learning, and support. Kadushine (1992) model of supervision also brought a similar idea such as education, supportive and managerial or administrative supervision. At my agency the manager takes a monthly supervision with staff members. While I was on placement, I undertook supervisions sessions both my Practice Teacher and On-Site Supervisor fortnightly.This was an opportunity for us to discuss my case load, reflective skills, professional development, relevant theories, and ethical dilemmas which are relevant to my practice. During supervision, we also discuss challenging and complex issues that may interfere with my practice. For instance, based on my assessment with S I identified the flowing concerns; substance misuse, truancy, aggressive behaviour and poor relationship with family members, I had to use the relevant theories such as attachment, person-centred and ecological theories to find out how S was doing emotionally, intellectually as well as behaviourally and how best my agency could support him and his family. Throughout my placement supervision has been a reflective tool used to evaluate my professional development and practice. Work in accordance with orders of the court or statutory requirements Work in accordance with orders of the court or statutory requirements can have an impact upon the work of agencies and professionals who work with children, young people and their families/carers in both the statutory and voluntary sector. The aim of the court is to strike a balance between the rights of children to express their views on decisions made about their lives, the rights of parents to exercise their responsibilities towards the child and the duty of the state to intervene where the child’s welfare requires it (www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/co-volume1-court-orders-other-legal-issues.pdf). Payne and Littlechild (2000) expressed their experience in court as gruelling and hair-raising but they confirmed other professionals may have different experiences. Based on her experience as a professional witness and of her reading Payne and Littlechild (2000) questioned whether the present confrontation of the judicial system fosters the welfare of children which they conclude that the re can be an abuse of power in social responsibility if the outcome of many court cases involving children is taken into consideration. The managing and taking down of records and reports as required by my agency is very important when conducting an assessment with service users. These records and reports are usually discussed with my manger and she often made recommendations and suggestions regarding my involvement with service users. These records are also shared with other agencies with the concern of service users; all these put together create a kind of co-operation within the different multi-disciplinary teams and networks. During my work S, I was able to record accurately all information received. All visits and contacts made with S, his family, college and other professionals are recorded as soon as possible in order to be factual and also to enable other professionals who have access to this information to see it. Social workers take on a large range of responsibility; the nature of the work is such that the demand of services can be endless. It should thus be acknowledged that having to manage and pri oritise workloads is very important in social work. Whilst on placement, I was able discuss this situation with my manager and also managed to prioritised situations as effectively as possible (Thompson, 2005). Conclusion I will conclude by saying that it is important for social workers to increase their power and their understanding of its dynamics and adopt a wider range of means of influence as clearly stated by Akister (1996). I have attempted during the essay to look at possible ways in which social workers can develop conceptual and practical frameworks for addressing the task of making sense of and reframing power relationships between the worker and service user. How to cite Misuse of Power: How can social worker use their power responsibility?, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

Preparation of Financial Decision Making

Question: Discuss about the Preparation of Financial Decision Making. Answer: Introduction Financial management is very much important for an organization to manage all its funds. The financial statements of a company include income statement, cash flow statement and balance sheet. The income statement shows revenues, expenses, profit or loss of the company. The cash flow statement shows the inflow and outflow of cash. Balance sheet shows the assets and liabilities of the company. The main aim of the report is to analyze the financial resources of Woolworths (Atrill, 2006). Woolworths is the largest supermarket chain in Australia and operates more than 950 stores all across the country. The main aim of the company is to provide high quality products to their customers and relies on 121000, team members in support offices, distribution centers and stores in order to provide customers with superior value, range, service and convenience. Vision statement The vision of the Woolworth Company is to improve the stock returns and optimising the efficiency with ensuring the serving for the customers. Mission statement The mission statement of the Woolworth Company helps in the formation of the community with the consideration of best loved retailer. Core values The core values of the company depict the provision of the best values to the shoppers values with bringing variations in the products. The product consists of the suppliers product which is sold at the best prices with providing the best values for the consumers. The management of finance is very much important to plan for future development as well as achieving long term goals. Woolworths is the most innovative and fast growing retailers in Australia. It is important for the company to generate profits in order to provide maximum returns to their shareholders (Woolworths Online, 2016). Capital structure Woolworths has managed its capital structure with the aim of enhancing the long term value of the shareholders through its weighted average capital cost while retaining flexibility to undertake and pursue capital management initiatives. The company has maintained and achieved its strong long standing investment credit ratings grade (Helbk, Lindest and McLellan, 2010). The capital structure should be managed by appropriately utilizing its funds and choosing sources of finance. The company will generate maximum return for their shareholders with the help of appropriate capital structure. The company has long term policy of debt financing that involve: A bias towards the long term debt from capital market in order to match the long term assets Minimizing the risks of re-financing by staggering the debt maturities and utilizing diversified debt sources (Hillier, 2010). Foreign currency exposure and fully hedging rate of interest to provide certainty around the funding costs. The board of directors considered the advantages of increased certainty in funding costs and liquidity to outweigh the benefits of increased exposure to the financial markets. It may result in the weighted average costs of funding at any point being lower or higher than current spot rates of funding. WASS is the return rate that an organization must earn using all its current assets so that the company can be able to satisfy and pay its shareholders (Holton, 2012). The above discussed long term finance should be used by Woolworths. Sources of finance The long term finance refers to requirement of capital for a period more than five to ten years. Woolworth should invest in their fixed assets like land and building, plant and machinery etc. The long term finance sources that can be used by Woolworth are as follows: Equity Shares or Share Capital Equity shares are common finance source for large organizations. It is sharing of rights of ownership and considered as costly in comparison to the debt finance. It also requires los of legal formalities and the investors invest into the company through equity shares (Berk and DeMarzo, 2007). Woolworths should issue equity shares for the shareholders to increase its capital investment. Preference stock Preference share includes both debt and equity stocks. Preference shares have got priority over equity shares in terms of dividend payment and capital at the time of the liquidation. Woolworths should use appropriate mixture of investment by issuing both debt and equity shares. Debentures Debentures are considered as the cheaper source of finance in comparison to equity. The company has to pay interest to the debenture holders and requires legislation while offering to common public (Choi, 2003). Retained Earnings Retained earnings are the amount of earnings that are not paid to the shareholders but retained by the organization to reinvest in its core activities. The retained earnings should be used by Woolworths to increase their capital investment. Loan The nature of loan is very similar to the debentures except it does not involve too much issuing cost as because it is given by financial institutions or bank. It is considered as one of the most important sources of long term finance (Elliott and Elliott, 2008). Loan is considered as long term finance for Woolworths to increase its capital. Venture capital Venture capital is same as the equity shares. Woolworths can use venture capital in order to invest in new organization and do analysis continuously that will help to take decision for further investment. Gearing Ratio Gearing ratio is the general classification that compares the equity of the owner to funds borrowed by the firm. It measures the financial leverage that shows the degree to which the activities of the company are funded by the owner and creditors (Kieso, Weygandt and Warfield, 2007). Gearing Ratio = Total Liabilities/Total shareholders equity Woolworths Liquidity/Financial Health 2014-06 2015-06 Gearing Ratio 2.36 2.34 The gearing ratio of Woolworths has decreased from 2.36 to 2.34 from the year 2014 to 2015. Higher value indicates that the company has higher leverage degree ad higher degree of risk. The gearing ratio of Woolworths has decreased which means that the leverage degree has decreased (Leonard, 2007). Higher leverage indicates high level of debt in comparison to the equity of the shareholders. Therefore, organizations with higher gearing ratio have higher amount of debts to service. Capital Structure Theories The capital structure theories help in depicting various types of proportions with the consideration of the financial leverages and henceforth the equity, debt and the preferences are described. A capital structure theory focuses on the maximization of shareholders value and thereby the financing mix is created. MM Theory The MM theory is a part of the capital structure theory in which irrelevance proposition is assumed that consists of no taxes and no bankruptcy costs. The weighted average cost of the capital seems to be remaining constant with thereby considering the changes in the capital structure. Pecking Order Theory The Pecking Order Theory is defined on the basis of three sources of funding which are seemed to be available for the firms that are the earnings, debt and the equity. In this part the retained earnings creates no adverse problems and thereby the debt is seemed to be creating a small amount of the selection problem. Trade off Theory The trade off theory refers to the idea that the company chooses how much debt and equity finance is used for balancing the costs and the benefits. It basically helps in entailing the offsetting costs of the debts which is seemed to be created against the benefits. It primarily deals with the two concepts that are the cost of financial distress and the agency costs. Agency Theory The agency theory in terms of finance is defined as the relationship or the bonding created for the management of the organisation or the company. Corporate executes and the shareholders of the company become the main examples for describing the agency theory. It also helps in describing the main challenges revolving round the agency relationships and thereby the personal goals are fixed. Risk Characteristics Woolworths can use long term finance sources in order to increase its finance and investing into its core activities. Equity share can be used for fianc but is more costly in comparison to debt finance and not easy to increase the company as it requires lot of legal formalities (El-Masry, 2007). The risk associated with debenture issue is that the company has to pay fixed interest to shareholders even if the company suffers losses. Taking loan from banks or financial institutions is also considered as fixed liabilities as because the company has to pay interest and principle loan amount. The payment of preference shares can be delayed for some reasons but cannot be ignored as because it has more priority over equity shares (Fischer, 2010). However, Woolworth has to raise its finance with the help of long term finance in order to achieve the future goals. It is important for the finance department to determine and evaluate the sources of finance in order to achieve the companys object ives. The major drawback of the long term debt is that it restricts the monthly flow of cash which also increases the risk for the company. The increase in liabilities imposes major threats to the companies that should be kept in mind while using the long term sources. Liquidity Management The management of liquidity is very much important for a company in order to operate its business without any risks. Managers, lenders investors look into the financial statements busing the liquidity ratios to determine and evaluate the liquidity risk. Liquidity Ratios Liquidity/Financial Health 2014-06 2015-06 Current Ratio 0.95 0.84 Quick Ratio 0.21 0.23 Debt/Equity 0.4 0.28 The current ratio and quick ratio of Woolworths is below one which shows negative sign for the company. The ability of paying off its obligations has decreased in both the year 2014 and 2015. The debt to equity ratio is below one which means that the debt level of the company is not so high. Working Capital Management Working capital management refers to the accounting strategy of a company designed and to utilize and monitor two components of the working capital, current liabilities and current assets to ensure that the company is operating efficiently. The main objective of working capital is to ensure that the form always maintains sufficient flow of cash to meets its short term obligations and short term costs. It involves monitoring of flow of cash, liabilities, and assets through ratio analysis (Moles, 2011). The ratio analysis includes working capital ratio, inventory turnover ratio and collection ratio. It is important for the management department to manage working capital as it helps to improve financial operation of the company and also helps improve the profitability and earnings. The working capital management includes inventory management, account receivable management and account payable management. Therefore, it helps to manage flow of cash, current assets and current liabilities o f the company. The collection ratio estimates how efficiently the organization manages its account receivable. It estimates average number of days that the company takes receive payment or covert its sales into cash (Moretto, 2008). In order to operate with efficiency and maintaining a high working capital level it is important for the company to balance carefully inventories and also meeting the needs of the customers. The capital cost utilized on the working capital should be minimized in order to achieve high profitability. The cost of capital can be minimized by using long term finance in an appropriate mix. The investment return made in the current assets should be more than weighted average capital cost in order to ensure maximum returns for the company (Smart, Megginson and Gitman, 2004). Working Capital Ratio = Current Assets/Current Liabilities Woolworths Liquidity/Financial Health 2014-06 2015-06 Working Capital Ratio 0.95 0.84 The working capital ratio is also known as current ratio that helps to measures the ability of the organization to pay off its obligations with its current assets. It is more important to the creditors as because it shows the level of liquidity of the firm. Current assets helps to pay off the current liabilities efficiently as because it can be easily converted into cash. The working capital ratio of Woolworths has decreased from 0.95 to 0.84 from the year 2014 to 2015. The higher the ratio is more favorable. The ratio below one is considered risky by investors and creditors because it shows that the firm is not operating efficiently and will not be able to cover its debt (Spiceland, Sepe and Nelson, 2011). The working capital ratio below one shows negative performance by the company as it is referred to as the negative working capital. Therefore, the company is not appropriately managing its operations. The company has to manage its short term finance in order to increase its effici ency. The short term finance that should be managed is as follows: Bank overdraft The financial institutions provide bank overdraft facilities in which a company can withdraw amount in excess of their available balance (Stittle and Wearing, 2008). It will help the company to finance its operating activities in short run. Trade Credit Trade credits are provided by the suppliers to their customers. It is referred to as the number of days that the seller would allow before due payment. Lease Woolworth can use assets on lease which means that the company can use the assets without purchasing it (Vance, 2003). The sources of short term finances should managed by the managers of Woolworths in order to operate its activities efficiently and effectively. An efficient management of working capital is very much important for a company to operate its activities efficiently (Wolf, 2008). Key Ratios - Efficiency Ratios Efficiency 2014-06 2015-06 Collection period 35.85 39.91 The collection period is the time period that the company takes to receive payments from the debtors. The collection period of Woolworths was 35.85 in the year 2014 and 39.91 in the year 2015. The management of cash is very much important for a company. It is the process to collect and manage cash which ensures financial stability of the company. It involves not only avoiding the insolvency but decreasing the account receivables, choosing appropriate short term investment and increasing cash to improve position of the company. Dividend Policies Dividend polices plays a vital role in distributing the retained earning obtained from the overall sales and other key activities of the company. Dividend polices is primarily signifies to the explicit and implicit decision of the shareholders related to the retained earning which should have distributed or divided to the shareholder of the organization (Wood and Sangster, 2005). The primary objective of the dividend policy is share the relationship between the organization dividend policy and the overall market value of the basic stock Date Dividends 3/2/2016 0.6286 9/9/2015 1.02857 3/18/2015 0.9571 9/10/2014 1.02857 3/17/2014 0.928571 9/9/2013 1.01429 3/18/2013 0.885714 9/10/2012 0.957143 3/19/2012 0.842857 9/12/2011 0.928571 3/21/2011 0.814286 9/13/2010 0.885714 3/22/2010 0.757143 9/7/2009 0.8 3/23/2009 0.685714 9/1/2008 0.685714 3/20/2008 0.628571 8/31/2007 0.557143 3/22/2007 0.5 9/4/2006 0.442857 3/27/2006 0.4 9/1/2005 0.385714 3/24/2005 0.342857 8/30/2004 0.342857 3/22/2004 0.3 9/4/2003 0.3 3/27/2003 0.257143 9/4/2002 0.257143 3/27/2002 0.214286 9/6/2001 0.214286 3/29/2001 0.171429 9/8/2000 0.185714 3/30/2000 0.142857 9/9/1999 0.142857 3/30/1999 0.114286 9/7/1998 0.128571 3/26/1998 0.114286 9/11/1997 0.128571 3/25/1997 0.1 10/10/1996 0.114286 3/28/1996 0.1 10/18/1995 0.114286 4/3/1995 0.085714 11/2/1994 0.085714 3/29/1994 0.085714 11/1/1993 0.085714 Graphical representation Dividend is considered to be a significant part of the company retained earning distribution. The board of director of the Woolworth confirmed and assures a final dividend per share of 72c outcome in the overall total dividend of 139c for the financial year 2015 with an average increase of 1.5% on the given fiscal year (Hafer and Hein, 2007). The overall payment of the April 2015 and October 2015 dividends will have the expected return on around 1.8$ billion and $0.8 billion in the overall franking credits to shareholders. Woolworth Limited expected to get a return of around 1.9$billion of franking credit which is available for the key future distribution. Profitability of the company Profitability 2014-06 2015-06 Tax Rate % 30.06 30.33 Net Margin % 4.02 3.53 Asset Turnover (Average) 2.62 2.46 Return on Assets % 10.56 8.66 Financial Leverage (Average) 2.36 2.34 Return on Equity % 25.43 20.35 Return on Invested Capital % 18.79 15.4 Interest Coverage 13.65 13.04 Profitability ratio help to provide a clear and precise idea about the company financial position and huts help to throw light on the company profit and loss margin on the basis of the profit and loss statement. Profitability ratio includes tax rate, net profit margin, asset turnover, return on asset, financial leverage, return on equity, return on invested capital and interest coverage ratio. The profitability ratio of the company is measure and calculated on the basis of the profit and loss statement. The ratio calculated over here is compared with the two year 2014 and 2015. The two financial year ratio which helps to throw light on the profitability aspect of the company is considered (North and Caes, 2012). The tax rate of the Woolworth for the year 2014 and 2015 remained constant with mild increase which helps to throw light that the company is making profit. Net margin of the company is expected to be decreasing as the net profit margin of the company is year 2014 is more comp ared to 2015. Asset turnover ratio helps to provide the clear image of the management of the company in managing its resource effectively. Asset turnover ratio and return on asset both seems to be decreasing with a constant rate. Return on equity, return on invested capital and interest coverage ratio seems to be gradually decreasing at a constant rate which signifies that the company inability to manage its asset and other key resource effectively for the year 2015 which resulted in the decline of the all the key ratio of profitability. Minskey Analysis Minskey analysis of Woolworth describes the financial position of the company. Hedge finance shows the flow of income that is expected to meet the financial obligations in each period. Speculative finance states that the company should roll over the debt because the flow of income is expected to cover oly interest costs (Wolf, 2008). Ponzi finance shows that the flow of income wont even cover the interest cost so that the organization should borrow sell off the assets to service its debts. Recommendations The overall performance of Woolworths has decreased from the year 2014 to 2015. Therefore, it is important for the company to take necessary steps in order to increase efficiency and profitability of the company. The investors can invest into the company as the net profit margin of the company is positive and has built its reputation in the market. Conclusion The financial statements of Woolworths help to calculate financial ratios as well as analyzing the financial health of the company. The working capital ratio of the company shows that the company need to steps in order to increase their efficiency. The profitability ratio also shows the profits earned by the company and financial performance in the year 2014 and 2015. The net profit margin has increased which means that the profit of the company has decreased. The asset turnover has decreased slightly which means the company is not utilizing its assets appropriately. Return on equity and return on invested capital has also been decreased which means that the company was not efficient to generate returns on the invested capital. Therefore, overall the performance of Woolworths has decreased from the 2014 to 2015 which imposes major challenge for the company. However, the performance of the company has fallen slightly which need to be focused by the management department of the company . The debt level is not so high and the investors can invest into Woolworths. References Atrill, P. (2006).Financial management for decision makers. Harlow, England: FT Prentice Hall. Berk, J. and DeMarzo, P. (2007).Corporate finance. Boston: Pearson Addison Wesley. Choi, F. (2003).International finance and accounting handbook. Hoboken, N.J.: J. Wiley. Elliott, B. and Elliott, J. (2008).Financial accounting and reporting. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall. El-Masry, A. (2007).Managerial finance. Bradford: Emerald Group. Fischer, F. (2010).The application of the controllability principle and managers' responses. Wiesbaden: Gabler. Helbk, M., Lindest, S. and McLellan, B. (2010).Corporate finance. New York: McGraw-Hill. Hillier, D. (2010).Corporate finance. London: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Holton, R. (2012).Global finance. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Kieso, D., Weygandt, J. and Warfield, T. (2007).Intermediate accounting. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Leonard, B. (2007).Managerial finance. Bradford: Emerald Insight. Moles, P. (2011).Corporate finance. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Moretto, E. (2008).Managerial finance. [Bradford, England]: Emerald. Smart, S., Megginson, W. and Gitman, L. (2004).Corporate finance. Mason, Ohio: Thomson/South-Western. Spiceland, J., Sepe, J. and Nelson, M. (2011).Intermediate accounting. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Stittle, J. and Wearing, B. (2008).Financial accounting. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications. Vance, D. (2003).Financial analysis decision making. New York: McGraw-Hill. Winters, D. (2008).Managerial finance. [Bradford, England]: Emerald. Wolf, M. (2008).Fixing global finance. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins University Press. Wood, F. and Sangster, A. (2005).Frank Wood's business accounting 1. Harlow, England: FT/Prentice Hall. Hafer, R. and Hein, S. (2007).The stock market. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. North, C. and Caes, C. (2012).The stock market. New York, NY: Rosen Pub. Steele, J. (2008).The Market. New York: Hyperion. Woolworths Online. (2016).Woolworths Supermarket - Buy Groceries Online. [online] Available at: https://www.woolworths.com.au/ [Accessed 4 Sep. 2016].

Friday, November 29, 2019

Revolution and Power Hamlet and Animal Farm Essay Example

Revolution and Power: Hamlet and Animal Farm Paper Power is the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. A change in government is commonly developed through challenges a community faces resulting in a conflict between classes. These conflicts are made through an unbalance of power. This shift of control will make it difficult for a community to achieve equilibrium. In simpler terms, both George Orwell and Shakespeare have created characters to symbolize the change of government after someone regains power.In Hamlet and Animal Farm, a strong desire for wealth and control is common, resulting to a corruption of power in government. In Hamlet, the theme of corruption is shown by a chain of events starting with greed. It continues to spread by the use of manipulation through unquestioning loyalty and concludes with a mad act of revenge. For example, Claudiuss thirst for power causes him to murder his brother and take the throne. The ghost says, â€Å"The fat weed that roots itself in ease on Lethe Wharf† (Shakespeare 33-34). It is clear that the ghost compares Claudius to a weed that will destroy the â€Å"garden† of Denmark. This is an example of the corruption of Claudius through his actions. Furthermore, Claudius’s aspirations has caused the ghost to become corrupt from revenge and asks Hamlet to avenge him. For example, the ghost says, â€Å"If thou didst ever thy dear father loveRevenge his foul and most unnatural murder† (Shakespeare 23). This proves that corruption took hold of Hamlet’s life forcing him to abandon his previous ambitions and take on the task of avenging h is father’s death. His mind becomes full of madness resulting in the further spread of corruption. Surely, Greed becomes the beginning of corruption and creates a domino effect to the plot. We will write a custom essay sample on Revolution and Power: Hamlet and Animal Farm specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Revolution and Power: Hamlet and Animal Farm specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Revolution and Power: Hamlet and Animal Farm specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Similarly, in Animal Farm, corruption of power occurs due to many controversial reasons such as the access to wealth and control. As an example, the pigs wanted to be

Monday, November 25, 2019

What You Need to Know About Diploma Mills

What You Need to Know About Diploma Mills A diploma mill is a company that awards unaccredited degrees and provides either an inferior education or no education at all. If youre considering attending an online school, learn as much about diploma mills as you can. This article will teach you how to spot them, how to avoid them, and how to take action if youve been a victim of a diploma mills false advertising. The Difference Between Unaccredited Programs and Diploma Mills If you want your degree to be accepted by employers and other schools, your best bet is to enroll in a school accredited by one of the six regional accreditors. Your degree may still be considered acceptable if it is from a school accredited by another organization recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), such as the Distance Education Training Council. Being accredited by an agency approved by the USDE or CHEA adds legitimacy to the school. However, not all unaccredited schools can be considered diploma mills. Some new schools are undergoing the lengthy process required to receive accreditation. Other schools have chosen not to seek formal accreditation because they do not want to follow outside regulations or because they do not believe it is necessary for their organization. In order for a school to be considered a diploma mill, it must award degrees with little or no work required. The Two Types of Diploma Mills There are thousands of fake schools in the billion dollar diploma mill industry. However, most diploma mills fall into one of two categories: Diploma mills that openly sell degrees for cash - These schools are straight-up with their clients. They offer customers a degree for cash. Both the diploma mill and the recipient know that the degrees are illegitimate. Many of these schools do not operate under a single name. Instead, they let clients select the name of any school they choose. Diploma mills that pretend to be real schools - These companies are more dangerous. They pretend that they offer legitimate degrees. Students are often allured by promises of life experience credit or fast-track learning. They may have students do minimal work, but they usually award degrees in a very short amount of time (a few weeks or a few months). Many students graduate from these diploma mills thinking that they have earned a real degree. Diploma Mill Warning Signs You can find out if a school is accredited by an organization approved by the Department of Education by searching an online database. You should also keep an eye out for these diploma mill warning signs: Prospective students are bombarded with extreme promises about the degree program.Students are given one bill for the degree instead of being charged tuition for each class or credit hour.The schools website has no phone number.The schools address is a P.O. Box or apartment number.Promotional materials focus heavily on credit for life experience.The school does not have a .edu web address.There are no names of deans, directors, or professors on the website.The schools name is very similar to the name of a traditional, well-known school.Degrees are awarded in a very short period of time - only a few weeks or months.The school claims to be accredited by an organization that is not listed as an accreditor approved by the Department of Education. Diploma Mills and the Law Using a diploma mill degree to get a job could lose you your job, and your respect, in the workplace. Additionally, some states have laws that limit the use of diploma mill degrees. In Oregon, for example, prospective employees must inform employers if their degree is not from an accredited school. What to Do if You've Been Tricked by a Diploma Mill If youve been deceived by a diploma mills false advertising, immediately request a refund of your money. Send a registered letter to the companys address explaining the deception and asking for a full refund. Make a copy of the letter you send for your own records. Chances are low that theyll send the money back, but mailing the letter will provide you with the documentation you may need in the future. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Filing will help warn other potential students about the diploma mill school. It takes just a few minutes and can be done completely online. You should also file a complaint with your states attorney general office. The office will read complaints and may choose to investigate the diploma mill school. List of Diploma Mills and Unaccredited Schools It is difficult for any organization to put together a complete list of degree mills because many new schools are created each month. It is also difficult for organizations to consistently tell the difference between a diploma mill and a school that is simply unaccredited. Oregons Student Assistance Commission maintains the most comprehensive list of unaccredited schools. However, it is not an exhaustive list. Be aware that the schools listed are not all necessarily diploma mills. Also, a school should not be considered legitimate just because it is not on the list.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Supermodels and their influence on society Essay

Supermodels and their influence on society - Essay Example It provides the opportunity to display singularity and individuality through experimentation with appearance and dress. Dress codes and decorations enable people to understand the separation between gender, sex, and sexuality. This paper discusses supermodels, particularly Naomi Campbell, Cara Delevingne, and Kendall Jenner and their influence in the society. Naomi Campbell started modeling when she was 15 years old, thus becoming the first black model to feature on the cover of time. She attended London Academy of Performing Arts where she acquired the modeling career. Naomi was the first African woman to emerge on the British Vogue and covers of French, thus enabling her to become famous (Cashmore, 2012, p. 86). She also gained popularity when she appeared on the cover of Time as the first black model. She had a volatile temper that landed her into many legal problems, thus boosting her fame in the fashion industry because her news appeared in global headlines. She also participated in the music career, and his songs sold throughout the world hence increasing his fame. Her works also had a significant impact on the society hence enhancing his popularity in the whole world. Campbell also graced different high-profile campaigns that increased her popularity in the American market and the entire world. Cara’s family was wealthy and held a high social status, which enabled her to rise to her position the contemporary society. Her family’s status and position in the society allowed her to associate with the famous and the rich from an early age. Cara’s participation in the Burberry catwalk show conducted in September 2012 increased her popularity throughout the world. She has a faux goofiness, which enables people to admire her pieces. Her fashion creates a good look among the followers, thus increasing his fame in the fashion industry. Kendall Jenner is a professional model, and she has appeared on many magazine covers hence

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The Manson Murders Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Manson Murders - Term Paper Example He got to know Mary Brunner, a 23-year-old graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and moved in with her. He made her agree to his bringing other women to her resident and soon they were sharing her residence with 18 other women. Manson established himself as a guru in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury which was emerging as the signature hippie locale in 1967’s Summer of Love. He had many followers who travelled with him in an old school bus which they had re-wrought in hippie style. They travelled as far north as Washington state, then southward through Los Angeles, Mexico, and the southwest. They picked up many other proponents of their beliefs who joined their group from all over the places that they had travelled. The group is known as the Manson family. In the late spring of 1968, Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys picked up two hitch-hiking girls of the Manson Family. This resulted in his meeting with Charles Manson. The two became well acquainted soon a nd Wilson allowed him to stay at his house in Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, with his â€Å"family†. Wilson paid $100000 that was accrued to him due to the family. He also paid for Manson’s recording sessions and introduced him to Gregg Jakobson, Terry Melcher, and Rudi Altobelli. Rudi Altobelli owned a house that he soon rented to actress Sharon Tate and her husband, director Roman Polanski. The family was asked to move out of Wilson’s house by his manager and the whole family relocated to Spahn's Movie Ranch not far from Topanga Canyon in August 1968. They did helpful work at the ranch with the women giving sexual pleasure to George Spahn, the 80-year old owner of the ranch. The group was joined by Charles Watson who was a Texan and had moved to California after quitting college. He met Manson while he was hitch-hiking and Watson gave him a ride. Manson had established the family at alternate headquarters in the surroundings of Death Valley during the first da ys of November 1968. They had acquired two more ranches. One of them was Myers which was owned by the grandmother of a new woman in the family. Second was Barker which was owned by an elderly, local woman. The family had represented themselves as musicians to that woman and she agreed to let them stay if they would fix up things. (Sanders, 2002) The Beatles’ â€Å"White Album† had a great impact on the Manson family. Manson thought that the Beatles had given a hidden message to all the whites and the racial tension was going to be intensified in America. He convinced his group that the blacks were soon going to rise in rebellion against the whites. He predicted a disaster and told his group that they were intimated in the album that they were chosen to preserve the worthy in the upcoming catastrophe. In early January 1969, the Family positioned itself to monitor L.A.'s assumed tension by moving to a canary-yellow home in Canoga Park, near the Spahn Ranch. By February 1 969, the family created an album containing songs similar to those of The Beatles’ album. Manson’s vision was thought of as completed and the family had established that the murders of whites by blacks would not be devoid of retaliation by whites. In short, the family was anticipated a riot and was looking to play an active part in the favor of whites. They made plans to cause harm to the rebellious blacks with escape strategies. Manson named the impending apocalypse "Helter-Skelter.† They were told that Terry Melcher was coming to listen to their

Monday, November 18, 2019

Diseses of the Human Body Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Diseses of the Human Body - Personal Statement Example Considering that it could be left- sided colitis, which may be responsible for the abdominal cramping and bloody stools, it is life threatening and should be paid immediate attention. 3. Vomiting is quite a common reflex especially in infants because they tend to drink too much, especially when feeding from a baby bottle. However, I would find out if the parent was burping the child now and then during feeds. In some cases it could be a serious acid reflux or a hinal hernia (flap of tissue) that is a hindrance in swallowing which may be the cause for vomiting and hence not gaining weight. In this case I would ask the parent to make an appointment to check with the physician. 4. The child could be suffering from a respiratory distress syndrome which could permanently damage the lungs if not seen to immediately. The fever and cough would serve to aggravate the situation making it worse. Since the physician has left, I would refer her to another physician who is available and ask her to attend to the problem immediately. 5. Considering three children have been reported by the mother for having the same symptoms like fatigue, headache and pain in the joints, muscle and stomach, I would enquire about the kind of food they are fed and the amount of sleep they get.. These symptoms cover a broad range of disease and only when they are thoroughly examined by a physician, can the real nature of their condition be understood. In this case I would ask her to make an appointment with the physician. 1. Excessive thirst or urination in males clearly shows that it is a hormonal imbalance. Such a condition occurs in the Endocrine system and needs to be attended to at the earliest. I would fix an appointment at the earliest for this patient. 2. Swelling in the neck with difficulty in swallowing could be due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the neck. It is also common for the swelling of the lymph nodes brought about by viral or

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Classical Music

Classical Music Classical music seems definitely more comprehensive and soul searching. Classical music seems to be much less accessible than rock since it has become very elitist. Elitism always strips the emotion necessary to inspire any passion. Because rock is not valued as high art there remains room for real emotion. People always like what is natural and real. Classical music has been and still is a major part of American and European cultures. This type of music was my aunts and still is her favorite type of music. She listened to classical music all of her life ever since she was first introduced to it by her parents back in the mid 1900s. Her parents tried to encourage her to only listen to classical music because they said that it brought peace to the mind and helped people concentrate on their work better. Classical music is just so hard to relate to since there are very few or no words and it has been in existence for a very long period of time without much change. This, is one reason younger people, like me, do not quite know what to make of classical music, but on the other hand, the seriousness of classical music could also be an attraction. To me it is as if classical music and rock inhabit different worlds, where people think in entirely different ways. Listening to classical music was seen as a sign of someone who was very well educated and well mannered. Classical music was just so wonderful to her because it brought together so many different kinds of instruments in a beautiful harmony. Classical music almost never talks about such things. Classical music just seems so repetitive and gets tiring to me very fast. She very much appreciated the musical works of composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Haydn, and many others. Some of these benefits include optimizing brain d evelopment, building social and emotional skills, and stimulating creativity and enhancing joy. According to my aunt, classical music has many benefits. Classical music because she was so engrossed in it that she wanted to learn everything about it and more. This music is just so inspirational. The most obvious example is when rock first appeared in 1954, it was an eruption of black music into the white pop mainstream. When I listen to music, I like to hear words in the song. However, in a classical song, one cannot really try to improvise because it might disrupt some of the harmonies of other instruments, and just overall mess up the whole song. Classical music certainly is more complex. HoweverI always wonder why the rock musicians are millionares. Most of them dont even know how to read music. They dont spend years taking lessons and seem to master their instruments. A guitarist in my favorite rock band, only took a couple of guitar lessonsyet now he is considered one of the best guitarists in rock and is a millionaire. I guess the real art in rock, is the creativity of coming up with something that the public likes. I would say that rock music is the dominant music in the western world today. I wonder why that is. Is it because of the strong beat in rock? Or because it is easier for people to listen to? Or maybe because the rock compositions (overall) are shorter? Is the electric guitar easier to master than symphony instruments? Perhaps the real clue is, there are so many different kinds of classical music, that exploring the genre will eventually involve an attempt to understand some sort of music. And this is what, to me, rock music doesnt need: all you have to do is listen to the music, and listen to the words; if it moves you, you like it. Rock music tends to lack the mental effort of comprehension. This does not mean that people who listen to rock music are stupid :). They are people who simply want to enjoy their music. I see them as wanting to relax to it, not wanting to be discerning and analytical. This is why I like to listen to some rock. As the why rock musicians make more money: They play in huge stadiums, where classical music is very hard to perform. Rock music is generally fairly catchy, has singable lyrics, that really hit home to some people, or just something about the ease in listening to it that makes everyone like it.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

How Does Emily Bronte Introduce a Character? :: Free Essay Writer

How Does Emily Bronte Introduce a Character? In the novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, we are introduced to a number of characters. The first two main characters that are introduced in detail however, are Joseph and Hindley. Joseph is introduced in chapter one. His description is given to us through the words of Lockwood, and we are given the impression that Joseph is an ill-tempered, stubborn, old man: â€Å"Joseph was an elderly, nay, an old man: very old, perhaps, though hale and sinewy.† However, Lockwood, who we already have the impression of a pompous, ignorant young man; is the one who gives this introduction. This therefore leads us to feel that he is unreliable as a narrator, and so we as the reader are given the choice to either believe Lockwood’s interpretation of Joseph, or make our own decisions about him due to his dialogue. Through the way in which Bronte uses Lockwood to introduce Joseph, we see that she does not provide a great deal of physical description. This means that it is up to the reader to imagine the appearance of the characters, and also shows that Bronte does not allow characterisation to interrupt the pace of the novel. The absence of conventional visual description is the central method used by Bronte to describe her characters, and it causes us to think more deeply about the character. Another point to mention is that Bronte uses a powerful emotional force to establish the character. This can be shown through Hindley’s introduction. Hindley is first described to the reader as a â€Å"detestable substitute† and then his bullying behavior towards Heathcliff is described. This automatically makes us feel negatively about Hindley, and sympathise with Heathcliff. Here, we see Hindley through Catherine Linton’s eyes. In contrast to our opinion of Lockwood, we trust Catherine more as a narrator, due to the fact that after being given access to her diary by Lockwood, we see her as a child –innocent and honest. This leads on to the next technique that Bronte uses, which is the way in which she uses convincing characters with a dominant trait to let us see life from their point of view.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Vulnerability Assessment

The first thing that must be done to protect a home is to conduct a risk assessment to figure out the potential for threat in the designated neighborhood, vulnerability, and the possibility of consequences of risk occurrence. Three tools that are normally addressed when planning security for any home are: 1. What home security and safety risks are the most typical of the neighborhood for which the assessment is working and what would families be more exposed to? 2. How exposed are the neighborhood residents? Have they taken the necessary precautions to prevent a disaster and to deter all threats? 3. How much could be lost if these precautions have been ignored? To answer the first question it is important to discover the types of crimes that have been committed in the neighborhood most recently. By asking fellow neighbors and local police crime prevention officers, statistics on most common crimes and how that particular neighborhood stacks up to others in the rest of the county can be found. Once a list of possible threats has been established, checking the home for vulnerabilities that would leave it susceptible to a crime or an accident would be the next step in the process. After identifying the vulnerability to these potential threats, a vulnerability assessment on a residence may be conducted. A vulnerability assessment of a home as well as a list of countermeasures and their costs’ is what is required next. Focus on the different directions that potential threats may use and the avenues of approach that they will likely take to threaten property or the area surrounding property. There is a neighborhood watch program that is counted on to support additional observation and early warning. The signal for such a warning is slamming metal object to metal object in a series of three to alert the neighbors as a code to indicate direction and threat. You can better observe your surroundings from your roof or second story. Establishing an observation post/listening post (LP/OP) can be an effective way to gain a superior advantage gaining an elevated advantage in addition to limited access for potential attackers. If your LP/OP has a covered and concealed approach and withdrawal route back to your house, then this would be an ideal location looking out for one another. You probably do not want to open your home to too many family or friends in case of disaster or attack because of the supply of food, ammunition, clean water, and toiletries. There are not many avenues of approach that threats can use in order for them to see straight into the neighborhood or directly to the house so the focus of mitigating this risk is centered around the front and back yards. Place your landscaping like boulders, rock, gravel, trees, and vegetation as well as blinds or curtains can limit the amount of visibility that a threat has to see into your home. Loose gravel placed under the windows, broken windows, and doors will make noise and could possibly spook anyone from attempting a break in. There are not any covered or concealed routes for attackers on foot to approach your house undetected from, so if they did not use a frontal assault they would have to jump the fence in the backyard to try to gain entry through the back door. The visibility from all windows downstairs is limited due to the landscape, but the upstairs has one hundred percent visibility 360 degrees around the entire house. Many dead zones (areas that you cannot see) due to the house being in a sub-division, but no brush will have to be cut down. Windows are easily broken, so keep yourself prepared for Hurricanes, tornadoes, other bad storms with ? to ? inch plywood cut for all windows with mounting hardware. The lighting that you have surrounding your house can have many uses. Illuminating the areas of approach to your house can force intruders to look for a softer target, and it can also give you and your neighbors a better opportunity to give a more detailed description to police when they flee. Mounting your lights with easily re-moveable hardware like wing nuts will assist you if you ever have to relocate them to a more vulnerable part of your residence. Ballistic breaching is the act of using a shotgun to remove the deadbolts from doors, making it possible for attackers to breach the security of your home. Think about installing manmade levers that can latch from the bottom of the door to the floor and the top of the door to the ceiling. This creates a major problem for any intruder because it forces them to stay in the fatal funnel for a longer period before entering your home. The fatal funnel is the area most dangerous for anyone trying to breach a room because it is the smallest area of any room. This creates a better opportunity for the homeowner to defend him or herself by being able to fire a weapons system into a smaller area, reducing the risk of missing the target. The ability to defend your home with small arms does not come cheap. Probably the most expensive cost of any home security tool used is the money you will spend, not only on the fire arm itself, but also the ammunition as well. However, being able to shoot from your home is not as near important as it is for your home to withstand small arms fire. Most homes provide terrible cover (protection) from small arms fire. Aside from sand bagging or laying sheet steel on the walls around your windows, any containers that hold dirt would also do. Wargaming† is a term often used by the U. S. Army before every mission they conduct overseas. The best vulnerability assessment would come from you â€Å"wargaming† various situations based on the environment you live in, then develop countermeasures to mitigate the threats and weaknesses you have determined. Again, call it â€Å"wargaming† or whatever you will, but it is an effective way to look at contingencies and resources nee ded to implement better plans and countermeasures.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Work and Adolescence in the Middle Ages

Work and Adolescence in the Middle Ages Few medieval teenagers enjoyed a formal education as it was rare in the Middle Ages. As a result, not all adolescents went to school, and even those who did were not wholly consumed by learning. Many teens worked, and just about all of them played.   Working at Home Teens in peasant families were most likely to work instead of attending school. Offspring could be an integral part of a peasant familys income as productive workers contributing to the farming operation. As a paid servant in another household, frequently in another town, an adolescent could either contribute to the total income or simply cease using the family resources, thereby increasing the overall economic standing of those he left behind. In the peasant household, children provided valuable assistance to the family as early as age five or six. This assistance took the form of simple chores and did not take up a great deal of the childs time. Such chores included fetching water, herding geese, sheep or goats, gathering fruit, nuts, or firewood, walking and watering horses, and fishing. Older children were often enlisted to care for or at least watch over their younger siblings. At the house, girls would help their mothers with tending a vegetable or herb garden, making or mending clothes, churning butter, brewing beer and performing simple tasks to help with the cooking. In the fields, a boy no younger than 9-years-old and usually 12 years or older, might assist his father by goading the ox while his father handled the plow. As children reached their teens, they might continue to perform these chores unless younger siblings were there to do them, and they would most definitely increase their workloads with more demanding tasks. Yet the most difficult of tasks were reserved for those with the most experience; handling a scythe, for example, was something that took great skill and care, and it was unlikely for an adolescent to be given the responsibility of using it during the most pressing times of harvest. Work for teenagers was not limited to within the family; rather, it was fairly common for a teen to find work as a servant in another household. Service Work In all but the poorest medieval households, it would not be surprising to find a servant of one variety or another. Service could mean part-time work, day labor, or working and living under the roof of an employer. The type of work that occupied a servants time was no less variable: there were shop servants, craft assistants, laborers in agriculture and manufacturing, and, of course, household servants of every stripe. Although some individuals took on the role of servant for life, service was frequently a temporary stage in the life of an adolescent. These years of  labor- often spent in another familys home- gave teenagers the chance to save up some money, acquire skills, make social and business connections, and absorb a general understanding of the way society conducted itself, all in preparation for entry into that society as an adult. A child might possibly enter service as young as age seven,  but most employers sought older children to hire for their advanced skills and responsibility. It was far more common for children to take up positions as servants at age ten or twelve. The amount of work carried out by younger servants was necessarily limited; pre-adolescents are rarely if ever suited to heavy lifting or to tasks that require fine manual dexterity. An employer who took on a seven-year-old servant would expect the child to take some time learning his tasks, and he would probably start with very simple chores. Common Occupations Employed in a household, boys might become grooms, valets, or porters, girls could be housemaids, nurses, or scullery maids, and children of either gender could work in the kitchens. With a little training young men and women might assist at skilled trades, including  silk making, weaving, metalworking, brewing, or winemaking. In  villages,  they could acquire skills involving clothmaking, milling,  baking, and blacksmithing as well as help in the fields or household. By far, the majority of servants in town and countryside came from poorer families. The same network of friends, family and business associates that provided apprentices also yielded workers. And, much like apprentices, servants sometimes had to post bonds so that prospective employers might take them on, assuring their new bosses they would not leave before the agreed-upon term of service was up. Hierarchies and Relationships There were also servants of nobler origins, particularly those who served as valets, ladies maids, and other confidential assistants in illustrious households. Such individuals might be temporary adolescent employees from the same class as their employers or long-term servants from the gentry or urban middle class. They might even have been educated at a University before taking up their posts. By the 15th century, several advice manuals for such esteemed servants were in circulation in London and other large towns,  and not only noblemen but high city officials and wealthy merchants would seek to hire individuals who could perform delicate duties with tact and finesse. It was not unusual for a servants brothers and sisters to find work in the same household. When an older sibling moved on from service, his younger sibling might take his place, or perhaps theyd be employed simultaneously at different jobs. It was also not uncommon for servants to work for family members: for example, a childless man of prosperity in a town or city might employ his country-dwelling brothers or cousins children. This might seem exploitative or high-handed, but it was also a way for a man to give his relatives economic assistance and a good start in life while still allowing them to keep their dignity and pride in accomplishment. Terms of Employment It was  common  procedure to draw up a service contract that would outline the terms of service, including payment,  length  of service, and living arrangements. Some servants saw little legal recourse if they encountered difficulty with their masters, and it was more common for them to suffer their lot or run away rather than turn to the courts for redress. Yet court records show this was not always the case: masters and servants both brought their conflicts to legal authorities for resolution on a regular basis. Household servants almost always lived with their employers, and to deny housing after having promised it was considered a disgrace. Living together in such close quarters could result in terrible abuse or close bonds of loyalty. In fact, masters and servants of close rank and age were known to form lifelong bonds of friendship during the term of service. On the other hand, it was not unknown for masters to take advantage of their servants, particularly teenage girls in their employ. The relationship of most teenage servants to their masters fell somewhere in between fear and adulation. They did the work that was asked of them, were fed, clothed, sheltered and paid, and during their free time sought out ways to relax and have fun. Recreation A common misconception about the Middle Ages is that life was dreary and dull, and none but the nobility ever enjoyed any leisure or recreational activities. And, of course, life was indeed hard compared to our comfortable modern existence. But all was not darkness and drudgery. From peasants to  townsfolk  to gentry, people of the Middle Ages knew how to have fun, and teens were certainly no exception. A teenager might spend a large part of each day working or studying but, in most cases, he would still have a little time for recreation in the evenings. Hed have still more free time on holidays such as Saints Days, which were fairly frequent. Such liberty might be spent alone, but it was more likely to be an opportunity for him to socialize with coworkers, fellow students, fellow apprentices, family or friends. For some teenagers, childhood games that occupied the younger years such as marbles and shuttlecocks evolved into more sophisticated or strenuous pastimes like bowls and tennis. Adolescents engaged in more dangerous wrestling matches than the playful contests theyd attempted as children, and they played some very rough sports like football- variations that were precursors to todays rugby and soccer. Horseracing was fairly popular on the outskirts of London, and younger teens and pre-teens were frequently jockeys due to their lighter weight. Mock battles among the lower classes were frowned upon by authorities, for fighting rightfully belonged to the nobility, and violence and misconduct could ensue if youths learned how to use swords.  However,  archery  was encouraged in England due to its significant role in what has come to be called the  Hundred Years War. Recreation such as falconry and hunting were usually limited to the upper classes, primarily due to the cost of such pastimes. Furthermore,  forests, where sporting game might be found, were almost exclusively the province of the nobility, and peasants found hunting there- which they usually did for food rather than sport- would be fined. Games of Strategy and Gambling Archaeologists have discovered among castle remains intricately carved sets of chess and tables (a precursor to backgammon),  hinting at some popularity of board games among the noble classes. There is no doubt that peasants would be unlikely at best to acquire such costly trifles. While it is possible that less expensive or home-made versions could have been enjoyed by the middle and lower classes, none have yet been found to support such a theory; and the leisure time required to master such skills would have been prohibited by the lifestyles of all but the wealthiest folk. However, other games such as  merrills, which required only three pieces per player and a rough three-by-three board, could easily have been enjoyed by anyone willing to spend a few moments collecting stones and roughing out a crude gaming area. One pastime that was definitely enjoyed by city teens was dicing. Long before the Middle Ages, carved cube dice had evolved to replace the original game of rolling bones, but bones were occasionally still used. Rules varied from era to era, region to region and even from game to game, but as a game of pure chance (when honestly played), dicing was a popular basis for gambling. This prompted some cities and towns to pass legislation against the activity. Teens who engaged in gambling were likely to indulge in other unsavory activities that could result in violence, and riots were far from unknown. In hopes of heading off such incidents, city fathers, recognizing the need of adolescents to find release for their youthful exuberance, declared certain saints  days  occasions for great festivals. The celebrations that ensued were opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy public spectacles ranging from morality plays to bear-baiting as well as contests of skill,  feasting, and processions. Sources: Hanawalt, Barbara,  Growing Up in Medieval London  (Oxford University Press, 1993).Reeves, Compton,  Pleasures  Ã‚  (Oxford University Press, 1995).and Pastimes in Medieval England

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Definition and Examples of Epiphora in Rhetoric

Definition and Examples of Epiphora in Rhetoric Epiphora- also known as  epistrophe- is a  rhetorical term for the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses. Contrast with anaphora (rhetoric). The combination of anaphora and epiphora (that is, the repetition of words or phrases at both the beginning and end of successive clauses) is called symploce. EtymologyFrom the Greek, bringing to Examples and Observations Where now? Who now? When now?- Samuel Beckett, The Unnamable, 1953[T]here is only one thing about which I am certain, and this is that there is very little about which one can be certain.- W. Somerset Maugham, quoted by Laurence Brander in Somerset Maugham: A Guide. Oliver Boyd, 1963Take whatever idiot they have at the top of whatever agency and give me a better idiot. Give me a caring idiot. Give me a sensitive idiot. Just don’t give me the same idiot.†- Aaron Broussard, president of Jefferson Parish, speaking about FEMA Chief Michael Brown, September 6, 2005Im a Pepper, hes a Pepper, shes a Pepper, were a Pepper. Wouldnt you like to be a Pepper, too? Dr. Pepper.- Advertising jingle for Dr. Peppper soft drinkWe deal in illusions, man. None of it is true! But you people sit there, day after day, night after night- also known asall ages, colors, creeds.Youre beginning to believe the illusions were spinning here! Youre beginning to think that the tube is reality and that your own lives are unreal. You do whatever the tube tells you.You dress like the tube.You eat like the tube.You raise your children like the tube.You even think like the tube.This is mass madness, you maniacs! In Gods name, you people are the real thing. We are the illusion!- Peter Finch as television anchorman Howard Beale in Network, 1976 Success hasn’t changed Frank Sinatra. When he was unappreciated and obscure, he was hot-tempered, egotistical, extravagant, and moody. Now that he is rich and famous, he is still hot-tempered, egotistical, extravagant, and moody.- Dorothy Kilgallen, 1959 newspaper columnThere is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.- Bill ClintonIve gotta be your damn conscience. Im tired of being your conscience. I dont enjoy being your conscience.- Dr. Wilson to Dr. House in HouseShes safe, just like I promised. Shes all set to marry Norrington, just like she promised. And you get to die for her, just like you promised.- Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the CaribbeanAnd now when I sway to a fitful wind, alone and listing, I will think, maple key. When I see a photograph of earth from space, the planet so startlingly painterly and hung, I will think, maple key. When I shake your hand or meet your eyes I will think, two maple keys. If I am a maple key falling, at least I can twirl.- Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, 1974 Epiphora and Parallel Structures Epiphora can be combined with parallelism, as in the following expression attributed to both [Abraham] Lincoln and P. T. Barnum: You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you cant fool all of the people all of the time.- James Jasinski, Sourcebook on Rhetoric. Sage, 2001 Shakespeares Use of Epiphora Then, since this earth affords no joy to meBut to command, to check, to o’erbear suchAs are of better person than myself,I’ll make my heaven to dream upon the crown;And, whiles I live, to account this world but hell,Until my mis-shap’d trunk that bears this headBe round impaled with a glorious crown.And yet I know not how to get the crown,For many lives stand between me and home.- Gloucester in William Shakespeares The Third Part of King Henry the Sixth, Act 3, scene 2 Fie, fie, thou shamest thy shape, thy love, thy wit,Which, like a userer, aboundst in all,And uses none in that true sense indeedWhich should bedeck thy shape, thy love, thy wit.- Friar Laurence in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, scene 3 Polyptoton and Epiphora A form of epiphora . . . can be created by way of polyptoton (variations on a word). An ad for Suffolk University features the statement, Politics is your life. Now make it your living (life and living are both derived from the Old English word libban). Epiphora can be combined with parallelism, as in the following expression attributed to both Lincoln and P.T. Barnum: You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you cant fool all of the people all of the time.- James Jasinkski, Sourcebook on Rhetoric: Key Concepts in Contemporary Rhetorical Studies. Sage, 2001 Pronunciation: ep-i-FOR-ah

Monday, November 4, 2019

Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 9

Project Management - Essay Example The second component is execution phase, whereby, project managers prepare a list of work to be accomplished and procedure to be followed as well the time frame for accomplishing each task. Additionally, the project manager identifies the number of workers required to accomplish the predetermined task within a specific time frame (Campbell, 2007). In above connection, possible constrains should be identified as well as their impact on project implementation. The third component involves project execution, whereby, what has been planned has to be put into practice (Bender, 2010). Controlling is another significant component in which project managers monitors the progress of a project to identify whether the intended goals and objectives will be achieved within the set time frame (Campbell, 2007). Finally, is the closure phase, in this phase project manager and all the stake holders involved in project implementation come together to evaluate whether the desired and outcome were achieved by comparing the actual results with anticipated outcomes(Bender, 2010). Therefore, the study will focus on factors that Coca-Cola Company should consider when locating into a new site. Additionally, a sharp insight of operation management will be provided as well as how operations differ from each other. Coca Cola Company deals with manufacturing, selling and distribution drinks to people located in different locations across the glob. Therefore, the company should consider both market factor and resource based view strategy factors when locating into new sites. Resource based view factors are those that can be outsourced from the target location that can make business adopt more efficiently and effectively (Moore and Longenecker, 2008). Coca-Cola Company should emulate technology applied by other companies located into a new site where it intends to locate and look for ways of having a competitive advantage over

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Uninsured and Ill, A Woman is Forced to Ration Her Care Essay - 1

Uninsured and Ill, A Woman is Forced to Ration Her Care - Essay Example Apart from finances, this victim is also ignorant; she keeps on moving from one health center to another to escape her unpaid bills (Lagnado, 2002). Therefore, she does not have a regular doctor who can constantly check the eye up, as a result, she let go of the free samples that many patients enjoy. She also pays no attention to the fact that, if she created awareness of her financial difficulty to the doctors, they might consider cutting down her bills to treat her, but she instead considers her monetary position as her own problem and not the doctor’s. Furthermore, because of the deteriorating eye condition, which made it too painful, to look intently at a computer screen, Ms. Kaur could not be able to take up office occupations that normally offer health benefits. She is then forced to get a blue-collar job that does not offer health benefits, and so she cannot pay for her own health insurance because of the low income. Being uninsured, she is enforced to pay more to obtai n her drugs than the other patients do. Likewise, Amandeep is not qualified for any of the present medical covers, since her monthly income is above the standards set by the programs. These schemes have a propensity to favor a certain group of people such as expectant women, little children and parents. Therefore, being childless, she was not fortunate to be eligible for the health programs, a societal problem that could affect many unmarried and couples who are childless (Lagnado, 2002). The glaucoma victim is also having social problems; in that, she is not connected to the internet or any social site. For that reason, she is unable to find information on readily existing programs meant for the uninsured, which could certainly be beneficial to her. In my view, medical centers and the health system at large should have investigated about Ms.

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Case Analysis Paper #2 Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analysis Paper #2 - Case Study Example Therefore, based on my reasonable experience, I would support the innovation as an effective approach for heart surgery in view of extended application of minimally invasive techniques. The case study provides the progress, which Cardio Thoracic Systems have gone in the past two decades. From the analysis I have done of the progression of the systems, I would admit most innovators in this field have done impressive work. Despite that, not everything they did is perfect for some innovations have yielded to complications that are more severe. The CABG procedure was the initial approach used for heart surgery during that period (before 1996). This system proved effective in most cases though during surgery system would not give surgeons accessibility to some vessels, which they entailed to replace. Additionally, it resulted to severe complications such as trauma, complications associated with sternotomy and threats of chest infection among others. Moreover, the system was costly and resulted to a patient staying in hospital for so long (43days) after surgery (Chang 3). Certainly, these loopholes presented by the CABG system called for innovation of another system. Hence, this led to the contraption of Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting. The system, according to the case study, intrigued many surgeons for it was a less-invasive method as a remedy for coronary artery disease. Additionally, it did not require incision in the chest, thereby making it a perfect alternative for CABG system. Despite all the advantages, the innovators failed to control re-narrowing of the arteries (restenosis). Its worse state emerges after 6 months of surgery whereby restenosis would occur resulting to the formation of a similar plaque in the artery (Chang 4). Fortunately, physicians developed the stent, which significantly reduced restenosis occurrence though it did eliminate the

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

On Conflict Settlement Essay Example for Free

On Conflict Settlement Essay Schick (1995) defines a conflict as a â€Å"distinctive structure of desires and a belief† (p. 58). A conflict arises when an agent wants x and y wherein x and y are the only options available to the agent. Given this situation, an agent may choose to react in two ways. First, the agent may choose to avoid the conflict or second, the agent may choose to resolve the conflict. In the resolution of a conflict, the agent starts to think rationally by seizing to think that the options available to him involves choosing both x and y or losing both x and y. In this sense, the agent enables the resolution of the conflict through an internal mediation of his or her desires. The same thing applies when it comes to interpersonal conflict. The difference between the two merely lies in the existence of a particular situation wherein the desires and beliefs of two or more agents tend to counter that of the other. This shows the manner in which conflicts enable the â€Å"balancing of power† within an agent or within a group (Rummel, 1991, p. 76). The balancing of powers resulting from the occurrence of a conflict enables the balancing of the following elements: interests, capabilities, and wills. Rummel (1991) notes â€Å"conflict is a balancing of individual interests, capabilities, and wills. It is a simultaneous solution to the equations of power† (p. 77). Within an interpersonal conflict, it does not necessarily mean that the agent(s) whose beliefs and desires take precedence over the other is the agent(s) who hold power within a group. The balance of powers refers to the mutual satisfaction of the different and contending interests within a group. In other words, the balance of powers may be understood as the result of the mediation within an interpersonal conflict. In the previous presentation, one of the groups presented steps that may be followed in case a conflict arises. The steps that they provided involve the agent(s) development of self-awareness. The importance of self-awareness here can be seen if one considers that it is only through the agent(s) identification of the clashing beliefs and desires that the agent(s) will be able to achieve the resolution of the conflict. This was shown by the group through a skit that they presented in class. One might note that in the skit itself, the group was able to present that failure to develop awareness may lead to aggression which might further enhance the conflict at hand. The importance of this skit does not lie in its means of providing an example for those who were present; it also enabled the audience’s direct experience of a conflict. Deutsch et al (2006) notes, â€Å"observing models deal effectively with difficult situations allows the observer to achieve greater freedom in coping with current and future problems of all sorts (p. 309). Despite of this, the group however, was unable to show that resolution and aggression are not the only means in which a conflict may end. Matthews and Roberts (2004) notes that conflicts may also lead to â€Å"collaboration and appeals to authority† (p. 451). Although one might state that this also leads to the resolution of a conflict in the sense that it ends a conflict, it is important to note that conflicts that end in this manner further breeds the creation of further disagreements amongst the agent(s) involved. Matthews and Roberts (2004) further notes that in the resolution of a conflict, there are certain skills which individuals should learn. These involve â€Å"active listening, assertiveness, expression of feelings in appropriate ways, empathy and perspective taking, cooperation, negotiation, and methods for countering bias† (p. 451). Although the group was unable to present all of these point, they were able to relay well the information that they had prepared for the presentation. In summary, given the time constraints on the group, I think the group was able to relay helpful information that will aid the members of the audience in the process of understanding and handling situations that may lead to both personal and interpersonal conflict. References Deutsch, M. et al. (2006). The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers. Matthews, G. R. Roberts. (2004). Emotional Intelligence: Science and Myth. Massachusetts: MIT Press. Rummel, R. (1991). The Conflict Helix. London: Transaction Publishers. Schick, F. (1997). Making Choices: A Recasting of Decision Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.