Essay on Consumerism - 526 Words

If you want to know if all of our holidays have been turned into consumer driven shopping orgies, the answer lies in the major department stores. Take a walk through Macys or Lord or Taylor or any major store in Oct. and notice the Christmas decorations. Thats right, Christmas decorations. `Tis the season to break the bank. Our capitalistic society is always looking for a reason for driving consumerism and what better reason than a holiday! If theres a month without one, well make one up...just so we have some reason to put some useless piece of crap on sale. What ever happened to all the traditional values that are at the core of all or most of these holidays? Do we as a society even remember? Since its the holiday†¦show more content†¦The annual celebration of the American consumer economy- the holiday shopping season- is just underway... (The New York Times/12/7/03/ Is Wal-Mart Good for America?) The article is talking about the most popular shopping day of the season, Black Friday; the day after Thanksgiving. I must admit, I participate in the day of over indulgence. Every year, my mother, aunt, cousin, and I wake up at 5am and head off to the malls of New Jersey (to avoid the tax) and get as many good deals as possible. While Christmas may be the main shopping holiday, there are many other holidays that have been commercialized. Valentines Day is Russell Stovers goldmine. I mean, come on, nothing says I love you like a big box of fat. Then theres Halloween. This is another money making holiday for the candy companies. But also for whatever company makes those paper thin costumes that we dress our children up in to go wander the streets at night for candy. Thanksgiving is a perfect holiday to actually get in touch with your family over a delightful dinner. If your family is like mine, it usually ends up to be eating too much and fighting even more. Theres also the Macys Day parade to welcome in the official start of the shopping season. Lets not forget Easter; its the spring version of Christmas. Another religious holiday, the resurrection of Christ, has been attached to aShow MoreRelatedDisadvantages Of Consumerism1154 Words   |  5 Pages â€Å"The study of consumerism in world history does not provide a definitive balance sheet on whether the long-term results are favorable or unfavorable. But it does provide perspective, allowing [a] greater understanding of what consumerism involves, and perspective...offers a greater capacity to choose...rather than being swept away by the latest enthusiasm† (Stearns, 159). Peter Stearns’ book â€Å"Consumerism In World History: The Global Transformation of Desire† offers an extensive perspective on theRead MoreConsumerism Essay1620 Words   |  7 PagesConsumerism – Bruce Dawe Poetry || 2009 Every society has mythology. In some societies, it’s religion. Our religion is consumerism. As we are constantly exposed to mass media and popular culture in our modern society, the insidious nature of consumerism has allowed it to penetrate into every aspect of our lives, dictating our very beliefs, values and wants. Nearly every individual in our society subconsciously conforms to the shallow and superficial mindset that characterises our consumerist cultureRead MoreEssay on Effects on Consumerism742 Words   |  3 Pages Consumerism is a description of society’s lifestyle in which many people embrace to achieve their goals by acquiring goods that they clearly do not need (Stearns, 7). The idea that the market is shaped by the choice of the consumers’ needs and wants can be defined as a consumer sovereignty (Goodwin, Nelson, Ackerman, Weisskopf, 2). This belief is based on the assumption that the consumer knows what it wants. Contrary to this logic, marketers convince us that the consumer does not know what theyRead MoreThe Problem Of Extreme Consumerism926 Words   |  4 Pagesextreme amount of consumerism, but why exactly? What are the possible causes of extreme consumerism? Some of the few possible causes contributing to mass consumerism would include: the want for consumption, the need for consumption, and possibly even hoarders. Although many of the possible causes listed above tie together, it’s quite interesting exploring these causes of extreme consumerism and being able to shine a small light on the subject. As mentioned, extreme consumerism is what makes theRead MoreConsumerism Is All Around Us747 Words   |  3 Pagesto carry out the day-to-day happenings of our lives, the people of the 21st century cannot seem to escape the ever-powerful grasp of corporate consumerism. While many are aware that consumerism is all around us, few understand the true extent to which it impacts our lives. With constant exposure to advertising it’s hard not to get sucked into consumerism. The advertisements we see influence our spending habits by convincing us that certain material possessions will improve our lives. This is problematicRead MoreModern Society and Consumerism Essay1035 Words   |  5 PagesConsumerism is defined as â€Å"the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable† (â€Å"Consumerism†). Its primary motivation is the idea that if one does not have all that money can buy, then he or she cannot be happy. This school of thought has beco me an integral part of modern society not only in the United States, but internationally as well. While the exact source of this term and ideology are debatable, it is certain now that consumerism is here to stay, intertwining withRead MoreConsumerism : The Great Gatsby, And Harrison Bergeron1441 Words   |  6 PagesConsumerism is defined as the increase in the consumption of goods. It is the theory that buying more goods will ultimately lead to economic advantages. Consumerism has destroyed the concept of the idealistic nuclear family in America, in favor of materialistic chaos. American society used to be content with the little things in life, up until the rise of consumerism, starting during the industrial revolution, but reaching its peak after World War II. Americans have become more occupied with theRead MoreEssay The Effects of Consumerism on Adults and Children1085 Words   |  5 PagesThe Effects of Consumerism on Adults and Children Consumers are creatively successful when designing a persuasive advertisement for increased profitability. In a normal household, it’s the parents who have the financial obligations; therefore, it would be wise to grab their attention. On the other hand, it takes less than a strategic mind targeting children because the simplest things fascinate them. Businesses have been perfecting commercials to be effective on the viewers, for years. AlthoughRead MoreConsumerism And Free Market Economy1509 Words   |  7 Pagescommercialism as essential in the enhancement of capitalism and free market economy. It can also lead to innovation competition of companies in meeting the needs of consumers. However, Commercialism can lead to an increase in wasteful consumption or consumerism. It can also lead to the depletion of natural resources in trying to meet the consumption needs of the people. Although commercialism have it draw backs, it is not all bad; commercialism promotes capitalism and free trade both of which are veryRead MoreHow Consumerism Changed The City London2342 Words   |  10 Pagesabriel and Lang (1995:3) define consumerism as a life â€Å"excessively preoccupied with consumption.† Individuals who are at the extreme end of the spectrum could be referred to as shopaholics. According to Bocock et al (1993) at the heart of consumerism is a belief that â€Å"goods and services specifically provide fun and enjoyment† for the consumer (Bocock et al, 1993, cited in Troy, 1995). It is a very important factor in our daily life as we are confronted with numerous products to choose from (Beer

The War On Drugs Should Be Discontinued - 986 Words

The united states spends a lot of money keeping dangerous criminals in prisons and off of the streets. The phrase a lot hardly does justice describing a figure like 70 billion dollars. Unfortunately, almost 50 percent of these ‘criminals’ America spends that wad of cash on were arrested for non-violent drug charges, and are not a danger to America’s safety at all. Drugs are no good, but do not cause harm to anyone but the user. That is, until these drugs are made illegal and drug cartels see huge profits in the illegal trade that they are willing to kill for. In 1971 President Nixon waged, quite dramatically, a full-blown war against drugs abuse, claiming that addiction is directly related to crime. Instead of offering therapy for addicts, the plan from 1971 and on was to incarcerate them, and ruin their lives far more so than the drugs ever had. The war on drugs should be discontinued to cease wasteful spending, end the incarceration of peaceful peoples, and prev ent the deaths of officers and citizens alike. Already a trillion dollar failure thus far, the war on drugs adds 51 billion dollars to that tab every year. An effort of these proportions should have some accomplishments to boast, right? Sadly, it does not. The current United States drug czar, Gil Kerlikowske, who directs the drug-control policies in America, is quoted talking about the war on drugs, saying, â€Å"Forty years later, the concern about drugs and drug problems is, if anything, magnified, intensified.-- InShow MoreRelatedNuclear Physics : A Scientist989 Words   |  4 Pagesproduce a weapon capable of annihilating thousands or even millions of innocent civilians. The scientist, however, strongly believes that a weapon of this magnitude should remain nonexistent. Should he or she continue with this research even though it could be used to create a weapon of mass destruction? The scientist absolutely should. A scientist has no moral obligations in regards to the unintend ed applications of his or her research because termination of scientific development deprives societyRead More Bipolar Disorder and the Essay979 Words   |  4 PagesBipolar Disorder and the War on Drugs Bipolar disorder, also known as, manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that results in unusual shifts in a persons mood, energy, and ability to function. More than two million American adults (or, about one per cent of the population aged eighteen and older in any given year) are afflicted by this affective disorder (1). Yet, because it cannot be revealed by a blood test or other physiological means, patients may suffer for years before it isRead MoreThe Journalist Of The Year, By The Los Angeles Press Club1196 Words   |  5 PagesRadely Balko is the author of Rise of the Warrior Cop. Balko writes about how the increase in militarization of police forces have caused a lot of harm in the past decade. He questions what the proper role of law enforcement should be and discussed the effect of the drug on war has had. The main focuses of this book started off by giving a quick history of cops in America (also the name of chapter 3). In the remaining chapters he examines and focu ses on the past fifty years. Decade by decade he examinesRead MoreBetween Racism, Political Differences, Economic Status,1625 Words   |  7 PagesBetween racism, political differences, economic status, the War on Drugs, and law enforcement vs the public, is overwhelming. How can all these issued be resolved, when there over 300 million people within the United States? Chicago has become the world murder capital. There were over 700 murders committed in 2016. There have been over 100 murders since the beginning of 2017. There is black on black crime and cops against Black Lives Matter movement circulating the whole U.S. There are riots occurringRead MoreDrug Addiction : The United States War On Drugs930 Words   |  4 PagesThe decades-old United States war on drugs has not been successful and very cost ineffective (Madden, 2008). Today, drug addiction continues to be an important public health problem in our nation. The U.S. spends more than $700 billion dollars annually in costs related to substance abuse (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2015). Drug-related costs include abuse of tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, crime, lost work productivity, and health care (NIDA, 2015). And the costs corresponding to thoseRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legal? Essay1234 Words   |  5 Pagesmarijuana,† (Gonnerman 40). Doctors are prescribing marijuana for its medical benefits. The Clinton administration on the other hand is outlawing marijuana because it has not been approved by the FDA. Since doctors feel marijuana has medical benefits it should be clinically tested so they can prescribe it for their patients. Marijuana can be used for many medical reasons. For cancer patients receiving chemotherapy marijuana decreases vomiting and nausea; it also helps them deal with the anxiety of the treatmentRead MoreEssay Marijuana for Medical Use1547 Words   |  7 Pagessome drugs, such as marijuana, from being sold in the marketplace. Yet, even with prohibition, marijuana use has only decreased minimally. Because of its illegality, only the bad aspects of marijuana use have been made known. However, there are many positive aspects of marijuana legalization, including its application concerning medical cures. As of today, in most of the states, marijuana is classified as an illegal drug. However, due to its proven medicinal purposes, the drug should be madeRead MoreShould We Fight The War On Drugs? Essay2039 Words   |  9 Pagesthe American Government has waged war against its citizens through legislation, restriction, and imprisonment. This â€Å"war† against American citizens aptly named the â€Å"War on Drugs,† has cost billions of American taxpayer dollars and has not discontinued or even diminished the manufacture and sale of currently illegal substances, since once one drug smuggling operation is stopped, hundreds if not thousands of other illicit operations vie to fill their spot in the drug market. One argument would put forthRead MoreAnimal Experimentation And The Cosmetic Industry And Medical Professions1509 Words   |  7 Pagesnotable cases throughout history where such testing was undeniably beneficial, although it could certainly be argued that such methods were not always necessary. With significant advancements in scientific technology and medical practices animal testing should no longer be considered necessary or a morally defensible practice. Due to biological differences between humans and animals, experimentation on animals creates inaccurate results, making such tests an ineffective method of research. According toRead MoreWhy A Mass Murderer Commits A Crime Essay1530 Words   |  7 Pageskillers were admitted into the hospital for psychiatric issues; 42 killers had previously seen a professional. Twenty-four killers were prescribed psychiatric drugs before the crime, and 14 of the people failed to take the prescribed drugs when they committed the crime ( Glaberson and Goodstein). The term shell shock that emerged from World War I, made experts think that soldiers had concussions resulting from exploding ammunition. The nervous system seemed to have the most symptoms, which contained

Critical Review And Analysis Of MindBody Therapies †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Critical Review And Analysis Of MindBody Therapies. Answer: Introduction Mind-body therapy is a healing approach that focuses on body, mind and spirit as an integrated whole. It is a holistic approach that emphases on the connection between a peoples physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities. Various studies conducted have proved that emotional dysfunction like stress and depression influence health outcomes and physiological functions (Rossi, 2017). Clinical practitioners and medical education overlooks the psychosocial factors as major contributors in acceleration of sicknesses. Mind-body therapy should be integrated in the multidisciplinary approach that is aimed at reducing mood disturbance, pain, and anxiety. Understanding and providing patients with appropriate mind-body therapies enhances doctor-patient relationship, helps patients to understand what they are going through better, and improves the body system. Although evidence of the successful administration of the mind-body therapy is not satisfactory, it should not be ruled out in aiding cli nical practice (Leung, 2015). There are dominant relations that occur between the immune system and the brain, and behavior is directly influenced by psychosocial factors. Mind-body therapy may shield these immune modifications through enhanced mood, physical exercise, relaxation, and stress decline. Behavioral reactions are thus the basic elements to activating body-mind system, which in turn modify the immune system and have inferences for vulnerability to many diseases. The changes in the body weaken the body system and the intervention of a health practitioner is sought (Benn, 2015). Thus, the practitioner should provide medical and therapy solution to facilitate faster healing process. Some of the mind-body therapy modalities include; meditation, relaxation techniques and guided imagery Meditation Meditation is the deliberate self-regulation of attention. Adapted from the Eastern traditional systems, it focuses on cumulative transparency of minds and mental consciousness (Alexander, 2008). It is an organized mental emphasis on specific features of internal and external experiences. It includes reception, yoga, stretching and group dynamics. In order to determine the effectiveness of meditation as a mind-body therapy a research was conducted on cancer patients. The method used was randomized controlled trial of both male and female patients, and it was found that the cancer patients in the randomized trial had less mood disturbance and less stress symptoms, these patients were provided with meditation group and home meditation services, compared to the cancer patients who were undergoing treatment only. Meditation falls between two major categories that is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Techniques (MBCT) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), meta-analysis on clinical lite rature for therapeutics for psychological symptoms have tried to draw conclusion between the two broad categories of MBSR and MBCT techniques ("Alternative Therapy: Mind, Body, and Spirit," 2017). These meta-analyses have generally concluded that meditation techniques provide effective results to depression patients. Patients found with depression and cannot concentrate are required to take meditative classes to help them focus their attention. Handling of clinical depression disorders happen during different phases of the disorder; acute, continuation and maintenance phases, depression times time to heal and therefore it is necessary to repeat the acute phase after all the phases are over to prevent the recurring of depression (Evans, 2010). Medication coupled with regulated meditation helps cure depression. Also, meditation provides small to moderate benefits for symptoms of anxiety, especially in patients with comorbid illnesses. There are difficulties in identifying the efficaci ous components of meditation therapies for several reasons. First, a rigorous comparison of the praxis elements of individual meditative therapies has not been undertaken, and thus the extent of commonality is not known. Because there is evidence to suggest that different meditative practices involve different neuronal substrates it is likely that meditation therapies that incorporate different practices affect the biological substrates of target psychological symptoms differently (Fogerite Goldberg, 2008). Relaxation techniques It exploits responsiveness of breathing rate, rhythm, and volume. It involves techniques whose key objective is elicitation of a psychophysiological state of relaxation or hypo arousal. Relaxation therapy decreases sensitive nervous system reaction, which in turn minimizes demand for oxygen, decreases heartbeat, and lowers blood pressure (Joyce, Etty-Leal, Zazryn, Hamilton, 2010). Relaxation therapies combines a range of practices such as yoga, biofeedback, breathing deeply, hypnosis, and guided imagery. Relaxation can be used in some instances to relax tensed muscles. From the randomized controlled trial, most of the patients who had muscle relaxation training, had a regular sleep pattern compared to those patients in the control program. The randomized control trial for the muscle relaxation training concluded that the therapy had an impact as the cancer patients showed reduction in depression and anxiety, while the controlled program had patients with anxiety and depression sympt oms (Leung, 2015). Another trial that involved cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, it was set for one group to undergo relaxation training and the other group to miss the training. From the two groups, the trained group reported decreased anger, fatigue, depression, and tension symptoms. Relaxation technique has also been known to help reduce pain, coupled with guided imagery the cancer patients are able to endure the chemotherapy with much ease compared to those who do not undergo the therapy. This is analyzed by the pain score that the patients report after their subsequent treatment (Stam, 2004). Cognitive-behavioral therapy It is a form of therapy aimed at modifying a patients opinions, manners or emotional responses to help in identifying and monitoring reaction to symptoms using an automated learning or counselling approach (Ventegodt Merrick, 2013). Patients are given an opportunity to use their own imaginations to formulate mental images that help them get away from their immediate symptoms, this is done through guided imagery and relaxation. Analysis of studies relating to cancer patients with sleep disorders, fatigue, and pain expressed satisfaction in the cognitive behavior therapy. The studies demonstrated improvements in the symptoms noted. The randomized controlled trial involved cancer patients who were in pain, had sleep disorders and were fatigued (Wainrib, 2006). The trial trained half of the patients, and gave them music players to listen to when undergoing chemotherapy. It was found that the patients who were trained and listened to music endured pain better than those who were not trai ned. Cognitive behavior therapy helps patients forget their immediate pain and give them a chance to focus on something else rather than their surroundings and pain. Pain makes the patients experience depression and anxiety, which can deteriorate their ailing state further (Benn, 2015). Findings There is sufficient evidence that medicine practitioners ought to include psychosocial models in the health models that have been adapted (Kimko Peck, 2011). There are affirmative outcomes of meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials, there is a convincing evidence to incorporate the modalities of body-mind therapies in treatment of all types of diseases including cancer, and there are further researches that should be conducted to give more satisfactory conclusions. From the negligible side effects related to the mind-body therapies that are being used to enhance the healing process, the health practitioners should highly encourage them because they are cost effective. Clinical practitioners should integrate the psychosocial mind body approaches to be considered a priority. Also, patients should be provided with insurances that cover such therapies to enable them utilize the services easily. The patients should be allowed the freedom to choose whether to engage in mind body te chniques as an additional therapy, since free will of the patients would mean willingness to heal therefore physiologic benefits will be realized easily. Conclusion Support groups should be formed by the clinicians and also the patients, this will help to provide information for members, provide skills for coping with their issues, help moderate anxiety and offer the people a place where they would share their emotions and concerns. The settings could be hospital based or community. Support groups help reduce depression, anxiety, illness adaptation, and marital relationships. Practitioners should provide evidence-based, holistic care including mind-body therapy to patients. Practitioners should establish open communication with the patients to help them choose the most comfort therapy to use. The few studies for mind-body therapies are not adequate therefore more needs to be done to create awareness of the importance of the mind-body interventions. References Alexander,J. (2008). The holistic therapy file: A complete guide to over 80 effective treatments to heal the mind, body spirit. London: Carlton. Alternative Therapy: Mind, Body, and Spirit. (n.d.). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Cancer and Society. doi:10.4135/9781483345758.n25 Benn,R. (2015). MindBody Therapies. Integrative Women's Health, 78-108. doi:10.1093/med/9780190214791.003.0005 Evans,S. (2010). Review: mindfulness-based therapies effective for anxiety and depression. Evidence-Based Mental Health, 13(4), 116-116. doi:10.1136/ebmh1094 Fogerite,S.G., Goldberg,G.L. (2008). Overview of Mind-Body Therapies. Complementary Therapies for Physical Therapy, 84-120. doi:10.1016/b978-072160111-3.50013-0 Joyce,A., Etty-Leal,J., Zazryn,T., Hamilton,A. (2010). Exploring a Mindfulness Meditation Program on the Mental Health of Upper Primary Children: A Pilot Study. Advances in School Mental Health Promotion, 3(2), 17-25. doi:10.1080/1754730x.2010.9715677 Kimko,H.C., Peck,C.C. (2011). Clinical trial simulations: Applications and trends. New York: Springer. Leung,P. (2015). Yoga Qigong A Self-reliant Practice for Health of Body Mind. Complementary Therapies for the Body, Mind and Soul. doi:10.5772/60568 Rossi,E. (n.d.). Mind-Body Therapy. PsycEXTRA Dataset. doi:10.1037/e541502010-001 Stam,H.J. (2004). A Sound Mind in a Sound Body: A Critical Historical Analysis of Health Psychology. Critical Health Psychology, 15-30. doi:10.1007/978-0-230-21630-3_2 Ventegodt,S., Merrick,J. (2013). Textbook on evidence-based holistic mind-body medicine: Healing the mind in traditional hippocratic medicine. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publisher's, Inc. Wainrib,B.R. (2006). Healing crisis and trauma with mind, body, and spirit. New York: Springer Pub.

Professional and Ethical Guidelines in International Psychology

Question: Discuss about the Professional and Ethical Guidelines in International Psychology. Answer: Introduction: The given case considers a case of Brad Shelton, software consultant with Software Solutions Ltd trading in software products to the accounting firms and small business enterprises. For the purpose of acquiring one software package, he was approached by Jennifer Jolie to travel to Los Angeles to analyze the software package offered by her company, Pitt Ltd. It has been considered that the approach for the trip offered by one of the salesperson of the vendor company and not directly by the company itself in a formal manner. However, the salesperson Jennifer Jolie contended that the expenses for trip would be borne by the vendor company, which will consider the personal and official trip. Accordingly, it can be said that Brad Shelton should not take the trip only on the suggestion of the sales person. Brad is required to confirm the analysis of the software package with the management of the company including the confirmation of trip to Los Angeles before taking up the project. Ethical concerns that may be involved in the present situation are conflicts between professional duties with that of company demands, conflicts between individual responsibilities and consumer demands. It is essential to comply with the ethical behavior with respect to the expenses of the trip for professional purpose and not with the intention on personal purpose (Laporte, OConnor Paucar, 2015). The trip to Los Angeles, which included personal purpose along with the official purpose, was approached by the salesperson, Jennifer Jolie of the vendor company Pitt Limited. In view of the legal requirements, it is important to comply certain regulations with respect to the confirmation of trip that includes personal and professional purpose. In the present case, Jennifer Jolie approached for the trip who is a salesperson of the vendor company. It is important for any official trip to get the confirmation with the companys management in formal manner. Mere approach for the official trip by one of the salespersons cannot be called for a confirmation. Further, there should be proper details about the trip with respect to the expenses, travelling dates, accommodation and other information. In the present situation, Jennifer only offered the about the trip which was not presented in any written form (Hassanli, Gross Brown, 2016). It is important to get the official offer in the writte n form as well as in the official document stating all the necessary details. Accordingly, the management of Software Solutions Ltd should not consider the verbal communication of the sales representative of the vendor company, Pitt Ltd to allow Mr. Brad Shelton to go on the trip. Additionally, there has to be employment policy on the allowing an employee to go on the trip which must be official and the same may or may not include the trip for personal purpose. In the present situation, the organizational management should consider Brads trip only if the company has such policy on sending the employees foreign trip along with the family. Code of conduct refers to the set of principles and rules that outlines the social norms, standards that assists the organizations to perform for the welfare of the stakeholders. It is required to be followed by each of the organizations in all the sectors hence, Software Solutions Ltd should also have code of conduct. It should mention the policies and principles for the employees to protect their rights including the performance of business activities in fair and honest manner (Heiss et al., 2015). Code of the conduct in the organizations provides several benefits to perform the business functions in an effective manner. One of the significant advantages of the code of conduct is ascertainment of acceptable business practice in the organization with respect to the legal standards. The code of conduct also provides the assistance in taking appropriate business decisions in consideration with the production, trading and marketing the products and services. Compliance of code of condu ct also provides the organization in resolving the conflicts between the employees and management or among the employees or at any employment level (Winter, 2015). However, there are certain disadvantages of code of conduct that may be experienced by Software Solutions Ltd that includes time involvement, cultural challenges, designing and enforceable challenges. Formation of code of conduct is a time consuming activity as well as requires to be followed with several cultural needs. It is difficult for the organization to maintain all the necessary standards and legal regulations in the code of conduct policy due to lack of skill and knowledge (Sauvant, 2015). Income statement or the statement of profit and loss for the financial year measures the performance of the organizational business with respect to the expenses and revenues. The profit and loss statement is prepared to determine the organizational profitability for the accounting year by considering the direct and indirect incomes and expenses. Accordingly, the consolidated profit or loss statement or income statement states the combined financial information of the parent or holding company and subsidiary company (Lee, 2015). The consolidated income statement of Greencross Limited states the combined income of the holding company as well as the subsidiary company stating the total combined revenue of $ 734 million during the financial year 2016. The consolidated income statement of the company states the combined profit of parent and subsidiary company amounted to $38 million in the financial year 2016. The consolidated income statement states that the organization had earned profi tability in combination with the income of its subsidiary company in which the parent company holds significant percentage of investment. The statement reflects the organizational cost of acquisition amounted to $2.01 million while the combined cost of sales of goods reflected $324 million during the year 2016. Such amounts reflect the total combined value of cost incurred to sell the goods by the subsidiary company as well as by the parent company including the amount of sales revenue earned by the company. Hence, the consolidated income statement of Greencross Limited determines the combined information on financial transactions incurred by holding subsidiary company (Greencross Limited 2016). Considering the financial statement of Greencross Limited for the financial year ending on 30th June 2016 the value of each of the stated item in consideration with consolidated accounts is as follows: Items Value $000 Classification Reasons i. Cash and cash equivalent 62,583 Current Assets Cash and cash equivalent is classified as current assets since it can be converted into liquid cash immediately. It includes the cash at bank as well as cash in hand. ii. Marketing Costs 10,880 Expenses Marketing cost is classified as an expense since it is incurred by the company for financial year to improve the sale of the products and helps in generating revenue. iii. Occupancy Costs 78,121 Expenses Occupancy cost has been classified as an expense since it is incurred with respect to occupy the space for production, business organization. Occupancy cost includes rent, property taxes, property insurance and other amortization cost. iv. Cost of sales of goods 324,949 Expenses Cost of sales of goods is considered as an expense since it includes the production costs to generate the sales revenue. v. Provisions 20,990 Current Liabilities Provision is classified as current liabilities since it is considered as a present liability of the organization. It is regarded as current liability because it is referred as the present obligation of the company several business expenses. vi. Inventories 92,002 Current Assets Inventory is classified as current- assets since it can be sold by the organization immediately that assists in generating liquid cash. vii. Property, plant and equipment 156,867 Non- Current Assets Property, plant and equipment is classified as non- current assets because it is expected to generate the economic benefits for more than a year. Table 1: Value of financial statement items (Sources: Greencross Limited 2016) Summarized change for the financial statements between the accounting year 2015 and 2016 for each of the item of Greencross Ltd. is mentioned below: Item 2015 % Change 2016 % Change Summary Gross margin percentage 93.61 16.54 It states that the profitability ratio by considering the revenue and operating costs of the organization. During the year, 2015 and 2014 the organization incurred high profitability while during 2015 and 2015 the companys profitability increased by16.54%. Operating expenses 23.85 11.57 During the year, 2015 and 2014 the organizations operating expenses increased by 23.85% while in the year 2016 it increased 11.57%. This percentage indicates the decrease in expenses during the current year 2016. Revenue Growth 74.12 13.80 In the financial year 2014, the amount of revenue of the company was less than that in 2015 by 74.12%. However, the revenue increased by 13.80% during the year 2016 which indicates the performance efficiency of Greencross Ltd. NPAT -117.53 74.61 It states the earnings excluding the cost of finance and tax in order to measure the performance of the organization with the own capital funds. During the year, 2014 the organization incurred net loss while in 2015 it incurred profit hence the percentage changed occurred at 117.53%. On the other hand, Greencross Limited incurred profit during 2016 that increased by 74.16% improving the performance efficiency. Finance Cost 38.35 17.72 It refers the cost incurred to borrow the business funds, which increased during the accounting year 2015 and 2016 but at lower percentage. Non- Current Assets 74.98 6.99 It states the employed assets that generate economic benefits over more than one year. During the year 2015, the value increased by 74.98% and in 2016 by 6.99%. Number of stores and veterinary clinics at the end of the year 9.59 7.50 It indicates the capability of the organization to hire the operating units, which reflected a declined value in 2016. Cash flow from operating activities -39.51 435.27 It indicates the generation of cash from the operating activities, which was negative during the year 2014 while increased at high percentage in 2016. Table 2: Comparative figures of financial statement for 2015 and 2016 (Sources: Greencross Limited 2016) Comparative figures provide information in the change of finances and performance of the business during the two accounting years. The comparative figures of 2015 and 2016 state the increase or decrease in the financial results of the company that assists in making business and investment decisions (Brown, 2016). Such comparative information is useful to the shareholder of Greencross Limited with respect to the companys performance growth, employment of borrowed funds and other financial information. The information will provide the shareholder to compare the generation of sales revenue in consideration with the operating expenses as well as the income from operation after finance charges and tax costs. It is also useful to determine the growth of organization in generating the cash funds from the operating activities ignoring other indirect costs and revenue. Reference: Beccalli, E., Miller, P., O'leary, T. (2015). How analysts process information: technical and financial disclosures in the microprocessor industry.European Accounting Review,24(3), 519-549. Brown, P. J. (2016). Calculation of Environmentally Sustainable Residual Income (eSRI) from IFRS Financial Statements: An Extension of Richard (2012). InIFRS in a Global World(pp. 141-157). Springer International Publishing. Greencross Limited. (2016). Greencrosslimited.com.au. Retrieved 21 November 2016, from https://www.greencrosslimited.com.au/ Hassanli, N., Gross, M. J., Brown, G. (2016). The emergence of home-based accommodations in Iran: A study of self-organization.Tourism Management,54, 284-295. Heiss, M., Oertl, A., Sturm, M., Palensky, P., Vielguth, S., Nadler, F. (2015, April). Platforms for industrial cyber-physical systems integration: contradicting requirements as drivers for innovation. InModeling and Simulation of Cyber-Physical Energy Systems (MSCPES), 2015 Workshop on(pp. 1-8). IEEE. Krkinen, E. L., Laitinen, E. K. (2015). Financial and non-financial information in reorganisation failure prediction.International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development,14(2), 144-171. Laporte, C. Y., OConnor, R. V., Paucar, L. H. G. (2015, April). The implementation of ISO/IEC 29110 software engineering standards and guides in very small entities. InInternational Conference on Evaluation of Novel Approaches to Software Engineering(pp. 162-179). Springer International Publishing. Lee, P. J. (2015). Assessment of business subsidiary operations and consolidated financial statements through a common global accounting language, IFRS vs. GAAP.International Journal of Business and Social Research,5(7), 61-70. Nobes, C. W., Stadler, C. (2015). The qualitative characteristics of financial information, and managers accounting decisions: evidence from IFRS policy changes.Accounting and Business Research,45(5), 572-601. Sauvant, K. P. (2015). The negotiations of the United Nations code of conduct on transnational corporations: Experience and lessons learned.The Journal of World Investment Trade,16(1), 11-87. Teuteberg, T., Voll, D., Zlch, H. (2016). The success story of international additives producer AG: A case study on categorization of investments under IFRS.Journal of Accounting Education,34, 13-29. Winter, L. A. (2015). The Presence of Social Justice Principles Within Professional and Ethical Guidelines in International Psychology.Psychotherapy and Politics International,13(1), 55-66

The Rise of China

Abstract China’s swift rise in economic and political supremacy is considered among the most significant changes of the past three decades. The paper examines three research papers on China’s rise to political and economic dominance. The paper also scrutinizes research questions in each of the articles and establishes their validity.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Rise of China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The paper also explores role, limitation and interpretation of hypothesis testing in quantitative and qualitative research. Analysis from all the three research papers shows that China’s spiral growth and influence will continue and even surpass the United States. However, this will depend on China’s ability to manage both domestic and international challenges. Introduction Rapid rise in china’s political and economic strength in the last three decades has cr eated applause and uproar at the same time. The country’s vast population and territory had made it a potential powerhouse for centuries. However, China’s potential was not realised until the 1980s when they embarked on an ambitious program aimed at revitalizing its economy. While a section of the world has praised China for its rise in the global arena, others have grown sceptical of its methodologies of attaining global rise. In particular, the United States has been sceptical of china’s financial techniques utilized to manipulate the market (Altbach Wang, 2012). It is quite evident that China has been utilizing currency manipulation techniques to keep its economy afloat. This paper will utilize both qualitative and quantitative analysis to identify possible dangers of the fall of Chinese economy to the world. Moreover, the paper will explore the effects of China’s rise on the U.S. (Chellaney, 2012). Literature Review and Analysis China’s past t remendous growth is currently facing huge upheavals as it tries to balance its economy. On the other hand, its economic turmoil is also affecting the global economy because of its large share in international market. In addition, China’s its political decisions have also attracted criticism from world powers like the EU and the US. The Rise of China and the Future of the West The article above talks about China’s economic and political rise as well as its effects on western powers (Ikenberry, 2008). The author introduces hypothesis on whether the liberal system will survive. The article describes extraordinary economic growth that has defined China for the past three decades. Moreover, it entrenches on the diplomatic influence China has gained since its growth started. However, the author brings in a number of research questions on effects of China’s dominance.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get y our first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, he asks whether China’s rise will bring about a new order or if China will join the existing order. According to the author, Western order is quite easy to join than to overturn. In essence, if China has to create a new order, then it has a huge obstacle to overcome. According to Ikenberry, the United States created a farsighted leadership that integrated newly sovereign with established powers. In addition, its leadership brought global membership together as well as creating universal institutions that brought market societies and global democracies together. The author establishes that it would be difficult for China to overturn the existing world order (Ikenberry, 2008). The author also reminds the United States that it has the mandate to define the environment in which China operates. Moreover, he alludes that the United States must strengthen institutions that underpin the western order. The article outlines that the United States should give China incentives for integration to increase western order’s chances of survival. Later on, he asserts that if the struggle is between China and the United States, the former will win but if the struggle is between China and the Western system, the latter will triumph. The author uses data to back up his assertions that China is rising at a dramatic pace. For instance, the article shows that China had more than one trillion dollars as foreign reserves by the end of 2006. Moreover, the country’s military spending had increased to 18% with its diplomatic reach extending beyond Asia to Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Additionally, the article articulates an important debate on China’s power since it is emerging as both an economical and a military power as opposed to Soviet Union, which only posed military opposition to the United States. With that, the article concurs that China’s rise poses a greater threat th an that posed by the USSR. The article gives a conclusive review of the strengths of western order including its rules and norms, which have enabled it to gain dominance. OECD projections show that China’s PPP will surpass the United States’ PPP by 2025. However, the same modelling shows that China’s defence expenditure, as a percentage of GDP will not surpass that of the United States by 2030. The article concludes that the U.S. cannot stop china’s rise although it can define the environment that China operates. Research question is detailed to support research objectives as provided in the article (Ikenberry, 2008).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Rise of China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Rise of China and the Interests of the United States The article by Carl Minzner provides a comprehensive scrutiny of China’s global emergence and its effects on US int erests. The article begins by reviewing the grinding Iraq war, which dominates the U.S politics. However, it goes right into context of the issue facing international politics, which is China’s steady rise. The author asserts that China’s growth is natural which conflicts most analysts views. It mentions the huge population of China at about 1.3 billion, which has experienced rapid growth over the past three decades. Moreover, the author claims that China’s expected rise would change the current geopolitical system that the United States has enjoyed for the past few decades. In fact, the author concurs that China’s dominance is not a matter of if but when, therefore, the United States should find ways of adapting to the expected global changes. Additionally, the article examines domestic issues that could derail china’s dominance. For instance, the article talks about the rising number of discontented rural farmers and migrants who could bring abou t revolution (Minzner, 2007). The author also concurs with other scholars that China is not seeking confrontation with the United States. Therefore, according to the article, the policies applied by the Chinese government regarding rapid growth, reduction of poverty among the poor and police controls are aimed at stopping potential revolution against the regime. However, the article also alludes to the existence of threat posed by China’s emergence to the United States. Tensions between the two states concern Taiwan and South China Sea but do not seem like direct military confrontation. The author views Chinese competition as a challenge and not a threat. Therefore, the article proposes that the U.S. gives China an active role in expanding existing institutions rather than isolate or intimidate it. Moreover, the article suggests that China should take an active role and responsibilities in shaping international crises like the ones in Sudan and North Korea. The article also s tresses the need for the U.S. to strengthen international norms and institutions as well as deal with the world’s most populous nation in a bipartisan manner. The article provides a detailed description of research problem (Minzner, 2007). China’s Peaceful Rise in the 21st Century The article examines the conditions and challenges that would allow for peaceful rise of China. Moreover, the article explores whether china can achieve global dominance without war. The article begins by stressing China’s huge economic and military potential backed by a vast population and territory.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The article examines opportunities and challenges that face the world’s most populous nation in its quest to rise. In particular, the article divides conditions into two groups namely, domestic and international conditions. In the first part, the article looks at the relationship between China’s deep reform and perceived peaceful progress. Jintao’s concept of peaceful development has been the basis of China’s diplomatic policy. However, the article raises research question of whether China’s perceived peaceful development would work in the wide context of international and domestic development. The article also looks at the china’s regime stability, as well as political legitimacy. In addition, the article explores the country’s hybrid regime and peaceful development. In the second section, the article examines international conditions to China’s peaceful rise. In this section, the author looks at relationship between China-US military. Moreover, it examines the geopolitical system in central Asia (Guo, 2007). The article utilizes comprehensive literature to provide interpretation based on China’s new progress. Moreover, it examines China’s ability to achieve global dominance without provoking war, as was the case in Germany and Japan. Moreover, the article tries to answer research question of how China deals with potential provocations as witnessed in currency manipulations and diplomacy. The article provided a comprehensive review of the implications of China’s strategic choices with regard to diplomatic and economic influence. The article is therefore important in answering research question on china’s ability to achieve peaceful global dominance. Statistical techniques utilized in the articles provide both qualitative and quantitative analysis of china’s potential global dominance (Guo, 2007). Role of Statistics in Research Statistics plays an important role in condu cting of research. Statistics provides avenues for data collection, analysis and recommendation based on the outcomes. Moreover, statistics provides unique problem questions that lead to a choice of research steps and classification. Statistical hypothesis test is essential in empirical research of both quantitative and qualitative research analysis. However, statistical tests also have limitations. For instance, hypothesis test rarely applies literally. Moreover, the complexity of reasoning based on uncertain data sometimes lead to misunderstanding and wrong application of the statistical tests. Moreover, most of the tests are based on random variability that is based on assumptions thereby creating a possibility of error. During interpretations, one should be aware of potential causes of errors since wrong assumptions can result in invalid conclusions Conclusion Statistical methods play an important role in qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as other research methodolo gies. Statistical methods provide information, which are significant for analysis. Statistical hypothesis is the most commonly used statistical test in empirical research of social science. It evaluates data by contrasting null hypothesis with its alternative hypothesis. High values are considered to be for null hypothesis while low values are considered to be against null hypothesis. From the above articles, it can be noted that China’s rise is will continue although it will depend heavily on its approach to managing its domestic and international issues. In addition, The United states will have to accept the changes that arise from China’s emergence. However, the U.S. should ensure that China rises through accepted international standards defined by western order (Chen, 2012). Reference List Altbach, P., Wang, Q. (2012). Can China Keep Rising? Scientific American, 307(4), 46-47. Chellaney, B. (2012). Rising Powers, Rising Tensions: The Troubled China-India Relations hip. SAIS Review, 32(2), 99-108. Chen, G. (2012). The Art of Governance: Managing Rising Expectations. China Development and Governance, 22(1), 1-5. Guo, S. (2007). China’s â€Å"Peaceful Rise† in 21st Century: Domestic and International Conditions. The China Journal, 1(58), 228-230. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/20066356?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents Ikenberry, J. (2008). The Rise of China and the future of the West: Can the Liberal System Survive? Foreign affairs, 87(1), 23-37. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/20020265?origin=JSTOR-pdfseq=1#page_scan_tab_contents Minzner, C. (2007). The Rise of China and the Interests of the U.S. The Ripon Forum, 41(2). This research paper on The Rise of China was written and submitted by user Rodolfo G. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on John Updike’s Araby And James Joyce’s A&P

when describing his lover’s legs when expressing them as "long white prima-donna legs" (Updike 27). Another important detail used in this particular story is the use of color, which has more underlying layers than only looking at the color, green, worn by one girl, as only being just another color. According to Updike, he used the color green because it can be looked at in different ways, from meaning â€Å"go,† as in a traffic light, or having a connotation of â€Å"money.† From looking at the color in this deeper meaning, the girls, by wearing green,... Free Essays on John Updike’s Araby And James Joyce’s A&P Free Essays on John Updike’s Araby And James Joyce’s A&P A young adolescent boy, who is lovesick for a girl, does not want to be let down nor disappointed. Unfortunately, this is exactly what occurs in two famous short stories. Both Updike’s A&P and Joyce’s Araby provide a similar theme that conveys a boy’s infatuation for a girl and the hardships he has to go through, in order to acquire more experience in the complicated area of love. These passions that are in both stories are presented through the use of detail and the intentions of both protagonists to capture the heart of the girl of their dreams. In short stories or novels, detail is mostly always an important characteristic. However, the same two stories can be looked at in opposite views due to a difference in detail. In Araby and A&P, detail has a large influence when comparing the two stories. From the narration of a teenager, as in A&P, to the telling by a more mature and wiser man in Araby, these two use detail to help the reader have a better understanding and become more emotionally involved in the story. Because the narration of Updike’s A&P is told by a young boy, the words used in description are obviously that of an obsessed teenager boy and his fantasies towards the opposite sex. The mind of the protagonist of the story, Sammy, is focused on the female characters in the story, but mostly on one specific girl. Sammy uses a very graphic choice of words when describing his lover’s legs when expressing them as "long white prima-donna legs" (Updike 27). Another important detail used in this particular story is the use of color, which has more underlying layers than only looking at the color, green, worn by one girl, as only being just another color. According to Updike, he used the color green because it can be looked at in different ways, from meaning â€Å"go,† as in a traffic light, or having a connotation of â€Å"money.† From looking at the color in this deeper meaning, the girls, by wearing green,...

Sula by Toni Morrison Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sula by Toni Morrison - Essay Example The author concentrates on the certain part of the town which is called 'The Bottom', which mean the bottom of life and society. The main character of the novel, Sula, grew up actually in that place. During her childhood she was surrounded by people, who refused to contain themselves in the social norms. Sula was born in a female-centered domain with Hannah her widowed and sexually free mother, with Eva her grandmother, who had her leg amputated, and with boarders and relatives taken into the house situated at 7 Carpenter's Road up in the Bottom. Reading the novel, one can see enormous influence of family on the personality: "Eva's arrogance and Hannah's self-indulgence merged in her and, with a twist that was all her own imagination, she lived out her days exploring her own thoughts and emotions, giving them full reign, feeling no obligation to please anybody unless their pleasure pleasedher"1. Since her early childhood, Sula Peace seemed to people strange girl because of the rose tattoo near her eye and because of the disorder among her household. Sula lives in a "woolly" house of "throbbing disorder" with few, if any rules. The characters around Sula exist as a point to compare the different ways the community treats those who are different. For example, Shadrack and Hannah are outcast from the community in the bottom as well as Sula; nevertheless they are not regarded with such fear or resentment as the town feels towards Sula. Shadrack returned shell-shocked from the war and then led quite immoral lifestyle frequently drinking and behaving as a bum. He was considered crazy, but wasn't disgraced, as he was a male. However Hannah had frequent affairs with married men after the death of Sula's father, she was known as a kind and generous woman and even respected. Sula, in turn, has never experienced a healthy relationship between a man and a woman. She was taught to view sex as at the source of pleasure. This certainly affected Sula's adult life; she had romances only with other women's husbands. Such behaviour was regarded as a delinquency. Opposite to Hanna Sula was not a submissive participant in her relations with men, but felt as an equal. She used her lovers only for pleasure, taking no consideration as to how the men feel. She always gained limitless control over them - actually this caused hatred, scorn and nasty rumors among the women, who had no real power over their husbands.Sula looked after herself and because she had all her teeth, had had no childhood diseases and looked younger than her age the town acknowledged that she was a real evil. She embodied the things that had never been seen in the community before; the community, in turn, labelled her as wicked as people had fear about unknown. Thus, for the inhabitants of Medallion, Sula was an example of evil. After Sula returns from her ten year long absence from Medallion, she starts even more promiscuous lifestyle. She is considered a "slut" among the community. Nevertheless, after her return, the membersof community start behaving better and more carefully than they had before. Women began to take care of themselves and their children and to cherish their

New York City Project Part 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

New York City Project Part 4 - Essay Example Similarly, the economic recovery of the city as reflected by the improved activities at Wall Street would enable the local government in attaining the projected revenue in the budget drawn (Hillman, 2009). Consequently, the ability of the New York City local government to deliver services to the population of the city is strong due to the availability of funds to finance the government operations. Indeed, the economic recovery within the city saw the revenue collection forecast for the fiscal year of 2012 exceeding by $2.4 billions that will be useful in closing the financial gap of 2013 financial year (Bloomberg, 2013). Similarly, the fiscal budget that has been prepared by the local government of New York City allows for future modification on the allocations that have been made to the different departments. This will help the city in avoiding the current shut down crisis that is facing the federal government organs currently. Furthermore, the reducing deficit projection in the bud get implies that the financial stability of the firm is strong in allowing the city to deliver it services to the public. This will boost the ability of the New York City local government in meeting it obligations and development objectives. The financial budget for New York for the year covering 2013 financial year has projected deficit of $1.6 billion that is a reduction of $0.4 billions of the previous year deficit projection of $2 billions. The city is projecting to collect revenue of $49.2 billions from the tax and levy fees it charges to business operating in the area against an expenses projection of $50.8 billions for the financial year 2012-2013. Consequently, the municipal government of New York City has come up with a plan of issuing a municipal bond to finance it core development projects for the 2013 financial year. This will help the municipal government of New York City in closing the deficit gap. Similarly, the revenue collection that exceeded the financial forecast of 2012 has been cited as the remedy that will be utilize in closing the deficit gap that is expected in the financial year of 2013. Another strategic measure that has been cited by the local government cabinet in solving the projected deficit is contracting private firms to undertake a number of the government tasks on a long-term basis due to the improving economic environment that will enable the firm to earn high revenues to settle for the contract (Seidman, 2008). The outsourcing mechanism that has been adopted by the municipal government of New York City will help in the necessary services to the public even with the limited financial resources been projected in the budget. One of the measures that should be undertaken by the New York City municipal government to reduce the budget deficit it is facing is to downsize the number of workers (Anderson, 2011). The recurrent expenditure of the city government is biggest proportion in the budget allocation. This implies that the city government is facing unsustainable labor force that is straining it financial resources. Thus, the government should eliminate some traditional job classifications that have been overtaken by adoption of information and technology platform with the various department of the government (Titos, Makondo, & Nsingo, 2010). This will help the municipal government of New York City to reduce the current budget deficit it is facing. The trend of the New York City budget over the last five years

Marketing Plan McDonald's North America Research Paper

Marketing Plan McDonald's North America - Research Paper Example The mascot of the store Ronald McDonalds is a global icon. He has been instrumental in the firm’s ability to achieve the highest market share among kids in the industry. The organization has a huge customer base that allowed the store to serve 64 million customers on a daily basis (Aboutmcdonalds, 2011). The financial performance of the company in 2010 was outstanding. The net income and net margin of the firm in 2010 were $4,946 million and 20.54% respectively. The product variety of the company is excellent. This provides the customers with many eating alternatives to choose from. The company just like any other business has weaknesses. One of the weaknesses of McDonalds is that it competes in an extremely saturated industry. There are approximately 160,000 fast food restaurants in the United States. A second weakness of the firm is that a lot of its food products are not nutritional since they have high contents of fat. As the industry leader the company is a target of its followers who often include anti-McDonald’s campaigns in their advertisements. The high cost of acquiring a McDonald’s franchise has become a weakness that will make it harder for the company in the future to find a large pool of franchisee applicants. The organization also charges extremely high royalties. Franchisees have to pay a 12% royalty on sales and a 4% advertising fee. This means that the franchisee gets to keep only 84% of the revenues generated by the store. There are opportunities that McDonald’s can capitalize on to continue to achieve growth and prosperity and to improve the brand value of the company. The firm can increase its product offering to include more products that have lower fat content. The use of wheat flatbread and tortillas can be used to add several healthy products that can attract dieters, diabetics, and healthy eaters. Another opportunity for McDonalds is to create a new customer reward program. The new customer reward program wo uld give its customers a 6% food credit for future purchases. The creation of this program would beat the best program in the industry which is the Burger King’s BK reward which gives customers in certain states and US territories a 5% credit towards future purchases (Mybkrewardscard, 2011). A growth opportunity for the company is mobile food trucks. McDonalds should design and aggressively market mobile McDonald’s food vending trucks. These food trucks would offer a limited McDonalds menu. Two advantages of offering these trucks are lower franchisee entry cost and lower operating costs. Distress in the US and global economy is a threat to McDonalds. The rising unemployment in the United States is decreasing the disposable income of its citizens. The unemployment rate in the United States in August of 2011 was 9.1% (Tradingeconomics, 2011). When the population has lower income people spend less money eating outside of home. The trend towards healthier eating is another threat to McDonalds. Fast foods are by nature an unhealthy meal. Another threat to McDonalds is increased education among the population about the health dangers of high consumption of red meats. High consumption of red meat increases risk of cancer, heart disease and it lower life expectancy (Brody, 2009). Competition McDonalds faces direct and indirect competition from many sectors. There are thousands of fast food restaurant competing in the fast food industry. Many cafes, bakeries, mobile food

Using Environmental Management For Businesses

Using Environmental Management For Businesses Human beings depend on nature for various purposes like food, water, clothing, shelter and even the air to breath. But, the unintended impacts of human actions are now creating a number of environmental issues like global warming, tropical deforestation, toxic waste disposal, ozone depletion and so on. These environmental issues, in turn, cause increased awareness of the importance of environmental ethics, pertaining to the moral relation between human beings and their natural environment (Stewart, p. 154), and increased awareness of the importance of minimizing the impacts on environment arising out of the activities of manufacturing industries, supply chains, transportation, government etc. Manufacturing industries and business organizations cause major environmental issues and therefore effective Environmental Management has recently been viewed as imperative for businesses. This piece of research paper is an attempt to address the need and importance of environmental management for businesses, and outline the benefits of using such management system for business organizations. Environmental Management As Barrow noted, environmental management, a significant part of environmental ethics, is a system of efforts that attempt to minimize the negative environmental impacts of the products and services that a business is related with (p. 33). When companies are manufacturing large volume of goods by using of various technologies, it causes major issues of waste disposal, toxic wastes, air, water and environmental pollution and so on that in turn ultimately cause major environmental issues of global warming, ozone depletion etc. the fundamental concept of environmental management is that negative impacts of organizational activities on its environment should be minimized, energy to be saved, waste to be disposed effectively or to be renewed and environmental pollution to be avoided. In a broader sense, environmental management system that a business implements not only saves human being life, but also, keeps sustainable environment for animals, species and all others living beings in the earth. Environmental management is essentially a significant part of business ethics and corporate social responsibility, because, the operation of the business should never be harmful to the environment and social life. Ryding emphasized that a business, when it is socially responsible and ethical, must have commitment to keep sustainable environment. He suggested that a good corporate citizen must be socially and ethically committed to conduct operations in order to avoid serious damage to the environment and social life (p. 536). Business organizations, regardless of small or large, nationals or multinationals, should set up a system approach, by taking a group of people to be involved in and by setting certain organizational goals and standards to be achieved by them in order to make the company more ethical, socially responsible and morally committed to its environment (Tinsley, p. 2). In recent days, green business concept, environmental management and ISO 14001 have gained significant attention among the corporate giants. ISO 14001 is a specific and systematic international standards for environmental management, providing a framework on how a business can implement environmental management at corporate levels. The environmental management in a business can be effectively implemented if there are well defined policies, good communication among its members, strong desire from the management and social and ethical commitment towards sustainable environment. Importance of using environmental management for businesses The environmental management at corporate levels would be a system approach aligned with strategies, actions and managerial activities that aim at eliminating the impacts of business operation and its products or services on the environment. There are large numbers of electronic machines, plastic products, household goods, food items and chemicals that cause major pollution to the environment or dispose toxic and dangerous wastes or even cause major health issues to the humans. By effectively implementing the environmental management system or ISO 14001, these pollution and environmental issues can be eliminated up to a greater extent and can do justice to the occupants of the earth, including humans, animals and all other living beings. It shows that environmental management at business level can obviously help enhance environmental ethics. Businesses today face rigorous competition from counterparts that causing them to put any potential efforts that can help them achieve competitive advantages. Businesses require environmental management as an effective tool for achieving its competitive advantages because customers that they face are increasingly aware of environment and products and services that are environment-friendly. To be more specific, a business that fails to meet specific requirements of its customers pertaining to providing goods and services that are conforming to the environmental ethics, will lose its market. In contrast, a business with effective environmental management will eventually be socially responsible, ethical and thus to be able to achieve competitive advantages too. It also can be perceived that environmental management is helpful for businesses to create customer loyalty and reputation through satisfying their needs. Secondly, environmental management helps maintain healthy communication among the members of the organization, because people or workforce of the business are more likely to like working environment that are goods for their health and work and this in turn motivate them to perform in their works. Thirdly, by implementing effective environmental management system and by conforming its standards to that of ISO 14001, it can be certified as ISO 14001 that gives greater values in international relations. Waste minimization, energy saving and effective waste disposal are some of the positive aspects of implementing environmental management for businesses. Waste minimization and effective waste disposal can help the business become socially more responsible, especially among the people who live nearby the business. These both result cost saving to the business as well, because, by minimizing wastes and through better disposal methods, the company will be able to cut its costs down. Environmental management encourages energy saving, that not only helps reduce pollution to the nature, but also cut down expenses of the business. Evaluative Conclusion Ethics is perhaps one of the hot buzzwords of today. Ethics relates to both business and environment. This piece of research work integrated environmental ethics and business ethics, detailing how environmental ethics can be enhanced by businesses through an effective environmental management system. This research paper has highlighted key benefits of implementing environmental management for the businesses.

Childhood Abuse and Neglect and Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome Essay

Introduction This study briefly reviews complex trauma and discusses how it manifests in adolescents with a history of childhood abuse and neglect. A history of childhood abuse and neglect often leads to long-term emotional, behavioral and physical dysregulation that do not always fit the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This has led to the proposal of a separate but related diagnosis termed Developmental Trauma Disorder (Cook, Blaustein, Spinazzola & van der Kolk, 2003; van der Kolk, 2005; Najjar, Weller, Weisbrot & Weller, 2008). This diagnosis is based on an assessment of the literature on complex trauma and its long-term mental and physical health consequences. In this study, we will review the following: 1) the scope of complex trauma in terms of its general impact on individuals and society; 2) a description of the phenomenology of complex trauma; 3) the develop mental impact of complex trauma on adolescents; and 4) the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of complex trauma in adolescents. Complex trauma refers to both the exposures and the developmental impact of long-term exposure to traumatic events during childhood and adolescence. Traumatic exposures are commonly of an interpersonal nature, including childhood physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect. Traumatic exposures can also include repeated surgical procedures, chemotherapy or other adverse events during childhood. Complex trauma has a significant developmental impact across the life-span. In a large epidemiological survey, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, of more than 17,000 adults from the general popula... ...icine, 14, 245-258. Gabowitz, D., Zucker, M., & Cook, A. (2008) Neuropsychological assessment in clinical Evaluation of children and adolescents with complex trauma. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 1, 163-178. Najjar, F., Weller, R.A. Weisbrot, J., & Weller, E. B. (2008). Post-traumatic stress disorder its treatment in children and adolescents. Current Psychiatry Reports, 40, 104-108. Perrin, S., Smith, P., & Yule, W. (2000). Practitioner Review: The assessment and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 41, 227-280. Van der Kolk, B. A. (2005). Developmental trauma disorder. Psychiatric Times, 35, 401-408. Weiss, D., S. (2004). The Impact of Events Scale – Revised. In J. P. Wilson, & T. M. Keane (Eds.), Assessing Psychological Trauma and PTSD. New York: Guilford.

The Harvard University

To be what we are today, we all have our own stories to tell and personal struggles and sacrifices that we make. Some times we are just luck. Different legislators belong to different political parties so do their views, principles and backgrounds. We are going to examine two prominent personalities. First, let us look at senator Barrack Peters who is a son of an African migrant. Senator Barrack was borne forty six years ago in Illions state, his father was an African migrant who had gone in America and acquired an American citizenship then he married an American wife.As a child Barrack went to American school and performed well. He got a scholarship and proceeded to study law at the Harvard University. Where he was actively involved in students’ leadership and was the president of student union at the university. After graduating with an honors degree, Barrack worked for an American civil society group. He later joined a famous law firm called Young, Lawrence and associates w here he worked in the civil cases department. It is here that he met his wife Julia, who was working with another law firm as a clerk. After working here for ten years he left and formed his own law firm.During the same period he also got involved in politics and decided to join the democrats. His friends and wife encouraged him to go an elective position. During the next election he contested for the senator seat on a democrat ticket and was elected with a land slide. On the other hand, let us examine senator Arnold Sorio, a man who nobody imagined could be a senator. Arnold was borne fifty years ago, he was the sixth in a family of eight, his parents were very poor and his father used to work in a coal mine. The mother washed dishes in a near by hotel to supplement the father.As a child Arnold knew that everything was a struggle, he had to work as child assisting the mother in her duties at the hotel and at the same time attend school. So he went joined high school, he had to take part time jobs to pay fees as his parents could not afford to pay him. He managed to finish and joined college. In college he studied arts and drama as he loved acting and music. He had always dreamed to be an actor as this made him forget the hard times he was experiencing. After college Arnold joined a local drama group and performed in local hotels.The money he earned was very little and with pressure from his parents to assist them he couldn’t manage. Arnold decided to try his luck in Los Angles where he went. Life here become very difficult has he could not get a breakthrough to the movies where he really wanted to be. He was forced to do odd jobs to make ends meet. Two years later at thirty he got a chance to play a small role in a movie that was being shot in Los angles. The producer of the movie was so much impressed with his acting, and promised to give him a bigger role in a movie he was producing next.Soon Arnold was being sought by many film producers and he beca me a house hold name. It was with a big surprise when Arnold announced that he was quitting acting and the big screen and he is joining the Republican Party and that he was going to contest the New York seat as a senator. Every body thought what a joke an actor being a senator! But then Arnold did his home work nicely and beat his other contenders and he his now Senator Arnold Sorio. The senator is married to a former model Miss Brittney and has two beautiful daughters. These two senators have a different background and are in opposite political parties.They have different perspective of looking at national issues. Take war in Iraq, Senator Barrack believes that this war should not have happened, that American need to pull out its troops as soon as possible, as the war is draining the country resources both financial and in terms of personnel. He also reasons that this war seems not to have an end as the Iraqis themselves are not taking the initiative to end the war. The senator als o agues that the foreign polices of America should change has they have created more enmity than friendship.On the contrary Senator Arnold beliefs that the war was good for American has it removed a dictator from power. He argues that only change of regime was needed and nothing else. He also points out that American has a responsibility to bring order in Iraq and therefore the troops should stay in Iraq until order is restored. As for the resources being incurred he argues that democracy has a very big price and sacrifices must be made to gain it. When it comes to tax, Senator Barrack has a view that low income earners should be exempted from paying tax or be given tax relieves.He believes that the poor are taxed more than the rich and argue that the government should take decisive tax measures. In this way he predicts the economy will grow faster as more money will be left to the people who will then invest it. He also points out that, the living standard has shot up and yet more tax is paid; instead he proposes that the burden of tax should be reduced. On the other hand, Senator Arnold opposes the move saying that the government needs more revenue to provide services to the public.Therefore, he points out that tax relieves should not be there and instead more tax should be paid. He argues out that, for economy to grow better infrastructures and social amenities must be put in place and the government requires funds to build these infrastructures. The senator states that, good governments can only operate well when they have resources and those resources come from the people. He lastly argues that tax relieve should not be there as money that government collect in form of taxes goes back to the public in form of better services.

hotel law Essay

hotel law Essay hotel law Essay 0677806 HRT 244B Professor Frye Managing Insurance HomeworkDescribe the importance of mathematics and statistics to the insurance industry. Be sure to explain the roles that underwrites, agents, actuaries, premiums, and risk play in the insurance process. The use of mathematics and statistics is utilized in the insurance industry in order to be protected against financial risk. An insurance industry is built on the use of the following fundamental premises: underwrites, actuaries, agents, premiums, and risk play. First, underwrites must be faced by a large enough number of individuals or businesses so that statisticians can use actuary methods. Next, there are actuary methods; these methods are used to predict the average frequency of loss involved in the risk. An agent is the next big premise; agents are people authorized to act for or to represent another, usually referred to as a principal. Premiums are fees; they must be low enough to attract those who seek to be insured but high enough to support the number of losses that will be incurred by the insurer. Lastly, there is the premise of risk play; risk play is evaluating a situation for an insurance company, it makes sure the any risk is not occurring so frequently during any given period that the insurer cannot pay all legitimate claims. As discussed in the chapter, identify at least five types of insurance that would be needed by a nightclub or bar owner, and discuss the importance of each. Five main insurance types that would be needed by a nightclub owner or bar owner include the following: Property-Casualty insurance, Liability insurance, Employee Liability insurance, Dram Shop insurance, and Health/Dental/Vision insurance. First, they would need Property-Casualty insurance, this insurance is important because it is used to protect a business against property damages. Next, there is Liability insurance, this insurance is important because a business will want to protect themselves against injuries to other people resulting from the operation of their own facilities. It is also important for a business of this kind to have Employee Liability insurance. This insurance is important because, as an owner or manager, you wish to supplement your general liability coverage with additional coverage for any harmful acts your employees may commit in the course of their employment. Next, a business will want to have Dram Shop insurance because it is a liquor liability. Thi s insurance provided establishments that sell alcohol with coverage for bodily injury or property damage that may result from any or all of the following acts: causing or contributing to intoxication of a person, serving alcoholic beverages to a person under the legal drinking age, serving to an intoxicated person, and violating any statute, ordinance, or regulation relating to sale, gift, distribution, or use of alcoholic beverages. Lastly, a business of this type should have Health/Dental/Vision insurance. This insurance allows the manager to retain and maintain a quality workforce. Assess the pros and cons of self-insurance in the area of Workers’ Compensation. There are both pros and cons to self-insurance in the area of Workers’ Compensation. First there are a few pros; primarily, it is beneficial that compensation policies provide payments to workers or their families in the event of an employee’s injury. Also, lump-sums can be made to those who have been partially or permanently disabled. In addition, if a worker is killed while on the job, payments may be made to the worker’s family. Then there are cons to this type of insurance; primarily, injured employees are not allowed to sue employers for damages beyond those awarded by workers’ compensation. Also, an injured employee must be examined by a specific doctor, not their own. Lastly, in some cases where another employee or third party has caused a worker injury, or when the employee challenges the legality of a worker’s

Health Morality and Student Success Paper

Health Morality and Student Success Paper Health: Morality and Student Success Paper 10/2/12 mike jenkins Health 2 mike jenkins 10/2/12 Student success paper #2 Values are moral rules that we hold for our self and what we care about. I value my family, honesty, and trust. We decide what our own values are by the way we are raised. Some may value education in a certain way an instructor teaches. Not all instructors teach the same way. There are two different types of ways an instructor can teach. One is by presenting the information and taking notes, the other is getting the whole class involved in class discussions, class activities and group work. To be successful on an exam you need to follow seven basic rules to prevent exam anxiety. The first is knowing what the test covers so you can study what needs to be known and not fill your head with useless information that you class has not covered yet or that won’t be on the test. The second is the test comprehensive? Comprehensive exams include all information from the beginning of the course. What is the format of the test, true or false, matching, mult iple choice, or subjective? By knowing this you can be prepared on how to answer your questions. Next, what level of thinking will be required? Most likely you will analyze and interpret the questions you see. Knowing how much of the test counts toward your final grade will help you decide how much study time to prepare for. Be prepared with what materials you need to bring to be successful. Lastly compare how much study

Analysis Essay over the article of Ipods Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis over the article of Ipods - Essay Example He compares this isolation to living in a bubble created by this portable music. Sullivan develops this argument by creating vivid pictures with apt choice of words, sentences, examples, metaphors and similes. The picture he creates attracts attention and the readers are also able to relate to the scenario he is discussing. The description of the scene in a subway in New York makes us feel that we too like him are in a subway in the middle of New York watching people around us. Sullivan describes the scene thus: â€Å"There were little white wires hanging down from their ears, or tucked into pockets, purses or jackets. Each was in his or her own musical world †¦ almost oblivious to the world around them. These are the iPod people† (Sullivan, 2005). This indeed paints a perfect picture. The sentence patterns Sullivan uses allows him to stay focused on the subject. The sentences used are short and to the point. For instances sentences such as this: When others say â€Å"Excuse me† there’s no response. â€Å"Hi†, ditto† (Sullivan, 2005) convey that the people listening to the iPod are in a world of their own and do not react to people around them. This is the subject of his article. Again sentences like this: â€Å"Don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t overhear, don’t observe. Just tune in and tune out† convey the point that people today are as he says, â€Å"anaesthetised by technology†. (Sullivan, 2005) The author uses many metaphors and similes to put forth his views. The metaphors used are very apt and give the readers a sense of what he trying to convey. For instance, in one place he compares an Apple store to a Church. Here he says, â€Å"Every now and again I go to church — those huge, luminous Apple stores, pews in the rear, the clerics in their monastic uniforms all bustling around or sitting behind the â€Å"Genius Bars†, like priests waiting to hear confession.† (Sullivan, 2005). By this metaphor he wants to show

Motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Motivation - Essay Example There is also Ray, the hot sandwich server, who has also helped Ann to take up the slack as well as Peter, who works the hot entrees spot and interacts well with Lenny, who also entertain an expectancy of gaining the job based upon the efforts they have put into their work so far. Moreover, in arriving at a replacement, when Artie is restricting himself to Averil and Gloria as choices, he has failed to take into account the Lenny factor. Since Lenny is a temperamental sort and Artie already has problems with him, he must ensure that the candidate who is finally selected is one that can get along with Lenny as well as Ann did, in order to ensure that the kitchen functions smoothly without extra temperamental outbursts from Lenny, who is a very important employee. The key to successfully selecting the right candidate will involve a current identification of the expectancies of each employee. The Expectancy theory suggests that individuals, acting on the basis of their own self interest, will adopt those courses of action at work which are likely to maximize the probability of desirable outcomes for themselves.(Pitt, 2001:1). The theory is based on the assumption that valence, expectancy and force are the three determinants that influence a person’s motivation in choosing one decision over another. (Vroom, 1995). For example, factors that motivate employees to perform better is better wages, how their time is spent or how much appreciation they receive, or even how well they interact socially with other employees. Applying this in Lenny’s case, the expectancy model suggests that Lenny is not comfortable with changes. He is unlikely to respond well to an unknown employee such as Gloria for example. A desirable outcome for Lenny would be to maintain the status quo as far as possible, therefore an employee like Peter may be acceptable to him because he knows he can control

Eczema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Eczema - Essay Example Atopic eczema mostly begins at the stages of infancy and childhood. Among the children affected, about 65% developed the symptoms of Atopic eczema within their first year of life and 85% were affected with it before they were 5 years old (Atopic Dermatitis, 2011). Though Atopic eczema is found to be severe in infants and children, about 60 - 70% of the affected children are naturally cured of Atopic eczema by their early teens. Those children who inherited this atopic condition may suffer from its symptoms at any time, even in their teens, if triggered by environmental factors. Moreover, the atopic eczema patients are at an increased risk for asthma and allergic rhinitis. (Mandelin 2010).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Nurses play a major role in the management of atopic eczema.   Since there is no cure for eczema, patients and their caregivers can become despondent over time (NICE 2007). However, if a good skin care routine can be maintained, the majority of eczema patients can cope wit h the condition without too much trouble (Ward 2008).   Educating the patient about eczema is essential but this must be accompanied by demonstrating how to apply treatments, listening to what patients and parents/ caregivers have to say and working together to devise a skin care routine that fits in with their lifestyle in a holistic manner (Ward 2008).   Therefore â€Å"both the theoretical and clinical experience of a nurse is vital to assist both family and child in the condition† (Anderson & Miller, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The primary aim in the treatment of atopic eczema is to heal the skin and to prevent the flare ups. For the treatment of the skin, the parents have to follow an assisted skin care routine, to prevent the worsening of the condition. However, the amount of help and guidance a parent will receive for the treatment of atopic eczema from their GP or nurse can often vary (Ward 2008).   It is, therefore, of great importance that children’s nurses are aware and up to date with evidence based practice (Lawston 2008).  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Nurses, since frequently make informed care decisions based on evidence based practice and research (Thompson 2002), they can assist and guide the family of atopic eczema patients and plan and devise an appropriate treatment. Today, nurses are accountable for their own practice and are answerable for their own acts or omissions, regardless of any direct instructions received and are expected to take responsibility for delivering care supported by best practice, a sound evidence base and validated research (NMC 2004).     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The changes evolved in the field of Nursing is evident from the new roles of Nurses, such as a nurse practitioner running nurse led dermatology clinics, clinical nurse specialist at the forefront of a medical practicing field, etc. In the modern health care industry, Nurses need to be up-to-date with evidence based practice and it is th e responsibility of the nurse to maintain and implement research into practice (Polit & Beck, 2010).  Newell & Burnard (2011) reiterated this stating that one’s practice should always be evidence based and as being a health care professional, it is one’s ethical responsibility.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This paper focuses on the research studies conducted to find out the efficiency of prevailing treatments for

Backward Design Essay Example for Free

Backward Design Essay Deliberate and focused instructional design requires us as teachers and curriculum writers to make an important shift in our thinking about the nature of our job. The shift involves thinking a great deal, first, about the specific learnings sought, and the evidence of such learnings, before thinking about what we, as the teacher, will do or provide in teaching and learning activities. Though considerations about what to teach and how to teach it may dominate our thinking as a matter of habit, the challenge is to focus first on the desired learnings from which appropriate teaching will logically follow. Our lessons, units, and courses should be logically inferred from the results sought, not derived from the methods, books, and activities with which we are most comfortable. Curriculum should lay out the most effective ways of achieving specific results. It is analogous to travel planning. Our frameworks should provide a set of itineraries deliberately designed to meet cultural goals rather than a purposeless tour of all the major sites in a foreign country. In short, the best designs derive backward from the learnings sought. The appropriateness of this approach becomes clearer when we consider the educational purpose that is the focus of this book: understanding. We cannot say how to teach for understanding or which material and activities to use until we are quite clear about which specific understandings we are after and what such understandings look like in practice. We can best decide, as guides, what â€Å"sites† to have our student â€Å"tourists† visit and what specific â€Å"culture† they should experience in their brief time there only if we are clear about the particular understandings about the culture we want them to take home. Only by having specified the desired results can we focus on the content, methods, and activities most likely to achieve those results. But many teachers begin with and remain focused on textbooks, favored lessons, and time-honored activities—the inputs—rather than deriving those means from what is implied in the desired resultsâ€⠀the output. To put it in an odd way, too many teachers focus on the teaching and not the learning. They spend most of their time thinking, first, about what they will do, what materials they will use, and what they will ask students to do rather than first considering what the learner will need in order to accomplish the learning goals. Consider a typical episode of what might be called content-focused design instead of results-focused design. The teacher might base a lesson on a particular topic (e.g., racial prejudice), select a resource (e.g., To Kill a Mockingbird), choose specific instructional methods based on the resource and topic (e.g., Socratic seminar to discuss the book and cooperative groups to analyze stereotypical images in films and on television), and hope thereby to cause learning (and meet a few English/language arts standards). Finally, the teacher might think up a few essay questions and quizzes for assessing student understanding of the book. This approach is so common that we may well be tempted to reply, What could be wrong with such an approach? The short answer lies in the basic questions of purpose: Why are we asking students to read this particular novel—in other words, what learnings will we seek from their having read it? Do the students grasp why and how the purpose should influence their studying? What should students be expected to understand and do upon reading the book, related to our goals beyond the book? Unless we begin our design work with a clear insight into larger purposes—whereby the book is properly thought of as a means to an educational end, not an end unto itself—it is unlikely that all students will understand the book (and their performance obligations). Without being self-conscious of the specific understandings about prejudice we seek, and how reading and discussing the book will help develop such insights, the goal is far too vague: The approach is more â€Å"by hope† than â€Å"by design.† Such an approach ends up unwittingly being one that could be described like this: Throw some content and activities against the wall and hope some of it sticks. Answering the â€Å"why?† and â€Å"so what?† questions that older students always ask (or want to), and doing so in concrete terms as the focus of curriculum planning, is thus the essence of understanding by design. What is difficult for many teachers to see (but easier for students to feel!) is that, without such explicit and transparent priorities, many students find day-to-day work confusing and frustrating. The twin sins of traditional design More generally, weak educational design involves two kinds of purposelessness, visible throughout the educational world from kindergarten through graduate school. We call these the â€Å"twin sins† of traditional design. The error of activity-oriented design might be called â€Å"hands-on without being minds-on†Ã¢â‚¬â€engaging experiences that lead only accidentally, if at all, to insight or achievement. The activities, though fun and interesting, do not lead anywhere intellectually. Such activity-oriented curricula lack an explicit focus on important ideas and appropriate evidence of learning, especially in the minds of the learners. A second form of aimlessness goes by the name of â€Å"coverage,† an approach in which students march through a textbook, page by page (or teachers through lecture notes) in a valiant attempt to traverse all the factual material within a prescribed time. Coverage is thus like a whirlwind tour of Europe, perfectly summarized by the old movie title If Its Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium, which properly suggests that no overarching goals inform the tour. As a broad generalization, the activity focus is more typical at the elementary and lower middle school levels, whereas coverage is a prevalent secondary school and college problem. No guiding intellectual purpose or clear priorities frame the learning experience. In neither case can students see and answer such questions as these: Whats the point? Whats the big idea here? What does this help us understand or be able to do? To what does this relate? Why should we learn this? Hence, the students try to engage and follow as best they can, hoping that meaning will emerge. The three stages of backward design Stage 1: Identify desired results What should students know, understand, and be able to do? What content is worthy of understanding? What enduring understandings are desired? In Stage 1 we consider our goals, examine established content standards (national, state, district), and review curriculum expectations. Because typically we have more content than we can reasonably address within the available time, we must make choices. This first stage in the design process calls for clarity about priorities. Stage 2: Determine acceptable evidence How will we know if students have achieved the desired results? What will we accept as evidence of student understanding and proficiency? The backward design orientation suggests that we think about a unit or course in terms of the collected assessment evidence needed to document and validate that the desired learning has been achieved, not simply as content to be covered or as a series of learning activities. This approach encourages teachers and curriculum planners to first â€Å"think like an assessor† before designing specific units and lessons, and thus to consider up front how they will determine if students have attained the desired understandings. Stage 3: Plan learning experiences and instruction With clearly identified results and appropriate evidence of understanding in mind, it is now the time to fully think through the most appropriate instructional activities. Several key questions must be considered at this stage of backward design: What enabling knowledge (facts, concepts, principles) and skills (processes, procedures, strategies) will students need in order to perform effectively and achieve desired results? What activities will equip students with the needed knowledge and skills? What will need to be taught and coached, and how should it best be taught, in light of performance goals? What materials and resources are best suited to accomplish these goals? Note that the specifics of instructional planning—choices about teaching methods, sequence of lessons, and resource materials—can be successfully completed only after we identify desired results and assessments and consider what they imply. Teaching is a means to an end. Having a clear goal helps to foc us our planning and guide purposeful action toward the intended results. Conclusion Backward design may be thought of, in other words, as purposeful task analysis: Given a worthy task to be accomplished, how do we best get everyone equipped? Or we might think of it as building a wise itinerary, using a map: Given a destination, whats the most effective and efficient route? Or we might think of it as planning for coaching: What must learners master if they are to effectively perform? What will count as evidence on the field, not merely in drills, that they really get it and are ready to perform with understanding, knowledge, and skill on their own? How will the learning be designed so that learners capacities are developed through use and feedback? This is all quite logical when you come to understand it, but â€Å"backward† from the perspective of much habit and tradition in our field. A major change from common practice occurs as designers must begin to think about assessment before deciding what and how they will teach. Rather than creating assessments near the conclusion of a unit of study (or relying on the tests provided by textbook publishers, which may not completely or appropriately assess our standards and goals), backward design calls for us to make our goals or standards specific and concrete, in terms of assessment evidence, as we begin to plan a unit or course. The rubber meets the road with assessment. Three different teachers may all be working toward the same content standards, but if their assessments vary considerably, how are we to know which students have achieved what? Agreement on needed evidence of learning leads to greater curricular coherence and more reliable evaluation by teachers. Equally important is the long-term gain in teacher, student, and parent insight about what does and does not count as evidence of meeting complex standards.