MPC FINANCE( HR MANAGEMENT) Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MPC FINANCE( HR MANAGEMENT) - Case Study Example Some recommendations have been made for the better utilisation and management of human resource of the company which will help the company in achieving better results with regard to their human resource management. There are certain inefficiencies found in the human resource management of the company. Management is relying on the hierarchical structure for in an old progressive manner for deciding the compensation of company's employees. Work force is hired at the lowest level and they progress with the passage of time towards the upward positions. Due to this system employees do not tend to work harder for quick progress in the company and thus efficiency is compromised due to un-utilisation of full potential of some employees. The performance management system of company is top down with little chances of interaction between management and subordinates. At the work place where everyone is included in a team and the best of results are achieved through team work, this is not a very good scenario for optimum utilisation of company's resources. Last in first out redundancy policy is in use by company, which is obviously not a universal axiom and the employees should be evaluated with the system which best describes the value added by them in the company.Another defect in the company's HRM system is the dissatisfaction among the employees of regional offices due to general perception that headquarter employees are taken well care of as compared to the regional office employees and due to the fact that absenteeism and labour turnover in the regional offices is three times that in the headquarters offices. Moreover workforce was hired through word of mouth in order to contain costs. Female staff has occupied the lower positions in the company whereas male staff has occupied higher positions and lower staff members are being invested in and encouraged to come up and occupy higher positions as well. It has been observed that people hired from ethnical minorities are not settled in the company's environment because they feel unsecure, unaccepted and lesser career prospects. Turnover of staff appointed within the last year is very high. Other complains include management has invested heavily in the complex IT system and employees are very passive in doing work through that advanced technology. Conclusions There are changes to be made to the HRM system by the management for making it beneficial that would result in the employees' satisfaction. It has been concluded that company's employees are the most valuable assets of company and these are the employees who make up the whole company. For a company it is equally important for its employees to grow and remain satisfied and happy with their jobs. Therefore, the company should invest appropriately in its employees in order to make full use of their abilities. Company should promote and encourage a culture that ensures that all of the employees are satisfied with their peers, their working environment, their infrastructure and

Axia College of University of Phoenix Essay Example for Free

Axia College of University of Phoenix Essay The purpose and meaning of life, is to live it in the most meaningful way a person can. I work hard on this daily, and try to show the younger generation that life can be so beautiful in a lot of positive ways if you lead it the way you want it. My personal narrative will be away to express myself like I have not done before by using theories in my readings. I am a thirty-year-old man who is very energetic, outgoing, hard working that not only values my life, but everyone else’s as well. The past five years of my life have been a five-part movie that could have big as the Lord of the Rings series. I started school, two businesses, regular job I got promoted, and bought a new house. I have had to take a back seat on being there for all my family, and friends like I am use to, because for once I had to utilize time for myself. My meaning of life stayed the same thru out these years; I think these things have made me more mature on things, and to love myself a little more. The major thing that made me really evolve in the past 5 years I believe is starting school. Six years prior to me starting at UOP I dropped out of college, because I had no clue what I wanted to use my skills for, I was very lost, unhappy, and I was doing nothing for myself it was for everyone else. That single event by enrolling back in school changed my personality over night for the better. The next day I started weeding people out of my life that where imputing nothing but negatives in it. That was defiantly the turning point for me without a doubt. This event came at the right time also in my life since I was in a very dark place at the time, so I guess you can say it was meant to be. Then I started two business ventures that I had wanted to start which proved to me that I could do something for myself to benefit my life and stability. I now have more than enough responsibilities that I did not have before, like keeping my business in order supplies to maintaining my customer relationships. My new house has been the biggest ordeal and not in a bad way it has been extremely difficult to get it to my standards, and since I am so busy I have not taking time just for my house. These challenging changes in my life now are very hard to deal with, but I would not make any changes at all, because this is the happiest I have been. I have been hard on myself, but not to the point of stressing. Happiness proves to be an interesting window through which to view continuity and change in personality (McAdams, 2006). With that said it shows in my everyday life that no matter what I am faced with today my life is a lot better now than then. I took a lot growing up without a father from not being able to afford things I wanted to not having the self-confidence in myself to make change. When you receive that unexpected high grade on a tough assignment, you are likely to feel good, and your well-being shoots way up (McAdams, 2006). Starting my businesses, buying the house, and getting promoted where some very tough assignments in the past five years, but I feel so much better about who I am with a better well being. What roles have religion, race, culture, family, and gender played in the development of my personality, well the major thing that played a role was family. My family pushed me so much to a point where failing would not be expectable in any manner. My girlfriend has never stopped believing in me she always said I will be somebody, and no one can take that from me. My race, and religion beliefs did not have a huge factor in any part of this, but my personality got me sixty percent of what I have today. Looking back on the past seeing the transition that has taking place in my life from five years ago is something in itself to boost my ego. Five years ago without UOP I can honestly say that there is no way I would be where I am now. Life is a wonderful thing to have, we make our own destiny, and being rich or poor should not make us who we are, but being in love with life and our good talents that we possess should play a huge part of what we are. McAdams, D. (2006). The person: a new introduction to personality psychology. (4th ed. ). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons.

Development of Health Care Strategies and Policy in the UK

Development of Health Care Strategies and Policy in the UK Health and Social Policy Introduction: In this essay we will discuss the health care plans and objectives, beginning with the definition of health and an analysis of the Constitution of the World Health Organization highlighting which are the areas of health care policy that seems to have received greatest attention. Health relates to physical and emotional well being and this is emphasized even further in the British idea of a welfare state were health relates to social policy and serves as one of the most important areas of governmental concerns. The health care sector of the UK government represented by the NHS and department of health is discussed extensively with health care programs, implementations of change within the health care settings, modernization, collaborative working approaches and a general improvement of health care services being emphasized as essential to realization of a successful health care policy in the UK. We also discuss obesity and smoking related problems within this general context of health care and social policy to show how polices or administrative aspects are related to health care services implementation in general Defining Health and Healthcare The World Health Organization defines Health as a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being and not just a condition free from disease and abnormality. The Constitution of the WHO is given as follows: Source: WHO constitution, 2005 THE STATES Parties to this Constitution declare, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, that the following principles are basic to the happiness, harmonious relations and security of all peoples: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, and political belief, economic or social condition. The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest co-operation of individuals and States. The achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of health is of value to all. Unequal development in different countries in the promotion of health and control of disease, especially communicable disease, is a common danger. Healthy development of the child is of basic importance; the ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment is essential to such development. The extension to all peoples of the benefits of medical, psychological and related knowledge is essential to the fullest attainment of health. Informed opinion and active co-operation on the part of the public are of the utmost importance in the improvement of the health of the people. Governments have a responsibility for the health of their peoples, which can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures. Worldwide Health Policies: The legislative and administrative measures on health policy within the divisions of WHO are carried out by Health Policy Analysis Programme (HPA) which is now fully integrated into that of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Among the Health policies, the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) program adopted by the WHO is a major opportunity to integrate health concerns into all other related policies. HIA influences the decision-making process, and addresses all determinants of health, providing a new direction for participation and empowerment in health related issues and decisions. The overall aim of health policies is to track the use of HIA and to evaluate its effectiveness identifying what are the factors that can help in successful implementation. Along with the Health impact assessment which serves as a decision making tool, the health targets are instruments that can facilitate achievement of certain health policies as they represent commitments of reaching or fulfilling specified outcomes in health care objectives within a defined time frame. Health targets have been identified by the member states of the WHO European Union and OECD countries as tools for both policy formulation and implementation. Health targets have been the focus of several health related discussions and have contributed substantially to national and sub-national health polices (WHO report on Health Policy, 2005). In order to maintain the effectiveness of health target programs and health impact assessment, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies launched a three year multi-country project on the effectiveness of HIA in August 2004, and this was co-funded by the European Commission under the Public Health Programme. As far as the WHO Environmental Health Policy is concerned, most European countries have addressed national health policies through the national environment and health action plans (NEHAPs). The WHO reports that Poor environmental quality contributes to 25 -33% of global ill health. Environmental health policy involves collaborative working different sectors and ministries, and the policy-making procedure itself involves many stakeholders in the phases of planning and consultation (WHO report, 2005). One of the important health policies is the evidence on health needs and interventions (ENI) Programme at the WHO Europe committee which helps assure staff and programmes which uses available evidence in providing advice and recommendations to member states. One of the goals of WHO is to ensure that there is a link between potential interventions programmes or policies and improvements in public health for the primary areas of advice and recommendations. The ENI programme is an important part of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research (EACHR)and is a division of the WHO advisory mechanism on health research, the primary role of which is to advise the WHO regional director for Europe on priorities and policies for development of research. WHO/Europe defines evidence as follows: findings from research and other knowledge that may serve as a useful basis for decision-making in public health and health care. (WHO report, 2005) The ENI policy makes WHO/Europe accountable toWHOs Member Statesas WHO is expected to make use of best available evidence to provide advice and recommendations for health policies to member states and it would be unethical if WHPO could not keep up to the requirement. Health and Social Policy in the UK A Policy has been defined as: ‘The process by which governments translate their political vision into programmes and actions to deliver ‘outcomes’ – desired changes in the real world’ Modernizing Government White Paper (2001) See DH report 2005, Health Policy A more working definition for policy is as follows: â€Å"A course of action with general applicability, requiring agreement at ministerial or ‘top of the office’ level† (Professor Mike Richards 2003) See DH report 2005, Health Policy The Department of Health suggests a Policy is usually developed within complex systems and with many deadlines and pressures; the DH Policy Collaborative is a unique collaborative approach in which health professionals and administrators need to work within the constraints of this restrictive and complex health environment and despite this be able produce benefits to the teams involved. In this period when the Department of Health (DH) is undergoing major organizational changes the Policy Collaborative complements the downsides of organizational change through promoting learning of new and innovative ways of addressing health issues. With public demands up for a faster and better NHS and social service, and for improved levels of public safety, the health department is working towards developing the right leadership for the whole healthcare system and also to secure delivery (Stephens 2004; Castledine 2004). The different health policy teams involved in health care implementation plans in different departments and their foci of work are given below: Source: DH report on Health Policy, 2005 Policy teams involved in phase 1 of the DH Policy Collaborative Policy team Focus of the work as part of the Collaborative Envisaged distinctive learning Transplant team Policy regarding tissue banking and the development of EU legislation Working with the NHS and other stakeholders on a high-risk, esoteric issue with a European dimension Cancer team The introduction of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Developing a bowel cancer programme fit for implementation, whilst taking account of the issues for symptomatic services Older people’s NHS/social care policy teams and workforce team To ensure the availability of an integrated health and social care workforce to help older people to maintain their independence Integration of workforce and service policy making and health and social care expertise NHS Standards team The preparation and publishing of statements of standards in relation to the provision of healthcare by and for English NHS bodies and cross-border SHAs Policy making around a ‘bright idea’ with urgent deadlines and devil in the detail Within the UK the NHS and Department of Health including the NHS executive set a national framework within which healthcare services are delivered and implemented. The health department uses several different policy measures and tools such as legislation, circulars and guidance, corporate contracts, financial levers and review meetings. Many national level departments and organizations such as the Audit Commission, Clinical Standards Advisory Group, parliamentary committees, the royal colleges and specialist associations, and the Mental Health Act Commission have an impact on research implementation (Klein 1989). As the DH reports, policy measures can have unanticipated consequences and can conflict with policy goals and their may be many obstacles to evidence based practice. There is a growing awareness for the need to identify solutions to problems within the NHS ad health policy initiatives and certain reforms on evidence based care also need evaluation. The aims of the DH policy for improvement of healthcare services are given as follows (DH report on Health Policy, 2005) †¢ To support the policy teams in reaching their objectives set within a specified time period †¢ To include wider stakeholder involvement in the process of developing health policy further †¢ To make implementation the primary measure of the DH policy making process †¢ To help project teams and wider stakeholders with handling of issues relating to implementation throughout the policy development process. †¢ To ensure a coherent, integrated set of policies supporting an agreed strategy. †¢ To take learning and experiences from the policy implementation programme and use that learning to develop an improved policy development and management process †¢ To improve ways of working and learning from experiences within DH †¢ To be informed of the ‘policy management toolkit’ †¢ To involve participation and support of colleagues in managing change in policies within the DH †¢ To develop measures that can demonstrate real progress of the ‘Excellence in Policy Making’ criteria set out in the NHS management objective. †¢ To give time for creative thinking and implementation of policies, testing small changes, using examples of best practice and achievement †¢ To be brave in testing new ways of working and striving for excellence in policy making and challenging the ‘status quo’. †¢ To take measured risks in the quest for continuous improvement in policies and to achieve an excellent policy. Health policy within the UK is incorporated within the concept of a British welfare State. The concept of a welfare state refers to government policies and objectives that strive for an ideal model of provision where the state accepts responsibility for providing comprehensive welfare in all areas to its citizens (Brown, 1995). Within the UK, the idea of a welfare state suggests government objective to provide its citizens with guaranteed minimum income, social protection and provision of healthcare and other services at the best possible level. The health care sector of the UK government is largely controlled by the Department of Health with the policy decisions taken by the DH and implemented in association with the NHS. The key elements considered within a welfare state framework are Health, Housing, Welfare, Employment and Social Security. Healthcare Management in the UK – Evidence and Studies Eccles et al (2005) suggested behavioral changes of health care professionals as an important factor of policy implementation. They write that routine healthcare is a haphazard and unpredictable process and the usefulness of results of implementation is quite limited. Their study explored the role of a theory based framework and suggests that some methods that could be used to operationalize the framework in the context of designing and conducting interventions which are aimed at improving the use of research findings by individual healthcare professionals or teams. This particular research aims o understand the importance of theory based research of health care services and emphasize on the role of behaviors and attitudes of health care professionals in successful implementation of health care plans. Cauchi (2005) highlights the challenges of integrated governance in the NHS with emphasis on collaborative and multi-agency working beginning from April 2005 and this according to him poses a challenge for all medical personnel with the nurses being given a leading and more responsible role in the management of clinical cases. Glen (2004) offers a wide ranging analysis and scrutiny of roles of professionals in the medical, nursing and healthcare sectors. Glen suggests that a coherent vision of the future is needed to shape the future of the health workforce and also argues that this requires moving beyond the presumption that medical reforms are primarily focused on shifting the responsibilities of doctors on to the nurses. The paper claims that the implications of changes in health care roles and the ability of existing professionals to function effectively in the future will require education, training and human resource investments which are supportive of these changes implied. The need to have a clear definition of competence and a national standard to practice has been recognized as essential especially as nurses work in acute critical care settings. A correlation between levels of practice, education ad remuneration has been suggested as important in management of health care. The author suggests tha t educational programmes for senior nurses should be in coherence with educational programmes required for modernizing medical careers. The paper also suggests that the NHS modernization agenda and government’s health services improvement require certain changes within the culture at higher educational institutions, professional organizations, workforce development agencies and NHS trusts. The NHS healthcare policy on obesity have made several suggestion on whether junk food advertisements should be banned (Patchell and Paterson 2004) to spreading awareness on the need to have a balanced diet (Price, 2005). A balanced healthy diet cuts down on risks of obesity, diabetes and heart diseases and keeps the citizens healthy and active if it is also combined with a healthy and active lifestyle and this approach has been taken up by the Department of Health to promote awareness and reduce health problems. For reducing other problems such as smoking, several measures have been taken up by the DH and NHS and these policies and initiatives range from community interventions using co-ordinated, widespread, multi-component programmes to try and influence behavior that would help in preventing smoking in young adults (Sowden et al., 2003) to effectively addressing tobacco control within health promoting NHS trusts as part of its network of health promoting hospitals (HPH) (Quinn et al, 2001). Conclusion: In this paper approached the problem of health and health care implementation program using worldwide and British perspectives of welfare and discussed related social policies and plans for implementation of these policies. We discussed in brief, the objectives of the WHO and the NHS, the different departments involved in a new collaborative framework of healthcare within the NHS, the aims of health care policy and the associated problems and obstacles in implementation of these policies. In this context we discussed specific cases of health care policies related to two major problems of obesity and smoking. We suggested along with evidential studies that maintaining modernized health care services and collaborative approach in the NHS are key elements of future health care improvement plan and also involve promoting awareness of the needs of an active and healthy lifestyle in individuals. Thus along with governmental efforts, individual awareness are key to better health and future well being and seem to form an obvious part of social policy. Bibliography Annandale, Ellen.  The sociology of health and medicine :a critical introduction /Ellen Annandale.  Cambridge :Polity Press,1998. Brown, John,  The British welfare state :a critical history /John Brown.  Oxford :Blackwell,1995. Inequalities in health :the Black report /Sir Douglas Black [et al.] ; edited and with an introduction by Peter Townsend and Nick Davidson.  Harmondsworth :Penguin,1982, c1980. Checkland K, Harrison S.  Policy implementation in practice: the case of national service frameworks in general practice. J Tissue Viability. 2004 Oct;14(4):133-6. Castledine G.  A nursing perspective on the new plan for the NHS. Br J Nurs. 2004 Aug 12-Sep 8;13(15):926. Cauchi S.  Integrated governance: is this the future? Prof Nurse. 2005 Mar;20(7):53-5. Eccles M, Grimshaw J, Walker A, Johnston M, Pitts N.  Changing the behavior of healthcare professionals: the use of theory in promoting the uptake of research findings. J Clin Epidemiol. 2005 Feb;58(2):107-12. Glen S.  Healthcare reforms: implications for the education and training of acute and critical care nurses. Postgrad Med J. 2004 Dec;80(950):706-10. Ham C J (1992). Health policy in Britain. Macmillan, London   Hayes J.  Time to change. Nurs Stand. 2005 Feb 23-Mar 1;19(24):78. Klein R E (1989).  The politics of the NHS. Longman, London   Dilemmas in UK health care /edited by Carol Komaromy  3rd ed. Buckingham :Open University Press,2001.   Health and disease series ;bk. 7  Previous ed.: 1993.   Lea, Ruth,  Healthcare in the UK :the need for reform : IOD policy paper /Ruth Lea.  London :Institute of Directors,2000. Price S.  Understanding the importance to health of a balanced diet. Nurs Times. 2005 Jan 4-10;101(1):30-1. Patchell C, Paterson M.  Should junk food advertisements be banned? Nurs Times. 2004 Jan 20-26;100(3):19. Quinn J, Sengupta S, Cleary H.  The challenge of effectively addressing tobacco control within a health promoting NHS Trust. Patient Educ Couns. 2001 Dec 15;45(4):255-9. Sowden A, Arblaster L, Stead L.  Community interventions for preventing smoking in young people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(1):CD001291. Stephens R.  A new era of health care. Nurs Manag (Harrow). 2004 Sep;11(5):12-3. Stevens S.  Reform strategies for the English NHS. Health Aff (Millwood). 2004 May-Jun;23(3):37-44. Taylor RT.  Effecting change in the NHS. Hosp Med. 2004 Sep;65(9):568. Turner JJ.  The GMC: expediency before principle: GMC reforms may damage the NHS. BMJ. 2005 Jan 29;330(7485):252; discussion 254. Timmins, Nicholas.  The five giants :a biography of the Welfare State /Nicholas Timmins.  London :HarperCollins,1995. Ujah EU, Bradshaw L, Fishwick D, Curran AD.  An evaluation of occupational health services within the NHS in London. Occup Med (Lond). 2004 May;54(3):159-64. Wilson T, Buck D, Ham C.  Rising to the challenge: will the NHS support people with long term conditions? BMJ. 2005 Mar 19;330(7492):657-61. Review. Webster J.  Leading the switch to patient-centred care. Prof Nurse. 2004 Oct;20(2):20-1. Websites: www.who.org http://www.euro.who.int/healthtopics/HT2ndLvlPage?HTCode=health_policy www.nhs.uk www.dh.gov.uk – for DH reports http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/MentalHealth/MentalHealthList/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4031694chk=87%2BXMM

The Use of Force analysis :: essays research papers

Level One †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Use of Force is about a girl who may have Diphtheria, but refuses to open her mouth to let the doctor look at her throat. After much struggle, emotional and physical, the doctor forces her to open her mouth and it turns out she does indeed have the disease. Level Two †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Setting – It’s not actually mentioned, but it is implied that it at the Olson’s house, a doctor is called to look at the daughter as she is not feeling well. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Characters – o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The parents are pretty static characters, they do not change much through the story o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The daughter, Mathilda, is somewhat dynamic as she changes from stubborn and defiant (line 18) to broken, betrayed and angry. (last paragraph) o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The doctor is the most dynamic character as, through his tactics changes his attitude. At first the doctor tries kindness and almost sides with the daughter over the parents (line 22). As the story goes on he tries scaring the girl into submission and (line 25), as his anger and frustration build, eventually resorts to force (line 28). †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Conflict – o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main conflict is between Mathilda and the doctor. The doctor needs to check Mathilda’s throat to see if she has Diphtheria, but the girl will not open her mouth. o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is also a conflict between the parents and themselves/the doctor. They want to go along with the doctor because they know he must check, but they do not want force or hurt their daughter in order to get her to submit. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The doctor’s dilemma is that if he leaves the girl alone he will not be able to check if she has Diphtheria and may possibly die. If he continues on the road he’s going he will have to resort to measures that are socially unacceptable and even cruel. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Irony – o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although it seems cruel, and almost brutal, using force was the only remaining way for the doctor to check Mathilda’s condition to take appropriate action.

Significant Health Care Event

There have been several events that have helped to change and mold health care throughout history in the United States. Some influences that have are significant to benefit Americans and stay on track with the needs of Americans include society, culture, finance, religion, politics, technology, health trends, environment, and population (Shi & Singh, 2012) Significant Event’s Relation to Health Care In the year 2011 there were many reports in the media regarding bisphenol A (BPA).BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical linked to adverse health effects like cancer, infertility, diabetes, obesity and ADHD (Newbold, 2009) A large amount of BPA has been removed from water bottles as well as baby bottles. However, the epoxy resin lining food cans was still a grave concern and widespread problem throughout the United States. A new study done during this time found BPA in several canned fruits, vegetables, and pasta treats consumed by many children.A Harvard study found that volunteers who consumed canned soup daily for five days had a 1,000 percent increase in urinary BPA (Datz, 2011). BPA is found in many foods and drinks ingested by Americans every day. It has also been proven to be found in sealants and dentistry composites used by dentists. Many countries have banned BPA use in baby bottles, sippy cups, along with other products primarily used by children. BPA has been used in the United States since the 1950s, and was approved as a food additive by the FDA at that time (Rust & Kissinger, 2009).Personal Accountability for a healthier lifestyle Another event that has become more common in the United States is personal responsibility of each American to lead a healthier life that leads to a decrease in health care costs in the long run. Access to effective health care is an important component to many people as well as an important social responsibility. Americans as a society can find many ways to promote healthy environments and lifestyles. These ways include pollution control, occupational health, sanitation, preventative medical care and education, along with food and drug safety.Greater attention should be paid to strategies for health promotion other than access to healthcare, such as environmental and public health and health research (Resnick, 2007). The lifestyle of many Americans is the primary cause of the majority of illnesses in the United States. The leading causes of disease have been proven to be contributing factors to disease and death in the United States. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of disability as well as death in the United States and are on the rise. 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year are from chronic diseases.Heart disease, cancer and stroke account for more than 50% of all deaths each year (Kung, Hoyert, Xu, & Murphy, 2005). More than one-third of all adults do not meet recommendations for aerobic physical activity based on the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and 23% report n o leisure-time physical activity at all in the preceding month, cigarette smoking is more prevalent in high school students as of 2007 with a reported percentage of 20%, and more than 43 million adults are cigarette smokers in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008).Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and cigarette smoking causes almost all cases. Compared to nonsmokers, men who smoke are about 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer and women who smoke are about 13 times more likely. Smoking causes about 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80% in women. Smoking also causes cancer of the voice box (larynx), mouth and throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, and stomach, and causes acute myeloid leukemia (U. S.Department of Health and Human Services, 2004). Chronic conditions that are caused by poor lifestyle choices ultimately create a huge burden on health care spending in the United States. The cost of health care spending for chronic conditions has increased the United States from $75 billion in 1970, $2. 6 trillion in 2010, and is expected to reach $4. 8 trillion in 2021. 75% of these costs is because of unhealthy lifestyles that lead to chronic conditions (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2011).General practitioners and insurance companies must focus more on educational resources related to preventative medicine and care to ensure citizens lead healthier lifestyles that will lead to longevity of life. This can be a difficult task as physicians are taught to uphold a creed to take care of all people who are ill, and Americans as a society are obligated to care for vulnerable citizens. There are no quick fix solutions. However, I believe that education can assist many Americans to strive more to live a better and healthier lifestyle in order to avoid disease and death from one of the many preventable chronic conditions.

The Consequences of Technologys Forward Momentum essays

The Consequences of Technology's Forward Momentum essays As technology advances, so do the implications of what we do with it and how we use it. The initial motive of aerial warfare was tactical bombing; however, through advancement, it has transitioned into incorporating innocent civilians as targets as well. Scientists went from breeding animals and plants to breeding ideal humans (known as eugenics/genocide). Aside from the negative issues mentioned, some advantages were also included such as medicine and synthetic rubber. The main objective of the chapter is to portray the corruption-advanced technology synthesizes. After World War I (1914-1918), the nation had seen the success of aerial warfare and the importance of technology, which led them to actively pursue the improvement in technology because of its promising outcome. Many American companies had turned in to testing laboratories. For example, the Standard Oil Company of Indiana had become a research laboratory for improving the efficiency of refineries. Next, the national advisory committee for Aeronautics (NACA) was created in 1915, two years before the United States entered the European war. Its purpose was to give the U.S the resources to become more advanced in aviation technology, which it achieved decades later by taking the lead in applying the most advanced aerodynamics to every aspect of aviation. The government also created the naval research laboratory in hopes of preparing for World War II in 1939. The government-funded research helped develop radar, rocketry, new medicines, synthetic material, digital computers, and nuclear bombs, which helped carve the direction of the war. The allies and axis powers both in World War II heavily depended on scientists and engineers for stronger and better weapons. The sudden push for improved and more destructive technology led to the corruption of its use. For example, on April 26, 1937, a single German Heinkel had dropped several 550-pound bombs in the center of the city of...

Role and Significance of Revol essays

Role and Significance of Revol essays The Russian Revolution was one of the great events of the twentieth century. The revolution of February 1917 brought Russia the first democratic regime. During the 1917 Russian revolution there were two distinct periods. These periods were known as the critical period from 1917-1921 and the consolidation period form 1922-1928. Leading up to and during these periods of the revolution, roles as leaders were extremely significant to the achievement and success of the implementation of revolutionary aims and ideas. The immediate cause of the February Revolution of 1917 was the collapse of the tsarist regime under the strain of World War I. The backward economic condition of the country, made it unable to sustain the war effort against Germany. The imperial government was ceased and political roles were implemented by two new groups, the Provisional Government formed by the provisional committee of the Duma and the Petrograd Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies. The Provisional Government committee of the Duma announced that its role would be to handle restoration of order. The Provisional Government, except for the socialist Kerensky, was made up of liberal leaders. The chairman, Lvov, was a wealthy landowner and member of the Kadets, which favoured an immediate constitutional monarchy and ultimately a republic. The proclamation of the Provisional Government on 28th Feb 1917 was to overcome the old regime and to appoint ministers of public cabinet. Further there aims included the freeing of political, military and religious prisoners, freedom of speech religion and assembly; no class restrictions, constitute assembly; a citizen army (peoples militia) and the enforcing of the four tail suffrage. In dealing with the crucial social problems, the Provisional Government claimed that, being provisional, it could not make changes such as confiscating land and distributing it to the peasants. Failure to provide the cities with grain agg...

The New Fraternity Culture Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers

The New Fraternity Culture Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers The New Fraternity Culture The New Fraternity Culture After drinking from a keg of beer stashed in the basement of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house at the University of Michigan last December, a group of pledges stripped to their boxer shorts and lined up, ready to endure their next torturous test of brotherhood. As two other fraternity members watched, a pledge educator pointed what he thought was an unloaded BB gun at the pledges various body parts. He was simply trying to scare them. When he approached the seventh student in line, the educator pointed the gun downward, two inches away from the pledges penis, and fired. Unexpectedly, a pellet shot out (Reisberg A59). Fraternities have been in existence for over a century. They were established to nurture pride, leadership, unity, and commitment (Nate 18). Although some fraternities still embrace these values, this does not make up for the dangerous behavior that most fraternities engage in. Alcohol abuse has become far too large of the college social scene and fraternities are its most publicized defendants. Rowdy keg parties have replaced the values and ideals that were once the basis of fraternities, as binge drinking becomes the core of their brotherhood. Each year on campuses throughout this country, binge drinking causes students to suffer academically while risking their health and safety, as well as that of the rest of the campus community. Contrary to the many members firmly entrenched in the fraternity culture, several national fraternities are trying to dispel this image. They have devised programs which emphasize academic development, leadership, and community service, while at the sam e time taking the focus off alcohol and hazing. The first of the Greek-letter societies, Phi Beta Kappa, was founded on December 5, 1776, with the aims of creating a scholastic, inspirational, and fraternal society. The founders of Phi Beta Kappa named friendship, morality, and literature as essential characteristics. Laws provided for a reverent opening and conduct of meetings, encouraged sobriety, and demanded ethical ideals superior to those manifested by a rival society (Voorhes 8-12). The growth of the system was gradual, for it was not until 1825 that Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi, and Delta Phi were established. The decade of the thirties produced another trio of fraternities: Alpha Delta Phi, Psi Upsilon, and Beta Theta Pi. The period preceding the Civil War witnessed the establishment of most of the remaining general fraternities of present larger extension (Nate 18-38). Oliver Wendell Holmes, a student at Harvard in 1859, captures the immortality of loyal friendships and high ideals in a message to his classmates: Then heres to our boyhood, its gold and its gray! The stars of its winter, the dew of May! And when we have done with our life-lasting toys, Dear Father, take care of Thy children, thy boys. The founding of the fraternities was at the hands of men who set up high life-ideals for themselves and those who would come after them. The more recent years have strengthened the chapters through the development of their national organizations and a more direct alumni co-operation (Nate 60). As fraternity chapters grow stronger, they are slowly losing sight of their fundamental purpose. The values and ideals that once served as the basis of fraternities have been replaced in some chapter houses by excessive drinking and brutal hazing practices. Through the new fraternity culture, binge drinking becomes interwoven into college life. The Federal Substance Abuse Prevention reports that undergraduate students currently spend $4.2 billion a year on booze far more than they spend on their textbooks. An advertisement being run in college newspapers by VivaSmart, an online textbook seller, actually features the headline, More on Beer, Less on Books, accompanied by an explanatory text that begins, We know you have better things to do than blow your money textbooks (Miller 1). This message promotes and legitimizes a college drinking culture that according to the Surgeon General Antonia Novella is spinning out of control (Elson 64). In a survey of students at 140 colleges by resear chers at the Harvard University School of Public Health, forty-four percent of students reported binge drinking, which the study defined for men as consuming five or more drinks in a row within the previous two weeks, and for

Conservative Nostalgia in the United States of America Essay

Conservative Nostalgia in the United States of America - Essay Example On the other hand, conservatives hugely assume and believe that every individual should be responsible; there should be free markets, limited or minimum government intervention, a rigid and firm national defence personal liberty and those ancient American values (Lipsman 129). They more emphasize that the function of the government is to grant the individuals or citizens the freedom to fulfil their own goals and ambitions. The major points that are going to be discussed in this essay are the arguments that conservatives usually want and discuss whether if there reasons are valid and try to compare them with government policies and the liberals’ arguments. Most authors have come up with different ideas and opinion to justify the differences between the conservatives and the liberals and this essay is focused to bring out the arguments between the two sides, firstly, according to Lipsam, conservatives are usually focused on preventing the negative results and are better organize d whereas liberals concentrate on being creative and they are open minded and usually concentrate on positive outcomes (Lipsman 37). Generally, Anderson believes that conservatives have very strong motivation compared to liberals who focuses on preservation of purity and cleanliness this is evidenced where by conservatives are quicker, efficient hence letting up their ideologies, whereas liberals are effortful and deliberate hence there difference in ideologies too(Anderson 10). In this essay we are going to discuss some of the factors.

Evolution of Management Principle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Evolution of Management Principle - Essay Example Since the end of 19th century, the evolutionary level of management principles started getting evolved substantially. Therefore by today, we see several different branches and school of thoughts which have been segregated by management experts and scholar. These schools of thoughts have been broadly divided into five different categories. They include: The Classical School The Behavioural School The Quantitative School also called as Management Science The Contingency School Theory Z School Of Management The important aspects of these schools is that some of them are viewed as classical and some are relatively recent theories, but the great insights which they offer can be very helpful in today’s complex business environment where we encounter accelerating changes every now and then. Noticing these points lets us outline the evolution of principles of management from classical school of management practices and theories to present. â€Å"The Classical School of Managementâ₠¬  This school of thought gave birth to the initialization of management principles. In the end of 19th century, the origins of these principles can be traced. This school of thought primarily consisted of finding productive and efficient ways for management at organizational level. Under classical school of management, further three levels are determined. ... In essence, the concept of classical theory of management incorporates the operations which are required for working for economic efficiency. (Miller, 2008) â€Å"Behavioural School of Management† During 1920s and 1930s, United States was undergoing social and cultural change. Large numbers of peoples were migrating towards city. Economic growth and industrial revolution provided people to spend money on the household and leisure of which their parents could only think about. Consequently, many of the principles and theories which were applied to the management of organization were no longer working effectively. In this regard, several prominent scholars and theorists addressed these issues and directed the attention of people to the changing environment required for workplace. Chris Argyris, Abraham Maslow, Mark Parker Follett, Douglas McGregor and Elton Mayo are some prominent scholars of behavioural school of management. They highlighted the fact that increased level of sat isfaction of worker will yield better performance. This concept evolved the behavioural theory of management which stated that worker’s performance is directly related to the level of satisfaction he has with his job. â€Å"The Quantitative School also called as Management Science† During World War II, physicists, mathematicians and other scientists collaborated with each other in order to solve the problems related to military. Quantitative school of management resulted as an outcome of all the research which was conducted during World War II. It incorporates the Quantitative Approach including statistics, quantitative techniques. Computer simulations and information models to enhance

Ethics Exam 2 Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ethics Exam 2 - Article Example Thus, first an individual needs to identify the harm a particular scenario may do to the majority population of the society. In order to identify the harm, one needs to identify what the majority of the society perceives regarding the issue and whether there is an agreement on the issue impacting the majority in a negative manner. Once it has been established that an issue may have consequences associated with it for the majority of the population, an individual needs to look at the various solutions that are available to solve the problem. Once solutions have been identified, a cost and benefit of all the solutions need to be conducted. This is a significant step in order to identify which solution will have lesser consequences and more benefits for the overall society. This step will help in ensuring that only that solution is implemented which benefits the major population of the society. 2. An ethical leader needs to have good communication skills in the area of communicating ethical values and guidelines of the organization. He/she needs to encourage his/her followers to focus on the interests of the organization. Ethical leaders even need to indulge in successes planning in order to ensure that there are other ethical leaders within his/her ranks and in future the organization will have ethical leaders to continue to promote and adopt the ethical values of the organization (Lewis 138). Ethical leaders need to be able to exhibit the connection of operating within ethical guidelines and how these guidelines help in the attainment of organization’s aims and objectives. Ethical leaders even need to ensure that they do as they preach. If they are preaching ethical values, then they need to abide by them and take strong and difficult decisions in times when the ethical values of the organization are being compromised. For example an organization may have a zero t olerance policy towards sexual

For this assignment you are asked to first select ONE of the following Essay

For this assignment you are asked to first select ONE of the following topics to investigate - Essay Example Several publications put an emphasis on the developments and realities of video conferencing. They illustrated case after case of people making use of video conferencing and avoiding travel (Davidson & Cope 2003). A number of companies, such as Siemens, LifeSize, and Cisco Systems, have been developing this form of technology for several years now (King 2009). Fortunately, or unfortunately for others, the rapid progress of the current economic crisis is speeding the pace of its implementation. It is not likely that video conferencing can replace business travel, yet companies are increasingly resorting to it as the drawback of the technology—such as dropped calls, wobbly connections, and confusing delays—mostly has been remedied (Tracy 2009). This essay is an attempt to discuss the possibility of video conferencing replacing business travel in the near future. Through specific examples and empirical evidence this essay aims to give light to this new trend in technology and business tourism industry. The current literature on this issue includes the inexpensiveness of video conferencing and transforming economics as well as the ‘not so sophisticated’ adaptations of the technology such as those provided by google, yahoo, or skype. These low- and high-tech video technologies are by now beginning to transform numerous procedures not just in the business tourism industry but also in other professional and skilled sectors of the economy. Several authors discussed particularly the effect of video conferencing on business travel and reduced popularity of business travel. For instance, Hewlett-Packard and Cisco have experienced a considerable growth rate in their video conferencing units over the recent decade (King 2009). The enterprise of video technology is fascinating in two points. First, from the point of view of the customers, although the direct capital needed is not negligible, it

Paraphrasing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Paraphrasing - Essay Example In the 14th-century, learning was characterized by education reforms which were accredited to Petrarch. For instance, learning was based on classical sources, linear perspective and other practices such as developing a natural touch to painting. â€Å"The Renaissance,† presented substantial changes in artistic and education in Italy. It led to the transformation of the culture of northern Italy. The changes can be traced back from the late fourteenth to the early sixteenth centuries. Some changes in culture and artistic aspects also influence the rest of Europe a great deal. The term â€Å"re-birth† has often been used literally to mean that the cultural accomplishment of antiquity which had been celebrated before was no longer appreciated, and therefore, it needed to be â€Å"re-born†. However, there has been a significant difference between the ancient texts written during the first one thousand years following the fragmentation of Rome and texts written during the fourteenth and ï ¬ fteenth centuries. Major works such as Virgil, Ovid, and Cicero were majorly studied before new works were discovered such as those written by Livy, Tacitus, and Lucretius. The new discoveries complemented and expanded the ancient Greek literature. There was increased contact of the western Europeans with the Islam from the Arabic translation of original Greek via Latin translations. Through such contact, Europeans acquired a lot of Greek’s philosophical and scientific works. However, only a limited number of Europeans were able to read classical Greek. This number increased as many Greek-speaking people fled to Italy following pressure from the Mongols and the Ottoman Turks. Consequently, they spread their knowledge. This new culture become highly commercialized ad materialistic with artifacts of the ancient Rome being used as pawns in the unlimited power games. During renaissance, the papacy was not left behind in the

Two Descriptions paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Two Descriptions paper - Essay Example I realize I was at a dog park, but generally dog owners are responsible for cleaning up their dog’s waste. After looking at my shoes I headed towards a park bench to clean them off. As I was wiping off my shoes I heard a sudden loud shriek. I looked up and saw that my dog was being attacked by two other larger dogs. Finally I ran over to the area and took my dog home. As I walked into the dog park I was not sure what to expect. After entering the park my dog ran to the fence and began smelling her way around the park. As I was standing there watching her many other dogs ran up to me. All the dogs – large and small – were in the same park and it was an interesting sight. One small dog ran up to me and was trying to play. Other larger dogs came up and were barking and trying to jump on me. I wish I had brought dog treats for everyone. Soon later I walked to find a place to sit. I was excited about the park and did not look at the ground, causing me to accidently step into some dog excrement. I had to remind myself to be careful about these hazards at a dog park. I eventually found a bench and heard barking in the background. My dog seemed to have gotten into a scuffle with two other dogs. Finally, I decided to walk over and take my dog home – it had been a busy day. There were a number of ways that I created different impressions between the two stories. From an overarching perspective I wanted to ensure that the events that occurred in the two stories were entirely the same. By ensuring that the events were the same, I was able to explore the different ways that people interpret their surrounding environment. This is witnessed as both individuals encounter dogs that run up to them. The first individual describes these dogs in a threatening way, while the second person describes the dogs in a warm and engaging way. These divergent impressions of the same situation brings the reader’s attention to the way

For this assignment you are asked to first select ONE of the following Essay

For this assignment you are asked to first select ONE of the following topics to investigate - Essay Example Several publications put an emphasis on the developments and realities of video conferencing. They illustrated case after case of people making use of video conferencing and avoiding travel (Davidson & Cope 2003). A number of companies, such as Siemens, LifeSize, and Cisco Systems, have been developing this form of technology for several years now (King 2009). Fortunately, or unfortunately for others, the rapid progress of the current economic crisis is speeding the pace of its implementation. It is not likely that video conferencing can replace business travel, yet companies are increasingly resorting to it as the drawback of the technology—such as dropped calls, wobbly connections, and confusing delays—mostly has been remedied (Tracy 2009). This essay is an attempt to discuss the possibility of video conferencing replacing business travel in the near future. Through specific examples and empirical evidence this essay aims to give light to this new trend in technology and business tourism industry. The current literature on this issue includes the inexpensiveness of video conferencing and transforming economics as well as the ‘not so sophisticated’ adaptations of the technology such as those provided by google, yahoo, or skype. These low- and high-tech video technologies are by now beginning to transform numerous procedures not just in the business tourism industry but also in other professional and skilled sectors of the economy. Several authors discussed particularly the effect of video conferencing on business travel and reduced popularity of business travel. For instance, Hewlett-Packard and Cisco have experienced a considerable growth rate in their video conferencing units over the recent decade (King 2009). The enterprise of video technology is fascinating in two points. First, from the point of view of the customers, although the direct capital needed is not negligible, it

Two Descriptions paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Two Descriptions paper - Essay Example I realize I was at a dog park, but generally dog owners are responsible for cleaning up their dog’s waste. After looking at my shoes I headed towards a park bench to clean them off. As I was wiping off my shoes I heard a sudden loud shriek. I looked up and saw that my dog was being attacked by two other larger dogs. Finally I ran over to the area and took my dog home. As I walked into the dog park I was not sure what to expect. After entering the park my dog ran to the fence and began smelling her way around the park. As I was standing there watching her many other dogs ran up to me. All the dogs – large and small – were in the same park and it was an interesting sight. One small dog ran up to me and was trying to play. Other larger dogs came up and were barking and trying to jump on me. I wish I had brought dog treats for everyone. Soon later I walked to find a place to sit. I was excited about the park and did not look at the ground, causing me to accidently step into some dog excrement. I had to remind myself to be careful about these hazards at a dog park. I eventually found a bench and heard barking in the background. My dog seemed to have gotten into a scuffle with two other dogs. Finally, I decided to walk over and take my dog home – it had been a busy day. There were a number of ways that I created different impressions between the two stories. From an overarching perspective I wanted to ensure that the events that occurred in the two stories were entirely the same. By ensuring that the events were the same, I was able to explore the different ways that people interpret their surrounding environment. This is witnessed as both individuals encounter dogs that run up to them. The first individual describes these dogs in a threatening way, while the second person describes the dogs in a warm and engaging way. These divergent impressions of the same situation brings the reader’s attention to the way

The requirements of the user were to convert Essay Example for Free

The requirements of the user were to convert Essay Introduction This document will outline all the major tasks and subtasks involved in the Unit 2 part of the three-unit course. Requirements The requirements of the user were to convert a paper based system of booking to an electronic booking system through my vast knowledge of ICT. This involved creating a logo, an invoice, the actual booking system and a set of two mail merge letters. The Logo The logo was one of the first assignments that we did and was one of the easiest for me. The main problem that I encountered was that it was hard for me to think of a design for my logo. It took me a while, but I eventually got my head around it. The strengths were that it was easy for me to replicate it but for some it was a lot harder because the designs were too intricate for them to replicate on the computer and had to use the electronic white board (Smart Board). If I did this again I would use Paint Shop Pro 7 for it would have looked a lot more professional. The Invoice The invoice was a lot harder for some and it would have been easier for me to use a less complex design. The invoice itself was easy to plan out but not to create. During the creation on the invoice, I actually forgot how to create a macro by using the control toolbox, so I spent some time scripting the macros. This was easy, for I do a lot of level, map and character scripts for a game that I have created. Then I realised how to do a macro and I started to use the control toolbar again and got the macros done a lot faster. If I did this again, I would have used the control toolbox instead of the forms toolbox and record my own macros instead of scripting them. The strength of this part was using MS Excel to create this invoice. The weakness was my mind, for forgetting how to generate the macros. The Booking System This was the longest and the most tedious task of all, and was created using MS Access (A database construction program). First, I created the three tables and a relationship between the tables. The next item that required undertaking was the queries. They were created with ease and were to be used in the manufacture of the forms and reports. The switchboard was next; this was easy to create for the reason that it was mainly consisted of macros and a . gif image. The strength was the speed in which I created it, the weakness was the close program macro, which did not close the program down, but merely closed the switchboard. If I did this again, I would have taken my time and checked over everything instead of testing it once and just leaving it. Mail Merge Letters The mail merge letters were quite easy. It just involved creating a set of 2 letters, which had space for merge fields. These merge fields allow the program to place certain pieces of information into the document. These documents were to be merged with the database to create an amount of letters the number of which is defined by the amount of clients with similar pieces of data. The strength was the software, which was easily implemented with the section of the program that handled the merge. The weakness was the amount of time the merge fields took to input into the document.

The Issue Of Handphone In School English Language Essay

The Issue Of Handphone In School English Language Essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Handphone has become indispensable gadget, an absolute necessity for both adults and children. Like every other invention of man, whether or not to allo the use of handphones in Malaysian schools is not an easy yes-or- no issue. This is the dilemma of the authorities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If properly used, the handphone can bring more benefits than harm especially to children. When television first made its debut in the 1960s, everybody imagined that it would have a negative effect on children. Parents fret over their childrens addiction to the idiot box and the neglect of their studies. Their fears were unfounded as they soon found that if strictly contolled, the television was as harmless as the radio or the gramophone.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In more recent times, the same anxiety greeted the advent of computers, especially the Internet. Today, the Internet has becomean essential tool and we cannot imagine a life without computers. Like the computers, the handphone has many advantages, while an abuse of it can have disastrous results. Handphones are useful tools of communication. Parents and children can keep in touch with each other and any last mintue change of plans can be conveyed easily without any trouble to either party. Some children however, cite this as a loss of privacy as parents will have a 24-hour access to their children   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Parents say the handphone is more than a convenience-it is an essential item that can function as a tracker divece. With it they can monitor their children and check on their whereabouts via satelite. Thus, from whereevr they are, paretns can ensure the safety of thier children and avoid incidents like kidnapping and such crimes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Education Ministry officials, school authorities and many parents believe that allowing handphones in schools would only widen the disparity between the haves and the have-nots among students. Handphones come in a variety of shapes, colours and function:from generic ones to highly sophisticated ones that double up as camers, video cameras and palm tops. Not every child in school comes from middle or upper class families that can afford to buy each child a handphone. The self esteem of children who do not own a handphone or who possess a basic one wii be affected. Low esteem among students would cause a rift among children. Cliques, jealousy and rivalry would result. This unhealthy situation should not be nurtured in a school. Instea, the school environment should promote equal opprotunities and equal treatment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another reason for the strong outcry against allowing studentsto bring handphones to school is the distraction it poses. SMSes, games and ringing tones are some of the distractors that take the students attention away from the lesson. Children being children will not be able to resist the temptation of answering calls and sending messages when they should be listening to the teacher or classes, the games available on the phone is something the students would resort to after classes to overcome boredom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Apart from diverting students attention, the handphones can threathen the validity of school examinations. Students may cheat durin examinations via text messages. Information or answers can be passed from one student to the next while examiners may be totally oblivious of the cheating that happen.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Finally, even adults find it hard to exercise social etiquette and discretion in the use of handphones, therefore children cannot be expected to do any better. Despite explicit messages in movies threatres, at meetings and at formal meetings, we still hear phones ringing away. School administrators and discipline teachers would find it difficult to to effectively prohibit students from using their phones during lessons.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If Ministry of Education lifts the ban on handphones, schools may come up with new rules or guidelines to control the use of the handphone. Inevitably, teacher will be burdened with the task of monitoring the use and misuse of the handphone. All this is additional stress for teachers who are already loaded with heavy responsibilities. The Malaysian school system has thrived so far even with handphones being banned from schools. Why sudden change of heart? http://ngkwdaniel.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!61F13D5E0ECD31F0!521.entry Cell Phones at School: Should They Be Allowed? by Maya Cohen The question of whether cell phones should be allowed in schools has been hotly debated over the years. Most school administrations regard cell phone use as disruptive and distracting, and have implemented policies that prohibit using them on school grounds. There are benefits to giving your kids cell phones for use outside of school, but before you add them to your family plan, read the pros and cons: The Pros You can be in touch with your children, and know their whereabouts. Your kids can reach you in the event of an emergency, and vice versa. If in danger, your children can reach the authorities or a medical provider. Phones can be silenced during class or study periods, and active only in appropriate places. Cell phones create a convenience that was previously unavailable. With cell phones, you can easily reach your kids for any reason: to ask them questions, change plans, or to simply say hello. The Cons Students often forget to turn off their phones in class, and ringing noises or text-message alerts disrupt learning. Even if set to silent, cell phones can still cause distraction, since text messaging has become a high-tech method of passing notes in school. Students have been known to use cell phones to call in bomb threats to schools, to avoid or condense class time. In the event of a widespread crisis, rampant cell phone use can overload communication systems and render them inoperable. Student cell phone networks add to the spread of rumors and misinformation, which can be harmful during a widespread crisis. Phones can be used as cheating devices during exams. The long-term physical effects of cell phone use are still undetermined. There are compelling arguments on both sides of the debate, and both enthusiasts and critics make convincing points. What do you think? Take our poll: POLL: Should schools allow cell phones? In fact, the real decision regarding cell phones lies with parents. Short of checking each and every backpack, school officials can only enforce cell phone bans if they catch a student with a prohibited device. Would you allow your child to bring a cell phone to school? Share your opinion in our poll: http://life.familyeducation.com/cellular-telephones/school/51264.html By MALLIKA VASUGI WHEN initial reports about students being allowed to use handphones in schools were first released, many teachers were incredulous.    There were already enough problems in schools where the ruling against handphones was strictly enforced. With the lifting of the ban, all hell was bound to break loose.    We shuddered in our staff rooms, imagining the consequences.    It was a great relief therefore when the announcement to renew the handphone ban came shortly after that although there were a few raised eyebrows and wry comments passed about the now its on-now its off thing.    During the period between the first and second announcements, many letters to the editor were written and opinions given about the ruling both in favour of, and against, the bringing of handphones to schools.    While teachers were generally opposed to the idea, some parents were pleased.    Times have changed, one parent wrote. We need to keep in touch with our children. How else will they reach us in case of emergencies?    http://thestar.com.my/archives/2006/2/5/education/09cartoon.jpg One colleague remarked, The way some parents go on, you would think their offspring came into the world clutching handphones to their ears.    Many teachers laughed quietly when further restrictions on the use of the handphone were outlined.    Only during break time, in the canteen or school compound, not during lessons.    As teachers smack in the middle of this issue, with first-hand knowledge of the problems caused by handphones despite school rules against it, it is difficult not to be sceptical. Besides being an effective examination cheating tool and major distraction during the teaching-learning process, handphone text messages have also replaced the classic love-letter to the girl in the last row.    Thats an understatement, said another friend who is the discipline master in his school.    Remember the old school boy trick of yesteryear involving strategically placed pencil-sharpener mirrors. Just imagine what they can do with camera-phones these days.    And do you know what the worst part is?    Some of the models in the lewd, almost pornographic, camera-phone shots are our students. Makes you wonder what the root of all this moral decadence is, doesnt it?    Of course banning the handphone in schools does not mean all these problems are going to be solved. Cheaters will still cheat and inappropriate behaviour in girl-boy relationships will still continue.    Besides, asked another parent, Wouldnt it be unfair to students who genuinely need to have the handphone with them? What about kids with medical problems who need to be in constant contact with their parents?    School administrators have never been unaware of this situation and for that reason, there are always teachers on duty everyday to deal with emergencies such as sending students home, to the hospital, contacting parents and so on.    Some schools I know even allow students to bring their handphones to school but they have to turn the phones in to the school authorities throughout the school session.    You know what really amazes me? said my discipline teacher friend.    Every time we conduct a spot-check and confiscate handphones, parents who have never attended any school function, never turned up on open day to check on their childs progress throughout the school year, are at the school office within half an hour of notification, pleading with us to return the handphones to their children.    Another point brought up by the no handphones in school proponents was the possible feelings of resentment, envy or even feelings of inferiority which may arise when students begin comparing handphone models in schools.    Like most of our material possessions that start out as needs, handphones have become a sort of status symbol for some.    Parents know this when their teenagers tearfully plead for the over RM1,000 model that every other kid has.    Imagine a kid who applies for the Textbook Loan Scheme because his father earns less than RM1,000 a month, sitting next to a student flashing the latest Nokia N90 which cost his dad RM2,500.    Most of us teachers especially, are glad that the issue is finally settled and the ban remains effective.    But we know some of the negative comments that are bound to be made by those less satisfied with the ruling.    Teachers should not blame handphones for discipline problems.    It is the teachers job to ensure students pay attention in class and do not play with handphones. Teachers should not shirk their responsibilities or pass the buck, and so on and so forth.    I wish someone would teach us teachers how to keep a student awake in class when he has been working part-time until 2am to pay for the luxury items he needs, handphones of course being at the top of the list.    While we are at that, I also wish someone would teach us teachers how to prevent students from using vulgarities in school when they use them all the time at home.    Or tell them it is not okay to cheat although this allows them to get what they want.    Or that it is morally wrong to flash an expensive Samsung D500 in front of another kid whose parents cannot afford to give him lunch money.    http://www.mobile88.com/news/read.asp?file=/2006/2/5/20060205000212sec=cover%20story By KAREN CHAPMAN PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministrys decision to lift the ban on handphones in schools from this year has generally caused an uproar.    Director General of Education Datuk Dr Ahamad Sipon cited the increasing number of students owning handphones due to cheaper service charges and handsets as the reason for lifting the ban.    Basically, the Education Ministry does not want to prevent the usage of handphones in school. But their use by both teachers and students must be controlled so that the teaching and learning process is not disrupted, he said in a circular.    RING IT IN Yim Pheng Lets not panic unnecessarily with the lifting of the ban. Lets see what happens first. If there are problems as a result of the directive, I am sure the Education Ministry can then review the situation.    Schools should also have their own rules on the matter.    SMK La Salle (Petaling Jaya) principal A Rajenthran I welcome the ministrys lifting of the ban. We allowed students to bring their handphones last year for convenience and security reasons.    Many parents want to be able to contact their children. They also want their children to be able to contact them in case of an emergency.    We set up a process where students who want to bring their handphones can do so, but they have to first register with us.    We cannot run away from the fact that handphones make things extremely convenient these days.    Parent Abu Kadir Abdullah, 49 All of us in the family keep in touch with each other via handphones, so in this ICT (information and communication technology) age, having handphones will help us communicate faster better.    Parent K.K. Wong, 43 In this day and age where both parents are busy working until late in the day they have to depend on the handphone to keep in touch with their children in school. It is no more just a gadget to show off, it has become a necessity.    Many parents can attest to the fact that it has helped them in their lives. School authorities should make sure students help us communicate faster and better.    CALL IT OFF Parent V. Gunasekaran I am really scared for my daughter. Some IT savvy boys may take funny pictures of girls and circulate them through the MMS. The Ministry should have a rethink.    Senior assistant Mary Goh We have a strict ban on handphones. I really dont see a need for students to bring them to school. There are enough public telephones in school and if there is an emergency, they can always use the office telephone.    Although we are very strict, and will confiscate the phones if we catch them with one, some still manage to sneak them into school. Its really not a good idea.    Principal Suzana Ahmad I am concerned because bringing handphones to school will distract students from concentrating on their studies.    Students are here to learn but they may be unable to resist the urge to check their phones for messages every now and then.    After teaching for many years in urban schools, I can tell you that children in these areas can be very sneaky and may put their phones on silent mode in class.    Teacher R. Usha I agree it is not a good move. I am worried about the impact on those who do not have handphones.    Children from wealthier backgrounds may possess state-of-the-art phones while the poorer ones may have something simpler or none at all. This will cause jealousy and may even result in thefts. http://www.mobile88.com/news/read.asp?file=/2006/1/12/20060112213741sec=news

Mount Rushmore Essay -- Presidents History Papers

Mount Rushmore In the Black Hills of South Dakota, there is a monument that is dedicated to four of the most influential figures in American history. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt are names that still to this day trigger thoughts of greatness and awe-inspiring men. All four of these men were presidents of the United States. They each had a signature style or brought a particular ideal the American forefront. George Washington was known as the "father of our country." Thomas Jefferson co-authored the Declaration of Independence. Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation. Theodore Roosevelt fought for the little man, was known for his brashness, and formed the Rough Riders, a cavalry unit during the Spanish-American War. These men were not only presidents, but more importantly they helped to shape this country and a mountain. This mountain was known as Mount Rushmore and it was located in South Dakota. Just as the se men made America what it is today, so is the story as to how a mountain was carved to tell a story about a nation and its independence. This then is more than just a story about the making of a mountain or the history of the Black Hills, but instead the making of a shrine of democracy. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most outstanding phenomena of American History. It is typically American: a massive sculptural project corresponding to the other manifestations of bigness in twentieth-century style. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum believed that art in America was not thoroughly American. It was not sufficiently large or meaningful enough to represent or typify the dreams, ambitions, and accomplishments of this yo... ...icon (13). Works Cited: 1. Fite, Gilbert C. Mount Rushmore, 1952. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, Oklahoma. pg. 9. 2. Fite, pg. 11 3. Borglum, Lincoln. Mount Rushmore: The Story behind the Scenery, 1999. Econo-Clad Books, Topeka, Kansas. pg. 6 4. Carter, Robin Borglum. Gutzon Borglum: His Life and His, 1998. Eakin Press, Austin, Texas. pg. 51. 5. Carter, pgs. 54-57. 6. Fite, pgs. 64-65. 7. Borglum, pg. 21. 8. Fite, pgs. 79-80. 9. Milton, John. South Dakota: A Bicentennial History, 1977. W. W. Norton and Company, Inc, New York, New York, pgs. 139-140. 10. Milton, pgs. 23-24. 11. Milton, pg. 143. 12. Fite, pg. 236. 13. Meredith Corporation. "The Making of Mount Rushmore", American Park Network: Mount Rushmore History: The Making of Mount Rushmore; http://www.americanparknetwork.com/parkinfo/ru/history/carve.html (10 October 2000).

The Change from Idealism to Realism In the Process of Growing Up In Bot

Introduction: In both Northanger Abbey and Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen uses the concept of idealism in contrast with realism to elicit the theme of growing up and the effect it has on the characters’ points of view. This theme is most evident in the female protagonists-- Marianne Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility, and Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey. Although both characters hold an ideal world in their minds, their personalities differ enormously. While Marianne imagines the world to be perfect and romantic, Catherine lives as a heroine and is constantly on the search for frightening scenes. However, despite this major difference, both protagonists go through memorable life experiences and eventually develop their perception from idealism to realism. In other words, although they possess different personalities, both Marianne and Catherine go through similar experiences of maturing from girls with fantasies to women who are forced to face reality. This then further leads int o the question, what is the effect of growth on a person’s mentality? Marianne Dashwood’s idealism: The Dashwood family has three daughters-- Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. Among the three, Elinor, the eldest, represents sense as she has â€Å"an excellent heart; her disposition affectionate, and her feelings [are] strong: but she [knows] how to govern them† (Austen 6). In contrast, the second youngest sister Marianne is the representation of sensibility as she is â€Å"sensible and clever, but eager in everything,† she is also â€Å"generous, amiable, interesting†¦ everything but prudent† (Austen 6). After the death of their father, all of Mrs. Dashwood’s estate is taken away by the oldest male in the family, Henry Dashwood. While Elinor and her mother... ...earn from our mistakes-- that is how we grow. In Jane Austen’s novels, Marianne and Catherine are the definition of maturing. As the stories in both progress, Marianne and Catherine learn to take on new challenges and overcome new obstacles. Although there might be heartbreaking moments in their process of growing up, both characters eventually reach their moment of realization and decide to take off their goggles of idealism so to view the world better with the sight of realism. Is not this what life is all about? Living while trying to find a better definition for â€Å"living† and to find a better interpretation of the world we live in? Works Cited Austen, J. (2005). Northanger Abbey. New York City: Barnes & Noble Classics. (Original work published 1818) Austen, J. (1995). Sense and Sensibility. New York City: Dover Publications. (Original work published 1811)

Castle Family Resturant Stage

The HAIR that I think would best benefit the company is the Management Information System (MIS). A MIS provides information that organizations require to manage themselves efficiently and effectively. Management information systems are typically computer systems used for managing five primary components: 1 . ) Hardware, 2. ) Software, 3. Data (information for decision making), 4. ) Procedures (design, placement and documentation), and 5. ) People (individuals, groups, or organizations). Management information systems are distinct from other information systems, in that they are used to analyze and facilitate strategic and operational activities. (Wisped, 2013) The MIS system will allow all eight stores to be connected to your location that you work at. This will allow you to cut down the time you spend on the road away from the office and save on spending money on gas.The MIS will provide you with reports, current performance and let you access past information. It will also allow fo r better leaning, control and make important decisions without traveling to each store. The company will be able to maintain proper payroll information for each store via the internet, it will be an easier task because you will be able to access employees weekly work schedule without leaving the office. There will be software that will allow you to process the time sheets and send checks in a timely manner each pay period.With the MIS it will give you a transaction processing system, which records the routine transactions needed to conduct business, such as shipping, sales orders, and office automation systems, which are intended to increase productivity in the office for electronic mail and digital filing. Using the MIS will allow you to concentrate more on things that need to be completed from the office. This will cut down a significant amount of travel time to and from each restaurant. You will be able to stay at the main office more and communicate with managers and employee fr om every location through email.This will help with getting information on recruiting ideas, and hiring information on potential employees. Once the communication line is open through mail you will be able to determine how often you may actually have to physically make trips to the different locations. If there is ever a need for you to bring in additional help with office work this will be an easier transaction for them. The cost of the system may be costly but in the long run it will pay for itself by cutting down on travel time and gas cost.HAIR VENDOR CHOICE While looking for a vendor that would best suit the companies needs I have come across two that you can choose from to help with your business needs. I first went to Hearthstone(http://www. Gallium. Com/index. HTML) they give a detailed list of the information and systems they offer to small businesses. These items are: These items are: Heroics HAIR: database that will manage HER employee data from hire to end- of-employment . Import all data into an integrated system that will store, track, analyze, and generate reports and letters.Self-source: add on that managers can personal information and update online). Online Leave Request: online request that can be viewed and approved in a timely manner via the internet. Online project / time tracking: employees enter tidemark information and managers review and approve the time cards via the internet. Online Employment application, online Job requisition, HER portal, Heroics payroll interface. System support services such as Data Loading, Annual Maintenance and Support, Onsite Training, and System Implementation Support. Hearthstone) The second place I visited was Simple HER(http://www. Simpler. Ca/); this site offers easy instillation, quick setup, and no training. They also have Salary History and Benefits, Performance reviews and Training, Vacations, Attendance and sick leave, Health and Safety Records, HER Dashboards, Automated Reminders, Document Library , and Reports. ( HAIR – HER system for small business) Hearthstone site does not offer a price right away, but there is a free 14 day trial. Simple HER says that the cost is $199.I know I was not able to access a price from Hearthstone, but I feel that Hearthstone might be the better of the two. It seems that there is more offered to the business than what Simple HER has to offer. Both web sites offer a free trial or a Demo. I recommend that you try them both to see what works best for you, once you make your decision make sure you check both sites to figure out which offers the most products for your money.

Course Project Decision Management 530 Essay

Executive Summary The course project provide me an opportunity to define a decision problem that focus on how to better position and market a new develop hotel product offerings into a matured competitive market. The problem emanates from the action of the stakeholders that revokes a signed contract with Royale Regale Properties a consulting group supposed to manage the hotel for ten years and decide moving into franchise with Marriot Hotels. The revocation came  amidst the consulting group preparation to host the city festival in launching the hotel products into the competitive market. To justify stakeholder’s decision, the senior management applies a systematic decision making process of properly defining the problem, clarify objectives, identify alternatives, understanding consequences and constraints. In evaluating the alternatives with concern on costs as cause of revocation, develop three objectives to select the best solution. The objectives focus on operating costs, advertising costs, contract fees and marketing strength becoming twice as important as other objectives. The options focus on management capabilities thus decide on management by contract, moving into franchise, going into partnership with a chain operator or independently manage the hotel by its owners. The management selects the best option, management by contract, considers consequences dealing with uncertainties, applies the company risk attitude, implements the solution, monitors and plan ahead of decisions linked over time. The senior management decides consulting group hosting the city festival will be a better way to position and market the hotel product offerings, seeks to meet the stakeholders for approval to proceed with proper implementation to assess the effectiveness of the decision. Introduction – Overview of Decision Problem This project centers on how to launch Royale Resort Hotels with its new recreational facilities and opulence service into a mature competitive market. The company’s product is the state of art amenities and excellent services to satisfy the leisure and business travelers. The market have the hotel competing with other well-established rivals in the fast changing market place but intend to position itself with its unique features and quality service to differentiate and leverage its competitive edge. The newly developed hotel is centrally located in Stockton city, CA. and ready to be launch into the market in a grand style by hosting the city’s yearly festival slated for July 4, 2013. The hotel is on contract to Regal Properties Group to lead the management team along other hotels managed by the group. Regale Properties has a record of accomplishment of managing hotel chains, based on their experiences is ready to launch the hotel products by officially hosting the festi val as a good marketing strategy. The group resumes its contract six months prior to the grand opening with its management team trained and ready to take off as official sponsor and host of the city festival. Preparations are in top gear with all hotel rooms booked, advertisement and publicity in place, invitations send out to special guests while mementos and brochures already printed. The stakeholders suddenly meet over the turnout of events, revoked their contract with Regal Properties Group to move into franchise with Marriott Hotels to proper position and market the hotel product offerings. Revoking contract has its legal and financial implications. The senior management feels hosting the festival at this time is the best way to position the hotel into the market and fear that changing consulting group now to move into franchise will disrupt present arrangements and not portray a good image for the new hotel. Problem Statement Since the stakeholders revokes their contract with Regale Properties whose strategy is to host the city’s festival as marketing strategy to launch the hotel product offerings into the market and prefer moving into franchise with Marriott for best reasons known to them. The decision problem becomes â€Å"How do we better position and market the hotel product offerings into the mature competitive market?† To better define the problem at hand, we need to identify key decision elements surrounding the problem such as: The general nature of the problem: There is a sudden revocation of an existing contract with a consulting group (Royale Regale Property) to move into franchise with another group (Marriot Hotels). Royale Regale Property already entered into a deal to launch the hotel into the market by being the official sponsor and host of the city’s festival schedule to open soon. Preparations and arrangements are already in top gear as adverts, publicity are on while invitations already send out to special guests or the events. Reservations and bookings of hotel rooms for guests, attendees are in progress, as the hotel rooms are booked. Hosting the event is imminent to the consulting group and its management team. Not holding the event is tantamount to bad image for the new developed hotel while transitioning to franchise is critical to hosting the festival. What event triggered the situation? Launching the hotel products into the competitive market so far will have been ideal but the sudden revocation of contract by the stakeholders resulting from their deliberation after the turn out of events prior to the festival gets everyone panicked. Are we imposing constraints on the situation? There are serious concerns that can pose as constraints regarding the situation at hand. The first concern is the cause of sudden revocation of contract. There is need to ascertain why the contract is revoked. There is need to ascertain when the revocation takes effect, immediately or right after hosting the festival. Confirm the possibility of the management hosting the city’s festival or handing over to new management group. Consider the impact of the contract revocation on the festival and the present management team. Consider the impact of rescinding to host the festival. Consider the response of the city organizers knowing about the recent revocation. Envisage the fears of all invited guests, visitors and attendees. There are other concerns as to ways to handle the publicity, confirmed bookings and reservations. Consider transition into franchise, cost effect of moving into franchise. Consider the possibility of hosting the event before transition into franchise; ascertain the cost of hosting the events if that might be the cause of revocation. Consider Marriott Hotel taking over the events to transcend into franchise, or consider other options. Engage the senior management to brainstorm how to better position and market hotel products into the competitive market. What are the underlying elements of the problem? Positioning and marketing the hotel products centers on people, market share and profit. Hosting the festival is a success factor to better position hotel products in the market by creating awareness, penetrates the market to achieve good market share, enhance revenue and yields more profit. Rescinding to host the festival might leads to guests moving to other competitors within the city, special guests, visitors and other invitees might cancel their bookings and reservations, which might lead to loss of revenue as all hotel rooms have been booked. To rescind the hotel as the  official sponsor of the festival might damage the image of the hotel as advertisement and publicity are currently running. The hotel image is important in creating a product brand. Dependencies on other decisions The probability of hosting the festival or moving into franchise to better position the hotel product offerings depends on the outcome of senior management meeting. The success of the festival will better position and market the hotel product offerings. Rescinding to host the festival will damage the hotels image and results in loss of revenue. Moving into franchise after the festivals enhances better positioning and marketing the hotel product offerings. Summary of Key Objectives: The objectives are sub-divided into fundamental and means objectives. The fundamental objectives will help in evaluating and comparing alternatives while the means objectives will assists in generating alternatives and deepens our understanding of the decision problem. Fundamental Objectives| Means Objectives| Objective 1To penetrates the competitive market to achieve good market share.| Means Objective AEstablish a brand. Consider how to build quality product offerings.| | Means Objective BEstablish procedures for hiring experience staff and training to give quality services.| | Means Objective CMaximize management capabilities in operating the business. Consider operation through managed contract or franchise affiliation with high-level brand recognition for the owner.| Objective 2Create awareness by communicating the target market.| Means Objective AEstablish marketing committee to decide on identifying the target market and create brand awareness.| | Means Objective BEstablish committee to consider attracting people to the hotel. Consider different methods of communication, advertising and publicity, holding events in which hosting the festival is a factor or move into franchise.| | Means Objective CEstablish committee to consider the cost of designing a media mix, cost of hosting the festival, cost of moving into franchise.| Objective 3Enhance revenue to yields more profit.| Means Objective AEstablish committee to ascertain cost of hosting the festival and cost of moving into franchise.Establish committee to  ascertain the average room rate, occupancy percentage and revenue per available room (RevPar).| | Means Objective BEstablish committee to confirm profits accrue from room sales in hosting the festival and revenue loss that might accrue in rescinding to host the festival.| | Means Objective CEstablish franchise fees, operating costs, marketing costs. Committee review event costs with franchise costs to decide which better profits the business.| Alternatives Description of Alternatives: Identifying alternatives involves the senior management brainstorming and other group members as committees identify ideas and feasible options to defined problem. The feasible options are: Alternative| Description of Alternatives| Alternative 1Management rescinds to sponsor the event and cancel the festival.| Canceling the event is not an option. This alternative does not meet the objectives. Refunding costs for booked rooms will result to great loss of revenue. Image of the hotel is at stake.| Alternative 2Management revoked the contract and move into franchise.| Revoking contracts has its legal and cost implications. The impact on not hosting the event is enormous. Staffs are train and prepare to host the event. Adverts, publicity, brochures, fliers, banners printed, the cost affect is enormous. The alternative does not meet the objectives.| Alternative 3Management revokes the contract after the festival and move into franchise.| Hosting the event is the best option. There is great opportunity in this alternative as adverts, publicity better position the hotel products, create a brand image, attracts people to the hotel, guests will experience quality service. The hotel penetrates the competitive market to have a share.Hotel image creates easy transition into franchise. Reduces operating costs, marketing costs, needs only technical assistance.Helps build a brand that will facilitate franchise negotiations. Hosting the event helps in creating awareness, gives the opportunity to penetrate the market, with hotel rooms fully booked provides profitability to the owner. The alternative fully meets the objectives.| Alternative 4Management revokes the contract approves Marriott to host the festival and transcends into franchise.| Marriott’s fees will increase. Familiarize with management team and other employees will be time consuming. Setting standards in terms of creating logo, design and style will forestall events date. This will lead to incurring additional operation costs. Hosting the festival and transitioning into franchise can be cumbersome. Retraining and rehiring staff to their standards can be stressful.This alternative is not a good option to take.| Selection From the outcomes of the senior management meetings and other group deliberations, it is observe that the stakeholders’ concern were more on costs incurred so far in preparations for hosting the festival. Based on the management decision, the objectives to select the best way to market the hotel product offerings is to review operating costs, advertising costs, contact fees and all agreement terms while determining marketing strength is twice as important as other objectives. The contract with Regale Properties is to manage the property for ten years, 3 – 4% total revenue, 2% incentive fees, high lender’s reputation in providing loan, and high penalty impose on party that initiates cancellation. The managed contract gives owner greater control over physical and operational quality of the hotel thereby protects owner’s trademark and reputation. Franchise agreement will be for twenty years with non- refundable initial fees, fixed monthly fee ranging from 3 -6.5% of room sales, advertising fees, loan assistance, training fees, with owner loss of autonomy and contract terminates when not meet standards. Other options arrived at are maintaining the managed contract with Regale, moving into franchise, going into partnership with a reputable chain operator or independently managed by owners as a liability company. (Retrieve from Allan Stutts, & James Wortman. (2006). Management Contract and Franchise Agreement: Hotel Lodging Management, second edition, p247 – 266). Consequence Table with Original Values: | Alternatives| | Managed Contract| Franchise Affiliation| Partnership| Independently Run by Owners| Operating Costs| $80,000| $200,000| $120,000| $150,000| Advertising Costs| $15,000| $50,000| $20,000| $60,000| Contract Fees| $1.5million| $5million| $1million| No Contract Fees| Marketing Strength| 2| 1| 3| No Marketing Strength| Scoring Model: The table shows the ranking of all objectives with one as the lowest value, four as the highest value. | Managed Contract| Franchise Affiliation| Partnership| Independently Run By Owners| Operating Costs| 4| 1| 3| 2| Advertising Costs| 4| 2| 3| 1| Contract Fees| 2| 1| 3| 4| Marketing Strength| 3| 4| 2| 1| Score| 13| 8| 11| 8| Legend: 4 = Best Option, 3 = third best, 2= Second best, 1 = Worst.| Weighted Scoring Model: | | Alternatives| | Weight| Managed Contract| Franchise Affiliation| Partnership| Independently Run by Owners| Operating Cost| 20%| 0.8 | 0.2| 0.6| 0.4| Advertising Cost| 20%| 0.8| 0.4| 0.6| 0.2| Contract Fees| 20%| 0.4 | 0.2| 0.6| 0.8| Marketing Strength| 40%| 1.2 | 1.6| 0.8| 0.4| TOTAL| 100%| 3.2 | 2.4| 2.6| 1.8| Legend: 1 = Lowest Value, 4 = Highest Value.| Eliminate dominated alternatives After more deliberations with all appointed committees to deliberate on the necessary objectives by the senior management, the available options to better position and market the hotel product offerings zero down on management team capabilities of managing the hotel products. However, when apply weight to the values, franchise dominates the idea of independently managed by owners hence eliminates the idea. Identifying Tradeoffs Using Even Swaps Swapping the available options, managed by contract exceeds all other options and appears to be the best alternative. Consequence Managed by contract appears the best alternative to position and market the hotel products as having a brand name is paramount in having a market share. The contracted group will bear all costs and expenses but attains its  profit through gross revenue; the brand image of the chain operator will be of more advantage. The senior management continues to battle with several issues as risks, uncertainties and probabilities to better position the hotel products into the competitive market or move into franchise affiliation. Their objectives are to achieve a good market share, create a brand image and maximize profitability. Some of the consequences envisage are: * Management holds festival before revoking the contract. Can this help in penetrating the market to have a good market share. Based on relevant information from the senior management, there is high possibility of hosting the event to attain good market share. * Stakeholders rescind to host, sponsor the festival and therefore cancel the festival. Canceling the festival creates bad press that might affect the hotel’s image. With the available facts, it is highly observed that the city festival will not be cancel. * Stakeholders might move into franchise affiliation. Reviewing the budget costs, moving into franchise involves additional fees as training fees, advertising fees and monthly fees. Based on the management analysis, there is likelihood that it might affect the profitability. Thus highlights a risk profile to identify uncertainties and probabilities. Risk Profile: Uncertainty: Uncertainty 1| Outcome:| Chance| Consequences: | Host/Sponsor City festival| 90%| Achieve Good Market Share| Not hosting/Sponsor City Festival| 10%| Achieve no Market Share| Uncertainty: Uncertainty 2| Outcome:| Chance| Consequences: | Cancel City Festival| 10%| Lead to bad press| Not Cancel City Festival| 90%| Lead to Good Press| Uncertainty: Uncertainty 3| Outcome:| Chance| Consequences: | Move into Franchise| 80%| Increase Operating Costs| Not Move into Franchise| 20%| Decreases Operating Costs| Risk tolerance High Risk: Outcome| Gain| Probability| Expected Value| Host /Sponsor the City Festival| $9, 000 | 90%| $8, 100| Not Cancel City Festival| $9, 000| 90%| $8, 100| Not move into Franchise| $2, 000| 20%| $ 400| Total| | | $16, 600| Low Risk: Outcome| Gain| Probability| Expected Value| Not Host /Sponsor the City Festival| $1, 000| 10%| $ 100.00| Cancel City Festival| $1, 000| 10%| $ 100.00| Move into Franchise| $8, 000| 80 %| $6, 400.00 | Total| | | $6, 600| By using this concept, the management is able to evaluate which of the three alternatives will yield best result while factoring uncertainties that exists. In this case, the high risk has the best expected value. To ascertain the risks and probable of uncertainties, management will have to picture the risk profiles with a decision tree and decide to hedge likeable risk and insure the hotel products against future risks. Decision Tree Host Festival Host Festival 90.0% 0.9 9000 8100 Cancel Festival Cancel Festival High Risk High Risk True 90.0% 0.9 16,600 9000 8100 Franchise Franchise 20.0% 0.20 How to better position and market hotel product offerings How to better position and market hotel product offerings 2000 400 Host Festival Host Festival 10.0% 0 1000 100 Cancel Festival Cancel Festival Lower Risk Lower Risk False 10.0% 0 6, 600 1000 100 Franchise Franchise 80.0% 0 8000 6400 (Retrieve from Week 5: Group Decision Making – Lecture. http://vizedhtmlcontent.next.ecollege.com/ (NEXT (a4f7ff0b65))/Main/Course Linked Decision To better position the hotel product offerings, management will have to leave all options open by operating a flexible plan. The immediate problem is to launch the products into the competitive market, communicate the products to the target market and create a brand image. Consequent plans will be to move into franchise after attaining a brand; this will boost sales revenue and automatically improve profits. (Retrieve from John, Ralph & Howard. (1999): Smart Choices). Implementation, Monitoring and Control To implement the chosen decision, senior management will brief all parties  involved with up to date information. The senior management meets with all committee heads to assess the chosen option against foreseeable risks or bias. In this case, senior management feeds back the stakeholders as per the research, outcomes, consequences and benefits of the chosen option. To better clarify issues, opinions of legal experts will be inquire to put management at a desired advantage. Hosting the festival is imminent in launching the products into the competitive market, thus stakeholders will honor Regale Property Group to host the city festival as the official sponsor for the event date 4 July 2013. The trained team from the operation managers, middle managers and supervisors will oversee the trained personnel to deliver best services to guests by turning guest services into a memorable experience that will bring about a repeat visit. Senior management is to review subsequent plans, ensure proper communications, effective supervision and proper accountability to ensure success of the plan. Summary Making tough decision problems poses few difficult problems, while applying a systematic approach helps focus on tough elements to resolve problem easily. The decision of revoking the contract to move into franchise poses a tough decision problem on the management but save for the senior management ability to resolve issue by applying a rational approach. The management was able to address the right decision problem, clarify the objectives, develop creative alternatives and ascertain consequences of their decisions. They eliminate poor alternatives, deal with uncertainties, consider their risk – taking attitude and develop flexible plan to deal with linked decisions ahead of time. (Retrieve from Frumi Rachel (2010). A Practical Guide to Making Better life Decisions: Smart Choices). Conclusion With great success of hosting the city festival holding on Fourth of July, the quality of guest services will attract customers to bring about a repeat visits. Their standard rooms, food services and recreational facilities with quality service exhibit by the trained staff will create the brand to attain expected market share. The quality service and product will leverage the hotel edge in the competitive market. As the hotel becomes well known and attain more sales the precedent to future plans in maximizing profits is foreseeable. References Allan T. Stutts. & James F., Wortman (2006). Management contract and Franchise Agreements: Hotel and Lodging Management, second edition, p.247 – 266 Frumi Rachel (2010). A practical Guide to Making Better Life Decisions: Smart Choices John S. Hammond, Ralph L. Keeney, Howard Rafia (1999). Smart choices, Harvard Business School Press Culled from Week 5: Group Decision Making – Lecture: Decision Tree. http://vizedhtmlcontent.next.ecollege.com/