Dilemmas Of The Individual In Public Services Social Work Essay Example

Dilemmas Of The Individual In Public Services Social Work Essay Introduction This book is intended to give the reader an overall apprehension of what Lipsky calls street-level bureaucratisms and administrative officials through an insightful analysis of front line pattern in public administrations. It is an effort at developing a theory of street-level bureaucratisms by analyzing the professional behavior and daily patterns of the administrative officials who operate within a model of supplying public services to the population. Lipsky defines street-level administrative officials as public service workers who interact straight with citizens in the class of their occupations, and who have significant discretion in the executing of their work ( 1980:3 ) . Some illustrations include instructors, constabulary officers and other jurisprudence enforcement forces, societal workers, Judgess, public attorneies and other tribunal officers, wellness workers ( 1980:3 ) . While he defined street-level bureaucratisms defined as public service bureaus that employ a im portant figure of street-level administrative officials in proportion to their work force ( 1980:3 ) . Lipsky argues that it is non through the authorities acts or Torahs that policy is best understood but through the crowded offices and day-to-day experiences of the administrative official. It is these administrative officials who through the proviso of public services implement a big sum of influence over how public policy is really carried out. Initially drawn to public service for selfless grounds, the worker is easy corrupted, overworked, and exhausted by assorted force per unit areas including battle with deficient resources and obscure policy ends ( Lipsky 1980: thirteen ) . Therefore, in order to cover efficaciously with these force per unit areas, the administrative official with comparative liberty from organizational authorization and high degrees of discretion exercises a figure of determinations, modus operandis, and get bying mechanisms which efficaciously become the public policies they carry out. The purpose of the book being to demo the broad disagreement between wh at authorities policies claim to make and what really happens when policy is implemented. Drumhead We will write a custom essay sample on Dilemmas Of The Individual In Public Services Social Work specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Dilemmas Of The Individual In Public Services Social Work specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Dilemmas Of The Individual In Public Services Social Work specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The book is divided into four subdivisions each covering with a specific portion of the complex features of street degree bureaucratisms. Section one provides an introductory overview of the subject to give an apprehension of the nature of bureaucratisms, it besides examines the function of the administrative official in the devising and execution of policies. Section two examines the common work conditions of the bureaucratism with specific attending given to the resources, ends, and public presentation steps instigated, the purportedly supportive relationship between the client and the administrative official, and the work induced disaffection. Section three explores the forms of pattern or get bying mechanisms developed by the administrative official in order to cover with the work conditions and high degrees of clients, including rationing and curtailing clients, routinisation, and the control exercised in client processing. Section four focal points on the hereafter of street-le vel bureaucratisms, and proposes new agencies of cut downing client tensenesss and doing administrative officials more accountable. The first chapter points out the grounds why street-level bureaucratisms are so important, which include the Numberss employed, the monies to fund and pay forces, and the impact on persons lives particularly those of lower incomes. Its chief focal point is on the critical function played, and struggle experienced daily by administrative officials due to their placement as go-betweens ; between clients who hope for effectual intervention by the authorities through the services provided, and the public assistance province who hopes for economical proviso of public services. It posits that administrative officials in their place as service suppliers have a immense duty as their actions straight impact on clients lives. Using their powers of discretion to make up ones mind how to present the service, who should profit, and to what extent, they enact a signifier of societal control by necessitating certain behaviors and actions by the client. Therefore straight impacting on a client s lif e opportunities by either giving or taking off of benefits and using penalties or negative countenances for non-conformity. The purpose of the 2nd chapter is to exemplify how as a effect of their interactions with clients, enabled by their usage of discretion in determination devising, and their comparative liberty from the organizational authorization, it is the administrative officials who on a regular basis make policy. It is posited that even though there are regulations, ordinances, and norms to be followed, if a successful service is to be provided that is both cost effectual and timely discretion must be applied. Discretion is a described as a cardinal feature of the administrative official s place, necessary due to the really nature of the work i.e. the human dimension which frequently renders a really complex state of affairs necessitating flexibleness and consideration of all the grounds before doing a determination. The relationship between the lower degree administrative official and managerial governments of the administration being both dependent and conflicting is besides highlighted as inf luential in the behavior of administrative officials and determination devising procedure. Lipsky posits that because of differing involvements, deficiency of understanding on ends and aims, and contradictory positions on acceptable degrees of discretion and autonomy struggle arises. This struggle consequences in opposition from the administrative official to direction through avenues such as the organizational processs non being followed and new processs being developed by the administrative official therefore doing new policies ( 1980:19 ) . Section two focal points on the work environment which gives rise to commonalties found among street-level bureaucratisms which conditions the manner they perceive jobs and frame solutions to them, therefore giving rise to common forms of pattern that impact the administrative officials ability to take action ( 198:27 ) . In chapter three Lipsky highlights the issue of unequal resources, saying that street-level bureaucratisms will ever be inveterate missing in countries such as clip, information, and experience. Added to this the of all time increasing caseloads and demand for services which will ever transcend supply, the inevitable tensenesss between the client, administrative official, and director will doubtless hold a negative impact on both the clients and administrative officials experience. In chapter four he observes how in order for the administration to work efficaciously and expeditiously it needs to put down ends and aims which are frequently, at best, ill-defined a nd equivocal, and struggle with the administrative officials ain ends. This deficiency of congruity on ends makes it hard if non impossible for the director to garner public presentation measurings, and consequences in answerability besides being elusive. In chapter five, Lipsky describes the kineticss of the bureaucrat-client relationship as being common to street-level bureaucratisms. The administrative official exerts control over the non-voluntary client who must entree services either because they are non available elsewhere or they are on a low income, and therefore must follow with outlooks and determinations made in order to have benefits or avoid countenances ( 1980:60 ) . Finally in chapter 6, the issues of disaffection and the at odds function of protagonism are explored. Bureaucrats are expected to work for the client, have their best involvement at bosom, and guarantee the best intervention, but this conflicts with the outlooks of the bureaucratism. Bureaucrats being ex pected to work within a remit of maintaining control of resources and avoiding particular intervention are therefore, yet once more, put under great emphasis. Alienation, harmonizing to Lipsky, occurs because the administrative official merely works on parts of the merchandise, has no relationship to the result of their work or the natural stuffs, ensuing in the worker being alienated from their occupation. Section three examines whether the commonalties listed supra lead to common behavior apparent in street-level bureaucratisms. First, the commonalties listed above all contribute to the administrative official who joined the public service for selfless grounds going unmotivated, and dissatisfied with their place, and therefore negatively impacting on the services provided to the client. Lipsky states that forms of pattern or get bying mechanisms are developed by the administrative officials in different businesss in order to cover with the work conditions described in subdivisions one and two and the overloading of clients. He posits that in order to carry through their undertakings administrative officials ab initio set up modus operandis to simplify the complex occupations, but because these are capable to personal and political biass they straight impact what the modus operandi is seeking to accomplish and add up to contemplations of the administration and therefore direct policies ( 1980:86 ) . He highlights a figure of ways in which they ration and curtail services including ; waiting in lines, inordinate paperwork, pigeonholing likely wrongdoers, practising favoritism and symbolic entreaty processs ( 1980:81-82 ) . Bureaucrats besides retaliate against the emphasiss and strains imposed on them by direction by modify their ain behaviors to accomplish their personal ends, specializing or restricting and even spread outing duty to acquire things done harmonizing to how they think they should be ( 1980:142-150 ) . Section four concludes with a expression to the hereafter of street-level bureaucratisms, discoursing the impact of the 1980 s financial crisis in regard to answerability and potency for reform. Lipsky argues that it is virtually impossible to keep administrative officials accountable where the nature of the work employs high degrees of liberty and discretion ( 1980:159 ) . He believes that the force per unit areas of the financial crisis to cut down fiscal outgos while understating impact cuts will merely function to increase unequal resources and lessening service quality. He concludes by suggesting two ways of cut downing client tensenesss and doing administrative officials more accountable ; by including clients in bureau determination devising, and pins his hopes on new professionals who will perpetrate to seeking to accomplish greater societal and economic justness and shun personal position sweetening ( 1980:204 ) . Review Michael Lipsky is surely more than qualified to compose about street-level bureaucratisms, holding graduated from Oberlin College and received an MPA and a PhD in Politics from Princeton University. He has taught in the countries of public policy, American political relations, and societal motions since 1975, and has written, edited, and contributed to many books and diaries. He is presently a Research Professor at Georgetown University s Public Policy Institute and a Senior Program Director at Demos, a public policy and protagonism administration based in New York ( Georgetown University 2012 ) . Sing his educational background it is rather delighting to happen the book is easy to read and follow. It uses an informal, enlightening tone and non excessively many big indecipherable words which means it is suited for all to read ; bookmans, pupils, and the wider public. It provides a comprehensive analysis of street-level bureaucratisms and administrative officials which has an copiousn ess of real life illustrations which assist the reader in understanding Lispky s hypotheses. Lipsky developed his theory following a book reappraisal he wrote and a subsequent paper Toward a Theory of Street-Level Bureaucracy which laid out his initial ideas and guesss on the importance of work construction in set uping the relationship between citizens and these public employees ( 1980: seventeen ) . His uses a qualitative experimental attack to his survey and did non execute any methodical empirical research but alternatively used a figure of empirical illustrations and secondary literature to show his statement. However, he besides uses rather a figure of mentions to common sense analogies which win in bolstering his statement. His theory, it must be noted, is strong in placing and explicating the issues environing policy execution and could therefore be described as descriptive theoretical account ; a theoretical account to depict how they do run, to simplify the survey of how they make determinations ( Hogwood and Gunn, 1984, as cited in Cairney 2012:32 ) . Execution can be described as the executing of a program for making something ; it can mention to the bringing of a programme or to an array of activities initiated by the authorities to accomplish ends and aims set frontward in a policy. Policy execution is portion of the policy rhythm which by and large involves policy design followed by policy bringing and so policy reappraisal. It is concerned with set uping or using an administration to take duty for execution, guaranting that the administration has the resources to make so, and doing certain that policy determinations are carried out as planned ( Cariney 2012:33 ) . The survey of execution is centred on the hypothesis that determinations made by policymakers may non be carried out suitably ( 2012:34 ) . Lipsky can be understood as working from a bottom-up attack to policy execution, a direct challenge to the top-down attack which believes that cardinal authorities is the chief influence on policy results. He sees policy as being created in a complex field of tensenesss and demands by the single actions of the implementers, in this instance street-level administrative officials who have a critical function in implementing policy. Lipsky s thesis is based on the impression that policy is in fact what bureaucrats do, utilizing discretion in both positive and negative ways to voyage the complex and multi-faceted country of human services. For Lipsky, discretion occurs in a context of struggle between front-line workers and directors ; between a desire to top-down control and resistance to it. His work gives great lucidity to the motivations behind the actions of street-level administrative officials, every bit good as indicating to the policy and resource morass which lends itself to the burnt-out attitude frequently presented by front-line staff. Research by Wandersman et Al ( 2008 ) identified a figure of factors which influence execution in pattern which corroborate Lipsky s theory that front line administrative officials have an of import function to play in the policy execution process. They identified a figure of including single features, such as practictioners education, experience, and attitude toward the invention, every bit good as organizational and community factors. A study from the Mental Health Commission ( 2009 ) besides supports Lipskys theories saying that effectual execution is synonymous with co-ordinated alteration at system, administration programme and pattern degrees . Evans ( 2011:3 ) has besides shown that Lipsky s ideal of street-level bureaucratisms are comparable to modern-day societal services in that they are administrations controlled by directors where there is concern for what is produced non the procedure. Even though this book is based on American experiences it can still be applied to the Irish experience and I believe is relevant to the Irish Welfare State and its policy execution schemes. For illustration, Community Welfare Officers can be understood as street-level administrative officials who use discretion in their work to make up ones mind who shall have benefits and when, impose countenances. They use commanding mechanisms such as inordinate signifier filling, and long waiting lines to enable them to routinize their processs and implement the policies of the public assistance system. Probation Officers who work under the remit of the Criminal Justice Department can besides be understood as street-level administrative officials who operate with great discretion in their daily operation, and have to set and make their ain policies to enable them to run expeditiously. Other authors have besides found that Lipsky s work can be applied to states with much differing public assistanc e provinces such as Winter ( 1981 ) whose qualitative instance surveies in Denmark identified extended header mechanisms amongst street-level administrative officials. The overall purpose of this book has been to demo the broad disagreement between what authorities policies claim to make and what really happens when that policy is implemented. It has portrayed the life of a street-level administrative official as being invariably under duress from both sides of the system and shown how choler and bitterness evolve to develop into get bying mechanisms to cover with clients and the confines of work conditions. I believe Lipsky has been most successful in this enterprise and produced a all-around, nonsubjective survey of the procedure of policy execution as evidenced in street-level bureaucratisms.

Kennedy address Essays - Rhetorical Techniques, Kennedy Family

Kennedy address Essays - Rhetorical Techniques, Kennedy Family Kennedy address The youthful energy found in John F. Kennedy's speech is evident throughout. He had just won a long hard fought campaign, yet chose not to focus on the policies that helped him win specifically. The goals he has are illustrated in strong appeals to emotion, by making a connection with the everyday American citizen. He personalizes his speech in looking forward to the future while using the past as an example. Kennedy remains active with his words by never relenting on the main goal he has of unison between two opposing forces. In talking about all that he must deal with as a president and global icon striving for peace, he states, "I do not shrink from this responsibility - I welcome it," near the end of the speech. This shows his persistence as a leader and allows listeners to hear the strength of this determination. He shares his energy with the people, claiming that the goals of a better world can be attained if only effort by everyone is given. The activism in his words can most clearly be seen when he focuses on what both sides can do to solve the problem. His ultimate goal of peace between opposing forces becomes evident in his idea to, "bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations." "Absolute" lends to the strong diction used throughout his speech, and is used here to bring this example of zeugma together. He understands people are sca red of the world, and he stands strongly before them showing someone out there is not afraid to negotiate for peace. The metaphorical diction creates some of Kennedy's best appeals to the audience. He uses a metaphor here in a pledge to Southern nations, "to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty." Not only does his goal of liberation become more evident with the use of this metaphor, but he also shows the injustices of the past will not be repeated freely with a metaphor. He refers to evil dictators of the past saying, "those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside," clearly shows his intentions of becoming a just figure on the international level. Formal diction evokes a sense of national pride especially in referring to past Americans as "forebears," a sign of respect. During his opening line he wisely follows the addressing of many prestigious government figures by ending with fellow citizens. He puts the Americans on par with the other figures mentioned. Kennedy's use of short paragraphs, in some cases one-sentence paragraphs, allows him to not drag too long on one point. The appeal to a larger demographic can be made as he uses short rhetorical questions that can apply to anyone. This can be seen when discussing the call to unite against global enemies, he asks, "will you join us in this historic effort?" Long complex sentences are the norm in the speech. Contradictory statements like the famous "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country," can be seen everywhere, and they lend themselves well to the points he tries to make. The use of parallelism creates some of these complex sentences with his listing of several key ideas fitting together in one long sentence. Kennedy likes to use declarative sentences to emit the strength he has. He makes declarations "to those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free," and, "to those peoples in huts and villages across the globe. The repetition of these declarative elements makes it seem that he will actually carry out his plan of action. Calling people into action makes up a good portion of his speech. The use of hortative sentences like when he repeatedly uses "let both sides" shows that he plans on not doing this alone. The humility comes through in these calls to action, but he also stays with his active approach by using imperative sentences. He commands that citizens ask themselves how they can help out the situation. Through the arrangement of the sentences so that he first says what not to do, and then what should

Online reputation for Patrizia Pepe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Online reputation for Patrizia Pepe - Essay Example In this technologically modern world, where the internet is becoming more and more prominent in social as well as economic spheres, e-commerce has emerged as a particularly potent avenue for business expansion and a decidedly effectual and savvy technique for the modern business to completely penetrate its target market. Countless businesses have taken up this avenue and shown rapidly escalating positive results and more and more businesses have caught the online commerce train in their wake. Patrizia Pepe is one such example. Patrizia Bambi and Claudio Orrea in 1993, created Patrizia Pepe (PP), a clothing and accessories line for men and women and the brand has since then, through constant innovation, an open mindset towards change and incorporation of modern technologies and production and retail methods and techniques progressed rapidly and grown successfully across international borders. PP has in the line of innovation and change, also taken up e-commerce through which it has ex panded its business reach to its target market and hence, the resulting sales. Presently, PP uses numerous online websites, which include social networking groups and websites for online purchasing as the medium for reaching its consumer base across the world. Patrizia Pepe has established its brand website, which displays riveting pictures of the new collections, which have been timed to keep flipping so that it keeps the customer’s first glance engaged longer. The website offers information about the current ad-campaigns and press, the latest collections for men and women, the location of the company’s stores, an option to shop online through the website, and a link called community, which leads the customer to a page with links to different social networking

GrammLeachBliley Act and its effect in Economy Essay

GrammLeachBliley Act and its effect in Economy - Essay Example The GLB Act is also known as the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999. As its name suggests, it is meant to bring into practice or reality what were then needed at that point –_ to modernize financial services. Signed into law by President Bill Clinton to repeal part of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which limits what banks could do, GLB created opening up of the market among securities companies banking companies, and insurance companies. Under the Glass-Steagall Act, the three companies cannot be combined in any way but under GLB, they were made free to do so. The GLB Act therefore gave more power to the players of the financial services industry as it allowed consolidation or combination of commercial banks, investment banks, securities firms, and insurance companies. The 1998 case of Citicorp, a commercial bank holding company, merging with Travelers Group, an insurance company by forming conglomerate Citigroup exemplified the case in point. A temporary waiver pro cess1 for combining securities, insurance, and banking was needed or the merger in 1998, would have violated the Glass-Steagall Act and the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. GLB therefore legalized the merger on a permanent basis. How it became a law through the legislative process? Through congressional vote by chamber and party, GLB came about in 1999. Prior to said date, the banking industry had been seeking the repeal of the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act since the 1980s, if not earlier. In 1987, the Congressional Research Service reported on the matter, after exploring the cases for and against preserving the Glass-Steagall Act2. This was followed by respective versions of the legislation being introduced in the US Senate by Phil Gramm and US House of Representatives Jim Leach with the support of Rep Bliley, Jr, Chairman of House Commerce Committee from 1995 to 2001. As stated earlier, the banking industry

Marketing and Public Relations for Music and Media Essay

Marketing and Public Relations for Music and Media - Essay Example On the basis of research an appropriate marketing strategy comprised of guerrilla marketing tactics. The paper would also analyse the impact of demographics, supply chain and distributors towards influencing the business prospects and viability of the band. Based on this research an appropriate product mix would be formulated with a detailed financial analysis of the financial outcomes of the strategy. Finally a set of plausible recommendations would be framed that would serve to summarise the findings of the study and suggest certain strategies for the music band so as to make it popular among the target audience and establish a brand name and favourably position itself in the highly competitive market. General Overview In present competitive world, the role of marketing has become more prominent and a key success fact for the competing companies. With development of modern business concept, the there also have been significant improvements in the marketing practices. The process of drafting an efficient marketing plan includes a number of tasks, and the most important aspect in this process is that the marketers always aim to follow a customer centric of customer focused marketing plan. The target customers can also be defined as the target audience. The primary objective of marketing plan is to deliver the predefined message to the target audience. The process of delivering g message to the relevant and potential target audience is known as communicational marketing. Communication is an integral part of marketing mix that must be designed effectively with by considering a number of factors like public relation, advertising, effective campaign message, and target audience etc (Trehan and Trehan, 2010, p.17). This paper will attempt to present a comprehensive promotional marketing plan for promoting music and media through an effective communication process. This promotional marketing plan basically strives to develop a campaign plan for promoting a brand imag e of rock-music band. In meet this task, multiple marketing models, tools and theories will be used by focusing the target audience. The band is UK-based and hence, this promotional plan will focus on UK market. The product of this band is basically its music which will be distributed through CDs and online download. Therefore, in order to promote the music specific target markets will be identified and defined. Marketing Strategy Overview In the age of high competition it has become very essential for business organizations to develop a marketing strategy that effectively communicates its product or services among the members of the target audience such that the consumers are aware of the product and are able to distinguish between the product and services offered by the competitors in the market. Music bands also face the same situations as there are a large number of such players in the market. The marketing strategies of the bands must largely include a comprehensive framework c omprised of a step wise plan that includes

Health Related Physical Fitness Physical Education Essay

Health Related Physical Fitness Physical Education Essay Physical fitness is the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness without undue fatigue and ample energy to enjoy leisure time pursuits and meet unforeseen emergencies. (Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sport)  ¿Ã‚ ½Physical fitness is the ability of the heart, blood vessels, lungs and muscles to perform at optimal efficiency. ¿Ã‚ ½ (Bud Getchell, PhD)  ¿Ã‚ ½Physical fitness is the ability to perform moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity without undue fatigue and the capability of maintaining such ability throughout life. ¿Ã‚ ½ (American College of Sport Medicine)  ¿Ã‚ ½Physical fitness is a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity. ¿Ã‚ ½ (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Definitions with vague, subjective wordings and definitions made up of terms that also need defining led to confusion and lack of ability for objective measurement of physical fitness. There are other numerous definitions of physical fitness which are vague and subjective as pointed by the below statement;  ¿Ã‚ ½Physical fitness is one of the most poor defined and most frequently misused terms in the English Language. ¿Ã‚ ½ (Brian Sharkey, PhD, professor emeritus of Montana State University) To enable objective measurement of physical fitness, it is divided into two components; health-related components of physical fitness and athletic ability components of physical fitness. The later components are related to performance or skill. Figure X: Components of physical fitness (ACSM, 2008). From the public health perspective, health related physical fitness are more important than those related to athletic ability or are skill-related or performance related components. The assessment of health related physical fitness is commonly done by fitness professionals, however, despite the recognized importance of health related physical fitness, it is not commonly assessed by clinicians(ACSM, 2008). As illustrated in figure X below, all health-related components of physical fitness contribute equally and in balance to the whole construct of health related physical fitness. Figure X: A balance between all five components to the construct of health related physical fitness (ACSM, 2008). a. Cardiorespiratory fitness Cardiorespiratory fitness is related to the ability of a person to perform large muscle, dynamic, moderate to high intensity exercise for prolong periods and can be assessed by various techniques. Cardiorespiratory fitness of a person reflects the functional capability of the heart, blood vessels, blood, lungs and relevant muscles during various types of exercise demands. It is related to the ability to perform large muscle, dynamic, moderate-to-high intensity exercise for prolonged periods. There are many methods available to measure or predict cardiorespiratory fitness. Those methods fall into three general types of assessment which are; i. Field test. These tests generally demand maximal effort for the best score. For this type of test, the subjects have to perform a timed completion of a certain distance, complete a measured distance, or perform for a set time to predict cardiorespiratory fitness. Examples of field tests modes include walk, walk-run, cycle, swim and others. ii. Submaximal exertion test. This type of test require using either step test or a single-stage or a multi-stage submaximal exercise protocol to predict maximal aerobic capacity or cardiorespiratory fitness from submaximal measures of efficiency of certain measured variables (usually heart rate response). Some modes of submaximal exertion tests include steps, treadmill, cycle and others. Many of these tests required to be performed in a laboratory setting. iii. Maximal exertion test Maximal exertion test use a graded or progressive exercise test to measure an individual ¿Ã‚ ½s volitional fatigue or exhaustion which involves a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness rather than prediction and is likely performed in a laboratory setting. Maximal exertion test along with collection of expired gases is considered as a true measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness however it is desirable in many setting. Decision of which test to be use depends on; * Time demands * Expenses or costs * Personnel needed (qualification) * Equipment or facilities needed * Physician supervision needed * Population tested (safety concern) * Need for accuracy of data b. Flexibility Flexibility in health related physical fitness is defined as the ability of a person to move a joint through its complete range of movement. Flexibility is not joint specific as it is dependent upon which muscle and joint being evaluated. Other factors effecting flexibility includes distensibility of the joint capsule, adequate warm up, muscle viscocity and compliance of ligaments and tendons. Flexibility assessment is necessary because of the recognized association between decreased performances of activities of daily living with inadequate flexibility. Development of muscular lower back pain may be contributed by poor lower back hip flexibility. In reality, there ¿Ã‚ ½s no single test that can used to truly characterize a person ¿Ã‚ ½s flexibility. The most widely used test for the assessment of flexibility is the sit and reach test. Even though it does not represent the whole body flexibility, it does represent hamstring, hip and lower back flexibility. c. Muscular strength Muscular strength in health related physical fitness refers to the maximal force that can be generated by a specific muscle or muscle group. d. Muscular endurance Muscular endurance refers to the ability of a muscle group to execute repeated contractions over a period of time sufficient to cause muscular fatigue, or to maintain a specific percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction for a prolong period of time. CENCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Cardiovascular diseases risk (National Vascular Disease Prevention Alliance, 2009); 1. Modifiable risk a. Lifestyle related i. Nutrition ii. Physical activity level iii. Smoking status iv. Alcohol intake b. Metabolic risk i. Blood pressure ii. Waist circumference and body mass index iii. Serum lipid iv. Blood sugar 2. Non modifiable risk a. Age b. Sex c. Family history of premature CVD d. Social history (cultural identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, mental health) Physical Fitness a. Health related physical fitness a. Cardiovascular endurance b. muscle endurance c. muscle strength d. flexibility JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY OBJECTIVES 1. General objectives To compare the effect of light resistance training using light dumbbells and ankle-wrist weights on body composition, metabolic risk and health related physical fitness level. 2. Specific objectives i. To determine and compare the effect of light resistance training between using dumbbells and using ankle-wrist weights in term of changes in body composition; a. Body mass index b. Waist circumference c. Waist to hip ratio d. Percentage in body fat e. Fat free mass ii. To determine and compare the effect of light resistance training between using dumbbells and using ankle-wrist weights in term of metabolic risks; a. Blood pressure b. Lipids i. Total cholesterol ii. LDL-C iii. HDL-C iv. Non-HDL v. Total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio vi. TG c. Fasting blood sugar iii. To determine and compare the effect of light resistance training between using dumbbells and using ankle-wrist weights in term of other components of health related physical fitness; a. Cardiorespiratory fitness b. Flexibility c. Muscular endurance d. Muscular strength 3. Research questions Does light resistance training using dumbbells have a similar significant beneficial effects compared to light resistance training using ankle-wrist weights. 4. Study hypothesis Both types of light resistance training; using dumbbells or using ankle-wrist weights does have beneficial effects in term of improvement in body composition, reducing metabolic risk and improving health related physical fitness level. METHODOLOGY Tumpat is a district (jajahan) in Kelantan, situated at the East Coast of peninsular Malaysia. The town of Tumpat is approximately 15km from the state capital, Kota Bharu. Tumpat district has an area of 169.5 square kilometres is one of the smallest district in Kelantan (Tumpat District Council, 2012). Total population of Tumpat district in 2010 was 143,793 with the majority being the Malays (130,922 or 91.0%). Other ethnic groups include Chinese (6,227 or 4.8%), Siamese (4,784 or 3.7%) and Indians (121 or less than 1.0%). Tumpat district is divided into seven subdistrict (mukim) which is Jal Besar, Kebakat, Pengkalan Kubor, Sungai Pinang, Terbok, Tumpat and Wakaf Bharu (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2010b, Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2010a). 1. Study design This is a single-centred, randomized parallel group trial. 2. Reference population The inference population for this study were Malaysian adults 3. Target population The target population were Malaysian overweight and obese adults 4. Source population The source population for this study were all adults living in Tumpat Districts. 5. Sampling frame Overweight and obese adults living in Tumpat District were recruited for this study. 6. Subjects i. Inclusion criteria a. Aged equal or more than 18 years old at the time of recruitment. b. Body mass index of equal or more than 23 kg/m2. ii. Exclusion criteria a. Pregnancy b. On any weight management treatment/program i. Taking any medication which the primary intention is to reduce weight ii. Taking any traditional medication which the primary intention os to reduce weight iii. On any dietary modification for weight management c. Existing joint pain which restrict physical movement d. Existing cardiac condition which restricted physical activity i.e.: a person with NYHA Functional capacity class II, III and IV (American Heart Association, 2011) 7. Sample Size determination Number of subjects required for this study were calculated using sample size calculation for test of means with repeated measures in STATA software (StataCorp., 2011). With power of study (1-?) set at 80% and ? set at 0.05, summary of sample size calculated were as table X below; Table X: summary of sample size calculation variable 8. Sampling techniques All eligible and consented subjects were included in this study. 9. Randomization techniques Subjects were randomized into 2 treatment groups; light resistance training using dumbbell and light resistance training using ankle-wrist weights using RandomAllocation Software version 1.0 (Saghaei, 2004). 10. Blinding No blinding methods were applied in this study. Both participants and observer know group allocation. 11. Study time and duration This study was conducted for 6 months beginning from March 2012 until August 2012. 12. Methods * Both groups will receive health education of promotion of healthy lifestyle which includes promotion of healthy diet, encouraging physical activity and benefits of not smoking. * Resistance training: i. Dumbbell exercise. In this group, participants performed dumbbell exercise with a pair of light weight (1kg) soft dumbbells for at least 15 minutes per day, three non consecutive days per week using dumbbell exercise method invented by Professor Suzuki Masashige, Bull Inst. Health Sport Science, University of Tsukuba (Suzuki, 2000). Supervised group exercises were conducted for 3 months and after that, the subjects will be required to do the exercise on their own. Subjects were given a diary to write the date and duration of training they perform. During weekly follow up, adherence to exercise was assessed. Subjects who did not adhere to minimal requirement of training will be excluded from the study. Non adherence was defined as a participant who performs the training less than 80% of required frequency and duration (less than 9 times per month). Figure X below illustrates the resistance training using soft dumbbells with sets of movement as below. This dumbbell exercise consists of 12 steps with 12 repetitions using a pair of soft light weight dumbbell. Step 1: push up motion Step 2: pull down motion Step 3: the leg bends Step 4: Upper body twists left and right movement Step 5: double doors closing movement Step 6: opening and closing movement forward tilt swing Step 7: winding down motion with both hands Step 8: winding down with one hand movement Step 9: pulling down with one hand movement Step 10: hand down the back swing movement Step 11: arms swing down forward movement Step 12: bending arms stretched behind the head movement Figure X: 12 steps of dumbbell exercise using sandbags. ii. Resistance training using ankle and wrist weights. This group of subjects was not given any specific exercise regime. They were given a pair of 0.5 kg ankle and pair of 0.5kg wrist weights and they were instructed to wear them for at least 15 minutes 3 non consecutive days per week during activities of daily living which involves movements of upper and lower limbs such as walking, doing house chores or gardening. Subjects will be given a diary to write the date and duration of training they perform. Adherence to the training was assessed every week. Non adherence was define as a participant who perform the training less than 80% of required frequency and duration (less than 9 times per month) and those who did not meet minimal requirement of the training were excluded from the study. 13. Tools and materials a. Data collection sheet A data collection sheet was used to obtain demography data of the subjects; i. Age ii. Sex iii. Race b. Anthropometry measurements Anthropometric measurement was assessed by a team of trained personnel. Measurements as below were obtained. i. Height Measurement of height was done using a stadiometer. With shoes removed, standing straight up and looking straight ahead, the subject take a deep breath and hold. The height was recorded in centimetres to the nearest 0.5cm (ACSM, 2008). ii. Waist circumference The waist circumference was measured using a non elastic measuring tape with the subject stand straight and relaxed. Measurement was taken 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the umbilicus and below the xiphoid process. The measuring tape was applied tautly but not tightly avoiding compression or pinching of the skin. The smallest circumference at the measurement area was taken as waist circumference, recorded to the nearest 0.5cm (ACSM, 2008). iii. Hip circumference Similarly, hip circumference was measured to the nearest 0.5 cm using a non elastic plastic tape at the largest circumference around the buttocks, above the gluteal fold (posterior extension) (ACSM, 2008) . iv. Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) As it name indicate, WHR is a comparison between circumferences of the waist to the circumference of the hip and it represents the distribution of body weight and perhaps body fat of an individual; an important predictor of health risks of obesity. The WHR or also known as the abdominal to gluteal ratio (A:G ratio) were expressed as a ratio hence there are no units. Calculation as below was used to calculate WHR (ACSM, 2008); v. Resting blood pressure Electronic blood pressure monitoring device; Medisana ¿Ã‚ ½ Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor MTD (Medisana AG.) were used to measure resting blood pressure. Subjects are requested to be free of stimulants which include nicotine products, caffeine products, alcohol or other cardiovascular stimulants for at least 30 minutes before the resting measurement. The subjects also did not involve in any strenuous exercise for at least 60 minutes before resting blood pressure measurement. For measurement of blood pressure, the subjects were asked to sit comfortably on a chair with back well supported, feet flat, leg uncrossed and relaxed. The right arm which was used for blood pressure measurement in this study was free from any clothing, rested on a table and slightly flexed at the elbow. An appropriate size cuff (a normal adult cuff for those with arm sizes between 24 and 32 cm, and a large adult cuff for those with arm sizes between 32 and 42 cm) was used. The BP cuff with bladder width be tween 40 to 50% of arm circumference and the length of bladder encircled at least 80% of the subject ¿Ã‚ ½s arm circumference was applied tightly at the level of subject ¿Ã‚ ½s heart. Second resting blood pressure measurement was done at least one full minute after the first measurement and if the first and second measurement differ by more than 5 mmHg, third measurement was taken after one full minute (ACSM, 2008). vi. Resting heart rate Resting heart rate measurement was taken together with resting blood pressure using similar device used for blood pressure measurement as above. c. Assessment of body composition Body composition was determined using the bioelectrical impedance method; Omron Karada Scan HBF-362 ¿Ã‚ ½ Body Composition Monitor which gives information on; i. Weight ii. Body mass index iii. Total body fat iv. Subcutaneous fat percentage v. Visceral fat level vi. Skeletal muscle percentage vii. Fat free mass were calculated by extracting total body fat from the body weight. Calculations as below were used. Bioelectric impedance analysis is based on the principle that the resistance to an applied electric current is inversely related to the amount of fat-free mass within the body. This method does not take into account the location of body fat. This method of body composition analysis is very simple and quick to perform. The impedance measure is affected by body hydration status, body temperature, time of day, and therefore requires well controlled conditions to get accurate and reliable measurements. If a person is dehydrated, the amount of fat will likely be overestimated. Bioelectrical impedance measures the resistance of body tissues to the flow of a small, harmless electrical signal. The proportion of body fat can be calculated as the current flows more easily through the parts of the body that are composed mostly of water (such as blood, urine muscle) than it does through bone, fat or air. It is possible to predict how much body fat a person has by combining the bioelectric impen dence measure with other factors such as height, weight, gender, fitness level and age. To ensure validity of the BIA measurement, several measures was taken to ensure that the subjects has normal hydration level. * No eating or drinking within 4 hours of the test. * No exercise within 12 hours of the test * Urinate completely within 30 minutes prior to test Omron Karada Scan HBF-362 ¿Ã‚ ½ Body Composition Monitor was used for this test. Researcher inputs the subject ¿Ã‚ ½s age, gender and height and then the subject which wear light clothing steps onto the platform barefoot and holding the hand electrodes at 90 degrees. Electrodes in the foot and hand sensor pads send a low, safe signal through the body. Weight, body mass index, total body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, visceral fat level, and skeletal muscle percentage is calculated automatically in less than a minute. d. Health related physical fitness The remaining components of health related physical fitness level besides body composition were then assessed in all participants. Before starting these assessment, subjects were explained regarding the tests procedures and demonstration were done by researchers to ensure subjects clearly understand and able to perform the tests with correct techniques. i. Cardiorespiratory fitness Assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness to predict aerobic capacity of participants were done using Kasch Step test or also known as YMCA 3-Minutes Step test which relies on having the subject step up and down on a 30.48 cm (12 inch) step box. Before commencing test to the participants, the techniques were explained to the participants and demonstration of the alternating stepping cadence was done. A metronome was set at cadence of 96 beat per minute which gives a stepping rate of 24 steps per minute (4 clicks = one step cycle). With the first beat, one foot is stepped up on the bench, stepped up with the second foot on the second beat, stepped down with one foot on the 3rd beat, and stepped down with the other foot on the fourth beat. The subjects were also allowed to practice the stepping to the metronome cadence. After the three minutes are up, the subjects stop and palpate the pulse at the radial site while standing within the first 5 seconds. A 60 seconds pulse count is taken as the test score (toptrendsports.com, 2012, ACSM, 2008). ii. Muscular endurance To assess muscle endurance of the subjects, two test was administered; the push-up test and the curl-up test. Push-up test: The test was administered with the male subjects starting in the standard  ¿Ã‚ ½down ¿Ã‚ ½ position (hand pointing forward and under the shoulder, back straight, head up, using the toes as the pivotal point) and the female subjects in the modified  ¿Ã‚ ½knee push-up ¿Ã‚ ½ position (legs together, lower leg in contact with mat with ankles plantar flexed, back straight, hands shoulder width apart, head up, using knees as the pivotal point). The subjects then raise the body by straightening the elbows (up position) and then return to the  ¿Ã‚ ½down ¿Ã‚ ½ position until the chin touches the mat. The stomach is maintained elevated and not touching the mat. The subjects position is ensure to be straight at all times and the subjects must push up to a straight arm position. the test was stopped when the subjects strains forcibly or is unable to maintain the appropriate technique within two repetition. The maximal number of push-ups performed consecutively without r est was counted as the score (ACSM, 2008). Figure X: Push-ups performed by male subjects. Figure X: Push-ups performed by female subjects. One minute sit-up test (Crunch test): With the shoes remained on, the test was performed with the subjects assume a supine position on a mat, the knees at 90 degrees and the hands held across the chest. The trunk was then elevated to 30 degrees, lifting the shoulder blades off the mat; hands placed on the thighs and then subjects then do a slow, controlled curl-up until the hands reach the knee caps. The subjects were required to do as many curl-ups as possible in one minute and the number of curl-ups performed without pausing were recorded as the score (ACSM, 2008). iii. Muscular strength Handgrip test using a Lafayette ¿Ã‚ ½ 100kg Handgrip Dynamometer model LA-78010 was conducted to determine muscular strength of the subjects. The test was performed with the subject standing and using the dominant hand only. The grip bar of the dynamometer was adjusted for each subject, ensuring that the grip bar fit comfortably within the subject ¿Ã‚ ½s hand and the second joint of the finger fit under the handle of the handgrip dynamometer. Before starting test, the handgrip dynamometer is set to zero. The subject holds the handgrip dynamometer parallel to the side of the body at about waist level with the forearm levelled with the thigh and the arm is slightly flexed. The subject then squeezes the handgrip dynamometer as hard as possible without holding their breath (Valsalva maneuver) and the results was recorded in kilograms. For each subject, the test was repeated two more times and the highest reading was taken as the measure of handgrip strength (ACSM, 2008). Figure X: Use of hand-grip dynamometer to test iv. Flexibility For assessment of flexibility, the Sit and Reach test (Trunk Flexion) using a sit-and-reach box was administered. Before starting the test, subjects were offered the opportunity to do some stretching exercises and light to moderate aerobic exercise for 5- 10 minutes to warm up their muscles. Subjects were allowed to take a few practice tries before the actual measurement and if the subject has any back problem or the test bothers them, the subject was excluded for the assessment. To assist with the best attempt, the subjects were advised to exhale and drop the head between the arms when reaching. The knees of the participants were kept extended (but not pressed down). Subjects were also advised to breathe normally and that they should not hold their breath during the test. The subject sits without shoes and the sole soles of the feet flat against the sit-and-reach box at the 26cm mark. Inner edges of the soles were placed within 2cm of the measuring scale. With hands kept parallel, the participant then slowly reaches forward with both hands as far as possible and the fingertips were in contact with the measuring portion of the sit-and-reach box. This position was hold for approximately 2 seconds. The test were repeated three times and the score taken was the most distant point (in nearest cm) reached with the fingertips (ACSM, 2008). Figure X: Sit and reach test using a sit-and-reach box. e. Biochemical analysis Five millilitres of blood from antecubital vein was taken from each subject after at least 12 hours overnight fasting for biochemical analysis of metabolic abnormalities. The blood was collected in two tubes, the first tube was plain tube without anticoagulant and the second tube was with oxalate/fluoride. The samples were send to a private independent laboratory (BP laboratory) for biochemical analysis below; a. Fasting blood sugar b. Fasting lipid profiles 14. Data collection * At baseline, all participants were given advice on healthy lifestyle: promotion of healthy diet and physical activity. * The study participants then completed questionnaires and assessments for; a. Sociodemography. b. Measurement of anthropometry. c. Body composition measurement. d. Health related components of physical fitness assessment. e. Biochemical analysis for blood sugar and lipid profiles. * The study participants were then randomized into two equal size groups. The first group undergo light resistance training using dumbbells and the second group undergo light resistance training using ankle-wrist weights for at least 15 minutes, three times per week. Group training was conducted for the first 3rd months in the dumbbell group with weekly adherence monitoring for both groups. * At the end of first sixth and 12th week, patient were assessed for; a. Anthropometry measurement b. Body composition measurement c. Physical fitness assessment d. Biochemical analysis * After the third months, participants in both groups were required to do the light resistance training on their own and at the end of 6th month, all the above parameters were assessed again to look at the sustainability of the training program and its effects. Statistical analysis Data entry and statistical analysis were done using SPSS software version 18.0 (SPSS Inc.). As the same subjects were observed on multiple occasions (at baseline, 6th, 12th and 24th week), repeated measures analysis of variances were selected as the statistical test. As data were obtained repeatedly from the same subjects, RM ANOVA enables us to obtain information regarding individual ¿Ã‚ ½s patterns of change, were more economical as fewer subjects were required and enable us to reduce error of variance. Carry-over effects and latency effect were not involved in this study as there ¿Ã‚ ½s no cross-over of intervention in the study design. However, learning effect might be involved in this study especially in assessing health-related components of physical fitness as the subjects might improve with repetition of the assessment. For all objectives, all the three different designs used in repeated measures were assessed in this study; * Within group factors with regard to time (time effect) o 6th week compared to baseline o 12th week compared to baseline o 24th week compared to baseline o 12th week compared to 6th week o 24th wee compared to 6th week o 24th week compared to 12th week * Between group factors regardless of time (treatment effect) o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group * Within-between group factors with regard to time (Time-treatment interaction). o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group at baseline o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group at 6th week o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group at 12th week o Ankle-wrist weight group compared to dumbbell group at 24th week All the four steps involved in RM ANOVA were executed as below; i. Data exploration and cleaning ii. Fit the RM ANOVA model iii. Checking assumption of; a. Normality of residuals b. Homogeneity of variance c. Assumption of compound symmetry iv. Interpretation, presentation and conclusion Step 1: Data exploration and cleaning Descriptive statistics for all the variables were obtained with data exploration. Any missing values and error in data entry were assessed before analysis with data cleaning. Subjects with missing data were excluded from analysis. For numerical variables, descriptive statistics using syntax below were used to central point of numerical data, dispersion and graphical visualization of data normality (histogram with normality plot). FREQUENCIES VARIABLES= VariableName /FORMAT=NOTABLE /NTILES=4 /STATISTICS=MEAN STDDEV MEDIAN /HISTOGRAM NORMAL /ORDER=ANALYSIS. For categorical variables, syntax below was used to obtain frequency and percentage of those variables. FREQUENCIES VARIABLES= VariableName /PIECHART PERCENT /BARCHART FREQ /ORDER=ANALYSIS. Step 2: Fit the repeated measure ANOVA model Repeated measures ANOVA were executed using syntax below; GLM Var_baseline Var_sixwk Var_twelvewk Var_twentyfourwk BY Intervention /WSFACTOR=time 4 Polynomial /METHOD=SSTYPE(4) /POSTHOC=Intervention(BONFERRONI) /PLOT=PROFILE(time*intervention) /EMMEANS=TABLES(OVERALL) /EMMEANS=TABLES(intervention)

Knowles Separate Peace Essays: The Theme of A Separate Peace :: Separate Peace Essays

The Theme of A Separate Peace  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The persistent theme of A Separate Peace is the deterioration of a complex friendship. The bond between two boys (Finny and Gene) becomes tested and attacked, as the reader observes a seemingly utopian relationship fall into decadence. Gene becomes challenged with various inner hostilities, while Finny, his proclivity for athletics revoked, has been forced to find acceptability and provocation elsewhere. Furthermore, the book commences during mid-to-late 1942, during the height of the Axis powers' success. The effect of stress and tension on the camaraderie of the boys becomes elevated. The intensities of war, envy, and intricate personalities synthesize to provide an interesting look into the subconscious mind and sanity of war-time youth. Phineas and Gene form the illusion of great companionship, combining superior athletic ability with a powerful intellect. However, a silent rivalry develops between them. At the beginning of the story Gene seems to accept Finny's premium physical agility, but he resents what he feels is flaunting (of his aptitudes) by Phineas. As the book progresses, Gene continues to look deeper into their fellowship and quickly becomes wildly jealous of Finny. Eventually, Gene impairs Finny by jouncing the limb where Finny stood. Phineas, meanwhile, seems unaware of Gene's evil thoughts. He continues to remain optimistic and promising. Amidst this rivalry, World War II persists and the faculty at Devon School are preparing the students for entrance into the military. Propaganda and the war effort enthrall the youth. From the forming of the Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session, to the shoveling of snow at the railroad yard, everyone is absorbed by the aura of warfare. Gene's realization, while shoveling snow, that "we [he and his schoolmates] seemed to be nothing but children playing among heroic men" (89) demonstrated his generation are merely pawns in a global conflict. Gene sustains his inclination towards pessimism and exposes the evil within him. The disharmony betwixt Gene and Finny constitutes a separate, full-scale war when Phineas fractures his leg once again. With Phineas' inner evil now exposed and his superficial personality shattered, Gene quickly becomes the object of his animosity. With the death of Phineas, the relationship has exhaustively deteriorated. When he fails to weep, Gene reveals that it is not just Finny's funeral, but his own.

Women Should Be Treated Equally as Men

If we look back throughout history, women have been treated as a minority everywhere. There have not been many female leaders that have overcome the equality between men and women and made great strides towards different areas such as political, sports and education. In the Bible, Galatians 3:28 says â€Å"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one is Christ Jesus. â€Å". This makes it clear that at everybody and everything is equal, at least in the eyes of God.Unfortunately, there is still a margin of inequality between the sexes today and so the revolution continues. Over the generations, women have always been confined to the perimeters of their home, or worst their kitchens. Since the pre- historic times, women have always been home-makers, while the men are considered to be the hunters, or in modern terms, the breadwinners that put the food on the table. Since then women are to be considered as the weaker sex. The greatest achievement that they get is being a good wife of a man. Luke 10:39 tells us about Mary, who sat at the Lord Jesus' feet, listening to what he said.This was a position of student to a teacher in ancient time, the equivalent of college attendance today. So Mary was doing something quiet shocking and radical. She was appropriating a role normally reserved only for man, since it was thought only men could receive a higher education while women were supposed to stick to their role as home-makers. However, Jesus, instead of rebuking Mar's desire of intellectual and spiritual advancement, encourages her and supports her. He sees her as being equal to men in her desire and capacity for knowledge. Women are usually looked down because of their lack of physical strength.As the saying goes don't Judge a book by its cover. Women are actually talented in many ways. Binary Bout, Margaret Thatcher, Julia Gaillardia, Nadir Gandhi, Among San Sue Sky are women that achieved things in politics. The old adage â €Å"Behind every successful man is a woman† holds strong as well. Throughout history, women have been the encouraging force behind their husbands. In 1757, wealthy widow Martha Dandier Cutis married George Washington, and her background of meaner financed his military and political career. Something special is needed to be done if you want to prove something, but opportunities must be given for that to happen.Women are given less opportunities to show their talents. It is a norm girls to not get enrolled to higher education those days and it is still happening in the rural places. They will get married when they finish their high school or even when they reach 15 years old and their life ends doing chores in the house and carrying the responsibilities as a wife and a mother. Women are not allowed to have their own opinions as men ego's high as the sky and tend to shrug off women's opinion by refusing to take their opinion inconsideration.In the year 2011, USA Today reported t hat two women, Heather Breech of the pharmaceutical firm Mylar and Virginia Roomette of IBM will succeed their predecessor as their respective companies Coos. Roomette succeed Sam Palomino, making her the first female CEO in the company's 100-year history. With the 500 companies in the year 2012. Fast forward to the present, there are now a total of 21 women Coos in Fortune 500 companies, which makes up for 4. 2 percent of Fortune 500 companies' CEO positions. Whereas, in the Fortune 1000 companies, there are 25 women Coos which makes up for 4. Percent of Fortune 1000 companies' CEO positions. When you take a good look at these numbers, it is astounding to realize that even in this era of globalization and gender equality, the corporate world is still a man dominated world. The boardroom is generally a man's playground and the number women who cross the threshold is still scarce. Why does this happen? Well, as I mentioned earlier, the boardroom is where men hold court. For years and years, it has been the exclusive club for men. Male Coos are succeeded by their male underlings and this has been the norm. Why you may ask.I think we can attribute this phenomenon to â€Å"the all-boy network†. Employers are more likely to groom employees who have similar attributes to them to be their successors. Therefore, male employers more than often tend to have male proto ©g ©s as they feel a deeper connection and are more comfortable. It is not often a male employer looks at a woman employee and thinks â€Å"l see a younger version of myself in her†. And the general notion that women do not make good leaders as they lack assertiveness and managerial skills does not help to boost women's numbers in the corporate world.This leads to world-wide phenomenon- the glass ceiling effect. The glass ceiling effect is defined as an intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions. It is a phenomenon whereby a woman who has the same abilities and talents has a much slower rate at progressing through the corporate ladder compared to a man. The overall labor market is mostly segregated by sex where women executives are concentrated into certain types of jobs – mostly staff and support Jobs – that offer little opportunity for getting to the top.A 1986 Wall Street Journal survey found â€Å"The highest ranking women in most industries are in non-operating areas such as personnel, public relations, or, occasionally, finance specialties that seldom lead to the most powerful top- management posts. † Women are locked out of Jobs in the â€Å"business mainstream,† the route taken by Coos and presidents. But even when women can get a line Job, it is not likely to be â€Å"in a crucial part of the business† or the type of Job that can â€Å"mark them as leaders. † (quoted from : http://www. Feminist. Org/research/business/ ebb_glass. HTML ). Women are not considered to be policy makers and more than often relegated to parts of business that keeps them out of the boardroom thus mulling any chances of them becoming Coos or COOS of their companies. Besides glass ceiling, mommy track is also contributing factor as to why women are not considered for top positions in their companies. Mommy track is defined as a career path determined by work arrangements offering mothers certain benefits, such as flexible hours, but usually providing them with fewer opportunities for advancement.Women who are in the mommy track situation more than often take themselves out f the running, settling for lower-level positions with more predictable hours and less responsibility. Everyday women are subjects of some sort of abuse – domestic abuse in their homes and objects of sexual harassment in their workplaces. Even in these modern days, we still hear and read stories of women beaten by their brought shame to the family is deemed not worthy of living. They are abused, tortured and killed by their husbands, their in-laws or worst by their own family members.According to United Nations (UN) statistics, more than 5,000 women and girls are murdered every year in the name of honor killings across the world. It is completely horrifying to know that women around the world are being slaughtered for completely ridiculous reasons. For an example, the case of Nor Baser and Nor She's, aged 15 and 16, who were gunned down alongside their mother by their step brother because they were filmed dancing in the rain. These girls were thought to have brought great dishonor and shame for allowing themselves to be filmed.Abuse also happens in the workplace for women. Women are more often subjected to sexual harassments by their male employers or their male counterparts. Many en do not know what qualifies as sexual harassment and might do this unwittingly. But some forms of harassment are more prevalent. For an example, physical sexual harassment that includes distasteful action such as touching of an intimate body part, patting, pinching, stroking, brushing up against the body, hugging, kissing, fondling and sexual assault.This type of harassment makes the working environment uncomfortable for women and more than often nothing is done to eradicate these problems. Besides that, women could also be coerced to trade in sexual favors with her employers for career advancement. One of the reason why women should be treated in a parallel way with men is because women prejudiced against another women. As an example, a woman who has broken the glass ceiling than often might not hold out a helping hand to another women who is struggling too. This happens when a women begins to be quite Judgmental towards another women.A senior manager might tend to look at the struggling Junior manager as not worthy and has not bring any good impacts in the future of the company. Besides that, the all boys network had been another reason why a women preju diced against another women. A senior position women might be the only high position female in the band of brotherhood, so she tends to be like one of the boys and she has to play by their rules. Women that are highly educated, independent and assertive could be considered as egoistic, conceited and self-absorbed by another women.Women with high position tends to be working or acting like a men when they are in the office. They are more likely to behave like a men's personality, as these traits are more generally associated with men. When something bad happens, like harassment, abuse or rape, the victims especially women will be caused, blamed and are noninsured to deserved it as it was her fault. Women which is not in fault sometimes will be accused on doing what they did not do. This should not happen because it is not good when someone is being treated one-sided.Women should be treated the same way as men because they also has the rights to not being caused by another person or m en. We must be equal towards two gender and not by Just accusing women because they have their rights too. Women should be treated parallel to men because there should not be any one-sided treat against another gender as we are all humans. There should be equality between two genders. Besides that, women should be treated in a parallel way with men because women are more emotional than men.Women tends to allow emotions to rule over them more than often take due to their role as a mother and wife in the home. The differences between men and women are that women do not think like men. Women decision making skills are more doubtful because most of the time they could be overcome with emotions and more often do not make a clear headed decision in life. Women sometimes become too involved and find it hard to be more impartial like their male counterparts. Women are more emotionally effected rather than men.As an example women will not be able to concentrate on their work when they have e motional problem which is vice versa compared to men. Men do not let their emotions control them when they are working. Liability in the corporate world, when a women gives birth too child, she will automatically burdened with dual responsibilities. She has to work double the effort to raise the child. When a women has to work and take care of her children she will not be able to do all the work and this will definitely affects her output in the courier.Women cannot do multi-tasking like men. Women mostly can only do one thing at a time not like men, men can do multi-tasking because men are more optimistic than women. Women with high applicability might be able to stand the pressure in work life and in the home. She might be able to take care of their children and she also knows how to keep her work done neatly. The equality between gender should be handle or treated equally as it will not be one-sided problem solving. This is very important because one-sided problem solving will no t assure an equality in solving problems.In short, women could make good sections and are not overcome with emotions as they are pictured. Emotions do not make people bad leaders butt helps them to be empathetic and sympathetic of others' plights and this in turn helps them to make better decisions. A career woman who is also a wife and a mother do not automatically have a lower output at work. Employers play an important role in this. An accommodating employer will find themselves with a good employee. But unfortunately, more than often, new mothers are pressurized by their employers that sometimes the women are left to choose either career or family.

Business Ethics Concepts

Business Ethics Concepts Business ethics is a concept taking its base primarily in general human ethics and applying those rules and guidelines in a business environment. Ethics is a set of moral principles and laws that govern a just and civilized society (Bradburn, 2001). Business ethic refers to how people’s morals and fairness are used in agreements and decisions between companies and organizations worldwide.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Business Ethics Concepts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The main idea of business ethics is that it closely correlates with the laws of a society and the kindness of people who make it up and in order for the companies and organizations to flourish, ethics should be a guideline never dismissed from business.  Ethics but more importantly the laws that are based on ethical behaviors are needed to regulate the actions of a business to prevent illegal issues and chaos of anarchy. If a company i s not limited in the way it earns its profits, the selfishness of the financial greed will cause to focus on making the most money the fastest without considering a sensitive balance between nature and ways that humans exploit it for personal gain.  It is a known fact that very often people excuse their harmful actions hoping that their detrimental carelessness will not have any effect on the future of the planet and generations of people to follow. Considering the production or manufacturing of products, companies almost always keep secrets or â€Å"know-how†. This goes in line with defects that must be disclosed but this is not the usual case. Companies base their profits on the amounts of customers and sales, so it would be unwise for them to attribute any negativity to own products or services. The key goal of business ethics is to regulate the actions of corporations in relation to the surrounding natural environment, people and society’s laws and rules. Another reason why ethics is the right direction for any business is that honesty will be rewarded and the benefits gained from kindness will be much greater than those of lies and deceit. But very often, rules and laws are helpless in controlling the ever reaching negative actions of a business. The laws are meant to better the society and conduction of businesses, representing the interest of the population in order to keep it from harm both physical and mental. But commonly, there are loopholes that could be found and thus, the law is avoided allowing for the continuance of the deception, pollution and damage to the environment. The goal of law makers and society is to develop laws as comprehensive as possible, touching upon every outcome by constant revision and investigation of the factors involved in such a delicate matter. The lying and deception have become commonplace, as businesses are trying to make even greater profit. The laws exist but often, prove to be helpless in an intric ate business world.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There are a number of possibilities that would conceal the businesses’ infringements without leaving any proof (Jennings, 2010).  Business ethics are as important as any other kind of ethics. It creates a line between honesty, humanity, kindness and evil based on lies and personal gain. Businesses spread their influence to the farthest corners of the planet and that is why the governing bodies of the corporations and society should make sure that there are always laws and regulations that preserve and protect nature and people. References Bradburn, R. (2001). Understanding Business Ethics, London: Thomson Learning. Jennings, M. (2010). Environment Business: Its Legal, Ethical, and Global Environment, Connecticut: South-Western Cengage Learning.

Free Essays on American Literature

Romantic literature is such that an author writes in an attempt to convey his feelings on what the world should be like. It is unrealistic, unreasoning, and imaginative writing. William Cullen Bryant and Edgar Allen Poe are two examples of romantic writers. Though Poe fits the mold of a romantic writer it is obvious that his writings do not mirror those of Bryant or many other known romantic authors. His works share a uniqueness that is not found amongst the other writers, it is this uniqueness that separates Poe’s works from the rest. Bryant’s poem â€Å"Thanatopsis† is a good example of romantic literature. This work compared to Poe’s â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† will show that characteristics of Poe’s work that, both, make him a romantic writer and separate him from other romantic writers. â€Å"Thanatopsis†, by William Cullen Bryant, is a very romantic poem about the relationship between man and nature. Bryant’s purpose for this poem is to spread his belief that at the last hours of life man is joined with the Earth and when that last hour is over man will join all those who have passed before him. From the first two lines of the poem it is obvious that this poem is romantic in nature. â€Å"To him who in the love of Nature holds – Communion with her visible forms,† (470). Bryant personifies nature in this poem by referring to it as a â€Å"she†. He does this to establish a common thread between the reader and Earth. It is easier for someone, reading Bryant’s work, to begin believing his ideas about nature if â€Å"Nature† is referred to as a human being. Along with Bryant’s approach to the reader his description of the connection between man and nature is also very romantic. â€Å"Go forth under the ope n sky, and list – To Nature’s teachings, while from all around – Earth and her waters, and the depths of air, - Comes a still voice-†(470). In this quote Bryant begins to speak about how Nature offers co... Free Essays on American Literature Free Essays on American Literature Glacier Deposits What is a glacier? A glacier is a moving mass of ice that survives year to year, formed by the compacting of snow, and then into granular ice and set in motion outward and downward by the force of gravity and the stress of its accumulated mass. Glaciers are usually found in high altitudes and latitudes. The classifications- Glaciers are of four chief types. Valley, or mountain, glaciers are tongues of moving ice sent out by mountain snowfields following valleys originally formed by streams. In the Alps there are more than 1,200 valley glaciers. Piedmont glaciers, which occur only in high latitudes, are formed by the spreading of valley glaciers where they emerge from their valleys or by the confluence of several valley glaciers. Small ice sheets known as ice caps are flattened, somewhat dome-shaped glaciers spreading out horizontally in all directions and cover mountains and valleys. Continental glaciers are huge ice sheets whose margins may break off to form icebergs. The only existing continental glaciers are the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica, but during the icebergs, they were far more widespread. Glaciers may be classified as warm or cold depending on whether their temperatures are above or below -10 °C (14 °F). Geological Impacts- Glaciers alter topography, and their work includes erosion, transportation, and deposition. Mountain glaciers carve out amphitheaterlike vertical-walled valley heads, or cirques, at their sources. They transform V-shaped valleys into U-shaped valleys by grinding away the projecting bases of slopes and cliffs and leveling the floors of the valleys; in this process tributary valleys are frequently left â€Å"hanging,† with their outlets high above the new valley floor. When the tributary valleys contain streams, waterfalls and cascades are formed, such as Bridal Veil Falls of Yosemite National Park. Elevations over which glaciers pass usually are left with gen... Free Essays on American Literature Romantic literature is such that an author writes in an attempt to convey his feelings on what the world should be like. It is unrealistic, unreasoning, and imaginative writing. William Cullen Bryant and Edgar Allen Poe are two examples of romantic writers. Though Poe fits the mold of a romantic writer it is obvious that his writings do not mirror those of Bryant or many other known romantic authors. His works share a uniqueness that is not found amongst the other writers, it is this uniqueness that separates Poe’s works from the rest. Bryant’s poem â€Å"Thanatopsis† is a good example of romantic literature. This work compared to Poe’s â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† will show that characteristics of Poe’s work that, both, make him a romantic writer and separate him from other romantic writers. â€Å"Thanatopsis†, by William Cullen Bryant, is a very romantic poem about the relationship between man and nature. Bryant’s purpose for this poem is to spread his belief that at the last hours of life man is joined with the Earth and when that last hour is over man will join all those who have passed before him. From the first two lines of the poem it is obvious that this poem is romantic in nature. â€Å"To him who in the love of Nature holds – Communion with her visible forms,† (470). Bryant personifies nature in this poem by referring to it as a â€Å"she†. He does this to establish a common thread between the reader and Earth. It is easier for someone, reading Bryant’s work, to begin believing his ideas about nature if â€Å"Nature† is referred to as a human being. Along with Bryant’s approach to the reader his description of the connection between man and nature is also very romantic. â€Å"Go forth under the op en sky, and list – To Nature’s teachings, while from all around – Earth and her waters, and the depths of air, - Comes a still voice-†(470). In this quote Bryant begins to speak about how Nature offers co...

Communication study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Communication study - Essay Example The importance of paradigms is greatly emphasized in the chapter as an important aspect in social research. For instance in political life, different paradigms normally exist in the form of ideologies and political orientations which basically seek to address the same issues. It is further seen that paradigms will normally change over time as new issues arise. Every paradigm is sooner or later affected by many challenges and limitations and this creates the need for new dimensions. At the core of social theory, two paradigms are seen to take preeminence. Macrotheory seeks to look at social institutions from the general perspective and how societies interact with one another. For instance, the struggle realized between the bourgeoisie and proletariats as studied by Karl Marx is an example of Macrotheory. On the other hand, microtheory analyses the interactions of individuals at the very basic and intimate level. For instance, in studying human interaction, focus can be paced upon the difference in the behaviors of boys and girls. The chapter further provides the important link between theory and research as realized in social science. Basically, research is used in testing the many theories usually inherent in social inquiry. Chapter three provides a lucid explanation on the importance of ethics in social research. Indeed, it is seen that any scientific research must always be conducted within a given set of limits and ethical considerations in order to qualify as effective. There is a specific code of conduct which must always be observed by the researchers in any inquiry (Babbie, 2006). For instance, considering that social research will normally involve intrusion into the lives or aspects of other people, it is importance to ensure that all the people involved in such inquiry voluntarily offer themselves for the research. In the same way, the researcher must always safeguard the safety of the participants and the confidentiality of the information provided

(Consumer behavior) Critically discuss the barriers associated with Essay

(Consumer behavior) Critically discuss the barriers associated with perceived risk in decision-making processes for the chosen - Essay Example The company may instigate customer interest by creating a website which maps the development of the product as Toyota had done before the launch of Prius. Also creating online brochures and e-marketing are ways to reach more customers. Discussion The barriers associated with perceived risk in decision-making processes Petrol-electric hybrid cars are launched as alternatives to conventional, internal combustion engine cars. The hybrid automobiles are aimed at achieving higher economy of fuel by combining a conventional engine with a rechargeable battery. The fuel economy of hybrid cars are important in today’s world in perspective to the climatic changes as well is because of the concerns of energy security. The use of petrol-electric hybrid cars causes almost half of the carbon dioxide emissions petrol consumed in conventional fuel cars. Hybrid cars are capturing an increasing share of the domestic automobile (The New York Times, 2007, p.2). Though hybrid cars are not widely i ntegrated into the market still it is a growing range of product and can be successfully used to combat energy and ecological issues. Therefore, it is vital to know the main influencing factors which influence the decision making process of a customer in buying a hybrid car. Some factors are similar to those arising in the acceptance of a new technology by the consumer market. In consumer behaviour, the choice of a product depends on a varying number of factors. In the case of choosing an automobile for buying, customer decision making is a high involvement and often quite complicated process. An automobile, though being a product for regular use, it comes under a product category which is rarely bought and bought after an intricate evaluation process followed by the customer. Also, a car is expensive, a certain range of automobiles come under the premium products category and a number of alternative brands and types can be found in the market. Additionally, the customer has the per ceived risk of not choosing the perfect automobile to suit his needs and having to bear a huge cost to rectify the mistake and cars being an investment for a long time, consumers show the trend of having a more complex and long process of decision making. The consumer decision making process involves both intrinsic and extrinsic methods (The Wall Street Journal, 2009). Mostly, hybrid cars are seen to be purchased for social reasons and concern for environment is a lesser influential factor in the consumer decision making process. It is seen that though many people are aware of the potential damage and threats to then ecological system and want to help in balancing the environment, the willingness of the customers rarely changes into the actual buying behaviour due to the above mentioned factors that majorly influence their buying behaviour. The increase in energy prices and incomes largely and most significantly impact the buying behaviour of the consumers for the hybrid vehicles (E dwards, 2010, p. 56). Some factors like high energy consumption and