Fast Food Whos to Blame On-Demand Essay

You will have 45 minutes to plan and write an essay on the topic assigned below. Before you begin writing, read the passage carefully and plan what you will say. Your essay should be as well-organized and carefully written as you can make it. As Americans add pounds, critics are increasingly blaming the fast-food industry. Teenagers have filed lawsuits blaming McDonalds for their health problems, and a public health group in California has asked the governor to declare childhood obesity a state of emergency. But parentsnot the fast food companies, not the governmentare in the best position to fight the epidemic of overweight children. Parents are responsible for teaching healthy eating and exercise habits. Parents are to blame if they let their kids eat unhealthy foods and sit in front of the television or computer for hours at a time. We have laws against parents leaving a loaded weapon where children can find and use it to hurt themselves or others. Its time to get parents to take the same responsibility to protect their children from unhealthy foods and lack of exercise. Adapted from Daniel WeintraubsThe Battle Against Fast Food Begins in the HomeThe Sacramento Bee, December 17, 2002 Explain Weintraubs argument and discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with his analysis. Support your position, providing reasons and examples from your own experience, observations, or reading. The sample student essays that follow reflect the EPT Scoring Guides criteria. Sample student essay with a score of 6 Daniel Weintraub, in The Battle Against Fast Food Begins in the Home, states that parents are responsible for the increasing epidemic of child obesity. Parents need to be responsible enough to teach their children healthy eating exercise habits. In our world today, children sit around play video games all day, if they are allowed to. Weintraub argues that parents need to step up to the plate and get children involved in some type of exercise. I agree that parents need to take more responsibility for child obesity, but schools, fast food companies the government also need to take that same initiative. Parents have a lot of influence on their children from the day that child is born. Children learn how to talk from their parents, how to respect their elders and they should learn healthy eating exercising habits from their parents. There are many steps to take in showing a child what is healthy unhealthy. A parent could make sure that a child receives a serving of fruits or vegetables at lunch  dinner, eliminate soda from the house and even eliminate all junk food from the house. From a young age, my parents taught me to have an apple for a snack instead of a cookie that I should be getting 5 servings of fruits or vegetables a day. This lesson has influenced me even until today when my friends I will go and eat a salad at lunch instead of pizza or chips. I have also eliminated all soda from my diet. Parents need to show their children that exercise is not a bad thing. At a young age, parents need to show children that there are other things to do, like playing tag or playing at the park, than just watching t.v. Parents could introduce their children to different sports until the child finds one that he or she is interested in. My parents entered me in dance class were lucky in finding that that was what I enjoyed. I have been dancing since I was three years old I also played soccer for 8 years. It isnt very difficult to turn off a t.v. and send your children outside to play. Parents are not solely responsible for child obesity schools, fast food companies the government also need to take action against child obesity. Schools today do not provide a great selection of healthy food. My student body is luck that we have an off-campus lunch but even then it is difficult to find healthy food. Fast food companies definitely need some blame. With advertising that appeals to children, it is no wonder that America is fat. Through whining for that toy that a child can get with a kids meal, the parent is pressured to go to a fast food place. Daniel Weintraub argues that parents are responsible for child obesity. I agree with Weintraub but schools fast food companies also need to help in the fight against child obesity . Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guides criteria for a score of 6. The superior response indicates that the writer is very well-prepared to handle college-level reading and writing. The writer clearly explains Weintraubs argument regarding childhood obesity in the first paragraph and takes a thoughtful position, contending that Weintraub is right to a degree but that schools, fast food companies the government also need to take that same initiative. The writer skillfully restates Weintraubs argument in the first paragraph and makes a further connection in the second paragraph by saying, they should learn healthy eating exercising habits from their parents. However, the emphasized should suggests that the writer questions whether this always happens. The conclusion again refers back to Weintraub. The essay demonstrates quality  and clarity of thought with its careful analysis of both the strengths and weaknesses of Weintraubs somewhat overstated position. The essay reflects an effective use of topic statements and strong personal examples to both support Weintraubs argument that parents are responsible for childhood obesity with respect to eating and exercise habits and make the case that others are responsible as well. Sentence structure is varied and word choice is precise. The essay has few errors. Sample student essay with a score of 5 America is now known as the fattest country in America. Many of our countrys people blame the fast food industry for over-advertising, selling unhealthy food, and selling oversized portions. However, others feel that Americas obeisity is a matter of personal responsibility. In his article The battle against fast food begins in the home, Daniel Weintraub explains that parents need to take responsibility for the eating habits of their kids, and I agree with his opinion in this matter. As Americans, we are given the freedom of choice, however, before we become adults, it is our parents that have to teach us how to make the right decisions. This is Weintraubs point. If parents are not willing to teach their kids the dangers of eating too much fast food and not getting enough exercise, then those kids have no way to make the right choices. Kids learn best at an early a ge, therefore, teaching them good habits will allow them to make the correct decisions later. I agree with Weintraubs opinion that parents are responsible. Obviously, fast food companies are going to market towards kids they are more impressionable. Because of this, if parents would start teaching kids early on, they could use that impressionable quality to their advantage. The benefits of education are apparent in almost everything we do. For example, a better educated person can solve problems quickly and easily. The same goes for someone educated in terms of health habits. They can make the best choices because they have been taught to do so. Fast food companies provide a service. It is up to us, or our parents if we are not yet of age, to decide how much of that service we should use. In conclusion, Daniel Weintraub is correct in his assesment of one of the causes of Americas obeisity. The truth is that no child can grow up to be an intelligent human being without a proper education, wether it be in mathematics or eating habits. Fast food companies are always going to compete for customers and try to make money, but they cannot control our  decisions. The only people that can make choices for us our ourselves, and we canno t make the right choices without proper education from our parents. We cannot blame others for our own problems. Only when parents and the population of American in general are educated and choose to live healthy lifestyles will the countrys obeisity cease. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guides criteria for a score of 5. The clear competence of the essay indicates that this writer is quite ready to handle college-level reading and writing. The writer addresses the topic of childhood obesity clearly, summarizing and then agreeing with Weintraubs position. Further references to Weintraub in the body and conclusion maintain a clear focus on the argument. The essay presents a well-reasoned response, indicating that various factors contribute to childhood obesity but finally siding with Weintraub in placing the responsibility on parents We cannot make the right choices without proper education from our parents. The essay shows some depth of thought in making the case that adults are responsible for making their own sound choices while parents are responsible for the choices their children make. However, the writer simply dismisses the responsibility of the fast-food industry without analysis. The essay is fairly clearly organized around the ideas that parents are responsible for their childrens choices and that the best way to counter fast-food advertising is through education however, some repetition and a lack of strong examples weaken the writers argument. The sentences are varied and word choices are generally precise and effective. The essay has only a few minor errors failure to use a semicolon with however, misspelling of obesity, and the distracting repetition of America in the first line. Sample student essay with a score of 4 Obesity Can Be Stopped Within the Home The article titled, The battle against fast food begins in the home, is the authors Daniel Weintraub, point of view on the rising obesity problem in America. Mr. Weintraub wrote this particular piece with one intention to educate the readers with his own views. Mr. Weintraub doesnt blame the Government, or advertising for Americans weight problem. But, instead he feels that parents are the sole component. He not only blames parents for their childrens poor eating habits, but also for they lack of exercise, and physical activity. I strongly agree with Mr. Weintraub because of the dynamics and regimne of parents lives today and parents wanting to blame  everyone and thing but themselves. I strongly agree with Mr. Weintraub because of the dynamics and regimne of parents lives today. Mr. Weintraub makes the point in his article that, Fast Food is fast., and It can also seem cheap. (Weintraub) This is just what parents who work all day want. They want to feed their children, not cook but feed, and relax after a hard days work. They may not mean to, but they are already to blame for their childs eating habits. However, taking the easy route, they have already put their children at risk. The dynamics of their daily regimne naturally allow them to feed their child junk. Not only do I believe that Mr. Weintraub is correct because of the dynamics and regimne of parents lives today, but I also strongly Agree with Mr. Weintraub because of parents wanting to blame everyone and thing but themselves. First off, in an article written by Shannon Brownlee titled, Its Portion distortion that makes America fat, a mother who was suing McDonalds stated, 1 always believed McDonalds food was healthy for my son. (Brownlee) This statement shows a parent who is willing to blame a company, whose sole purpose is making money, for her childs obesity. All the while parents eat, themselves, the exact same food as their child. They dont hold any responsibility that maybe their child will mimic these same habits. In the Letters to the Editor section a woman, Patricia Gonzalez, poses a good question Why arent they (parents) home cooking them (children) healthy food (Letters to Editor) Instead of parents complaining about how companies made their kids fat, or how advertising hooked their kids, why dont they eliminate these factors and cook their children a meal they know is healthy I strongly agree with Mr. Weintraub because of the dynamics and regimne of parents lives today and parents wanting to bl ame everyone and thing but themselves. Mr. Weintraub expressed the right point. As Americans, we need to take responsibility ourselves and not just blame other people. Parents could eliminate obesity before it became a problem in their childs life. That is why I strongly agree with Mr. Weintraub. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guides criteria for a score of 4. This adequate response to the topic suggests that the writer should be able to handle college-level reading and writing. The writer clearly addresses Weintraubs argument that parents are responsible for the epidemic of childhood obesity but fails to explain why the fast-food companies, whose sole purpose is making money, do not share responsibility.  The writer generally understands the passage and develops a sensible, if somewhat simplistic, response why dont they . . . cook their children a meal they know is healthy The essay has a clear organization around the issues of parents lack of timedynamics and regimne of parents livesand parents desire to shift blame to others. However, wel l-chosen examples would strengthen the support for this argument. The essay demonstrates adequate use of syntax and language however, word choice is sometimes imprecise. For example, The article . . . is the point of view . . . and hold any responsibility. Dynamics and regimne are used both imprecisely and repetitively. The writer has general control of grammar and usage however, errors in punctuation and capitalization are frequent and distracting. Sample student essay with a score of 3 Who is to blame the parents, fast food companies, the government or yourself People now a days are so quick to sue fast food companies for making them fat but its all about self control. One should know his or her own body and watch what they eat. Fast food places are on almost every corner but doesnt mean their making you eat there. In New York a teenager is sueing McDonalds for making her fat. He weighs in at 400 pounds. His mother says I always believed McDonalds food was healthy for my son. How is this possible Two patty cheeseburgers, deep fried potatoes, and a large cup of soda is clearly not healthy. This kid probably ate at McDonalds majority of the time but I doubt he ate there everyday for every meal so how is McDonalds fully to blaim. Whatever happen to exercising, if this teenager was getting the required exercise there is no way he could way in at 400 pounds. Dont get me wrong Im not just on the fast food companies side. Yes McDonalds super-sizing most of their meals is a little extreme. Having good deals like dollar nugget Tuesdays is also a big temptation. Fast food companies could cut down on the location of there restuarants. Being that its so convinent that its close to your house, cheap and fast is another way that makes Americans so addicted. In conclusion, Both Americans and Fast Food Companies can change for the better. Americans start taking some responsibility for what you put into your own body. Fast Food Companies think of how many lives are at risk because of what your feeding them and cut back on expanding your franchises. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guides criteria for a score of 3. Although the essay indicates a developing competence on the part of the writer, it is flawed in  significant ways that suggest the writer needs additional practice before being able to succeed in college-level reading and writing. The writer does not arrive at a thesis until the conclusion, which states, In conclusion, Both Americans and Fast Food Companies can change for the better. Even if this thesis had been presented in the introduction, however, it would need to be made more specific. The writer does not summarize or explain Weintraubs argument and fails to respond to the argument that parents are primarily responsible for their childrens eating and exercise habits. The writer does not use Weintraubs argument about the role of parents to develop the response as a result, the essay is not focused on Weintraubs argument but instead focuses entirely on the responsibility of the individual and the fast-food industry. The essay demonstrates simplistic thinking. It ignores the socioeconomic and developmental issues that can impede children and parents from making wise decisions about what they eat. It also ignores the imperative for businesses to make money when it suggests that McDonalds could cut down on the location of there restaurants. A skeletal organization is present, with the two body paragraphs each addressing a single idea that is summarized in the conclusion. The paragraphs are underdeveloped they need additional specifics and analysis. In addition, the role of parental responsibility needs to be explored. The paragraphs need effective topic sentences relating back to a controlling idea or thesis. The writers language is highly informal, relying on a series of rhetorical questions and colloquial comments (Who is to blame . . . How is this possible Whatever happen to exercising Dont get me wrong.) in place of analysis. The writer uses vague or incorrect pronoun reference (one should know . . . and watch what they eat but doesnt mean their making you eat there), and sentence structure is weak (Being that its so convinent . . . is another way that makes Americans so addicted.). The main errors, however, are in the mechanics, with numerous errors in punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. Sample student essay with a score of 2 Bigger isnt always better Last year a Bronx teenager who weighted in at a wooping 400 pounds sat in a confrence room while their mother tryed to file a suit againt McDonalds for make her kid fat. When ask why she replyed I always believed McDonalds food was healthy for my son. More and more americans are trying to blame fast food for the reason they are fat, but is it what they eat or how  much. Shannon Brownlee asked this question and this is what she found. Portion sizes has been creeping up ward science 1972. That when McDolands introduced its large size fries. (which now was smaller than a medium today.) And now they make more money then ever, they do it by consumer manipulation. Example 7-Eleven can sell the 64-ounce Double Gulp for only 37 cents more the 16-ounce 89 cent regular Gulp. Youd feel ripped off if you bought the s maller size. And thats just the way I feel when I go to fast food why not get the bigger size your pay just as much as a regular. After reading Shannon Brownlees article I understand and agree that people arnt getting fat from the food but from how much they eat. So maybe all those moms should stop getting mad that their kid are getting fat and be mad at their kid for eating so much and throwing away money on food that 70 of the time they dont finish Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guides criteria for a score of 2. The serious flaws here indicate that this writer will need considerable additional practice before being able to succeed in college-level reading and writing. The writer does not summarize or respond to Weintraubs argument, instead lifting portions from another article by Shannon Brownlee about fast food. The writer does not use the passage at all. Sample student essay with a score of 1 Many people blame the fast food industry for making them obese. But its not their fault it is the fault of the parents. It is theirs for not teaching the person how to eat right. It is the parents responsibility to teach their children o eat right and to excise at lest once a day. Americans have taken the blame of obesity and put it one that fast food industry. Many parents have filled lawsuits against McDonalds for their health problems. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guides criteria for a score of 1. The fundamental deficiencies of this essay clearly indicate that the writer needs much additional practice to be ready to succeed at college-level reading and writing. The essays lengthsix sentencesis insufficient to respond to the question. The writer misunderstands the passage and fails to refer to it. The essay is repetitive. The first and fifth sentences repeat each other, as do the second, third, and fourth sentences. The writer culls the idea of parental responsibility from the passage but offers no support, reasons, or examples as the prompt instructs. The essay appears to be incomplete. It ends with a (misstated) statement of fact from the passage  that either belongs in the summary portion of the essay or should be omitted in lieu of the writers own opinions and supportthe better option. The writer lacks basic control of syntax and vocabulary. The writer has serious and persistent errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that severely interfere with meaning. Pronoun confusion (It is theirs . . . ), preposition misuse (blame of obesity), and punctuation errors are profound.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep

Is a science fiction novel by American writer Philip K. Dick first published in 1968. The main plot follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter of androids, while the secondary plot follows John Isidore, a man of sub-normal intelligence who befriends some of the androids. The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic near future, where the Earth and its populations have been damaged greatly by Nuclear War during World War Terminus. Most types of animals are endangered or extinct due to extreme radiation poisoning from the war. To own an animal is a sign of status, but what is emphasized more is the empathic emotions humans experience towards an animal. Deckard is faced with â€Å"retiring† six escaped Nexus-6 model androids, the latest and most advanced model. Because of this task, the novel explores the issue of what it is to be human. Unlike humans, the androids possess no empathic sense. In essence, Deckard probes the existence of defining qualities that separate humans from androids. The book's plot served as the primary basis for the 1982 film Blade Runner. Setting Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? takes place in 1992 (2021 in later editions), years after the radioactive fallout of World War Terminus destroyed most of Earth. The U. N. ncourages emigration to off-world colonies, in hope of preserving the human race from the terminal effects of the fallout. One emigration incentive is giving each emigrant an â€Å"andy† — a servant android. The remaining populace live in cluttered, decaying cities wherein radiation poisoning sickens them and damages their genes. Animals are rare and people are expected to keep them and help preserve them. But many people turn towards the much cheaper synthetic, or electric, animals to keep up the pretense. Rick Deckard owned a sheep, but it died of tetanus, and he replaced it with a synthetic sheep. The main Earth religion is Mercerism, in which Empathy Boxes link simultaneous users into a collective consciousness based on the suffering of Wilbur Mercer, largely an endless walk up a mountain in which stones are thrown at Mercer, the pain of which the users share. The television appearances of Buster Friendly and his Friendly Friends, broadcast twenty-three hours a day, represent a second religion, designed to undermine Mercerism and allow androids to partake in a kind of consumerist spirituality. It is revealed that neither Mercer nor Friendly are actual humans despite popular belief. edit]Androids Androids are used only in the Martian colonies, yet many escape to Earth, fleeing the psychological isolation and chattel slavery. Although made of biological materials and physically all but indistinguishable from humans, they are considered to be pieces of machinery. Police bounty hunters, such as Rick Deckard, hunt and retire (kill) fugitive androids passing for human. Often, Deckard's police department will collect and analyze the corpses of suspected â€Å"andys† to confirm that they are, in fact, artificial. Earlier androids were easier to detect because of their limited intelligence. As android technology improved, bounty hunters had to apply an empathy test — the Voigt-Kampff — to distinguish humans from androids, by measuring empathetic responses, or lack thereof, from questions designed to evoke an emotional response, often including animal subjects and themes. Because androids are not sympathetic, their responses are either absent or feigned, and measurably slower than a human's. The simpler Bonelli Test, used by another police department in San Francisco, measures the reflex-arc velocity in the spinal column's upper ganglia, but is very painful to the subject, as well as the results taking longer to produce. Plot summary The novel follows bounty hunter Rick Deckard through one day of his life, as he tracks down renegade androids who have assumed human identities. The novel begins with Deckard feeling alienated from his wife who, he feels, is misusing her mood organ by choosing inappropriate moods, like depression. Deckard meets Rachel Rosen when travelling to Rosen Industries to test the validity of an empathy test on the new android type: the Nexus 6. Rachael is an attractive female android Deckard initially believes to be human. Rachael believes herself to be human as she has memories implanted from the niece of her manufacturer. She attempts to turn Deckard away from bounty hunting. Deckard becomes confused about humanity, morality and empathy. He is arrested after attempting to retire the second android and taken to what appears to be a fully functional and publicly accessible police station—but it is not a police station Deckard knows about. Deckard escapes with fellow bounty hunter Phil Resch after deducing that the station is staffed by androids. His moral quandary deepens after working briefly with Phil Resch, who Deckard learns is a particularly callous fellow bounty hunter. Deckard's story is interwoven with that of J. R. Isidore, a driver for an animal repair shop who cannot qualify to leave Earth due to his low IQ. Isidore lives alone in a nearly entirely empty apartment building with little outside contact other than his Empathy Box. Pris Stratton, an android identical in appearance to Rachel, moves into the building and the lonely Isidore attempts to befriend her. Pris and her friends get Isidore to help them trap Deckard as he comes to retire them. Once Deckard realizes the size of the challenge ahead, he enlists Rachel to help him, and they proceed to have sex. By Deckard's having sex with her, Rachel hoped to stop him from bounty hunting, but he will not and drops her off. Deckard nevertheless succeeds in killing the androids, causing Isidore to break down from the loss of his only friends, and earning him a citation for the record number of kills in one day. He returns home and his wife reports having seen Rachael Rosen kill his real pet goat. He understands that Rachael was taking revenge and is thankful that the loss is only financial; the android could instead have killed his wife. He travels to an isolated desert to meditate and has an epiphany. He also finds a toad, thought to be extinct and considered to be Mercer's favorite animal. Deckard brings it home, where his wife discovers that the toad is in fact synthetic. Deckard is not glad but â€Å"prefers† to know the toad is artificial.

Baby Boomers: Effect on Health Care Essay

A baby boomer is a person who was born during the demographic World War II baby boom and who grew up during the period of 1946-1964. This population of Americans will soon be over the age of 65. When the last of the baby boomers reach retirement age, almost 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 and older compared to less than 13% today. By 2030, there will be more than 70 million Americans over age 65 (Taylor, 2005). There is a major concern of how this increased population will affect the healthcare system. Medical care for retiring and aging citizens may strain resources and future generations maybe faced with higher inflation and higher taxes to cover the cost of social security, Medicare, and other retirement benefits (Taylor, 2005). Many people are already feeling the effects with increased cost of premiums, deductibles, and prescription medication. At some point this population is going to require healthcare. According to, Giganle (2010), over 60% of adults between the ages of 50 to 64 who are working or has a spouse that is working have been diagnosed with at least one chronic health condition such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. By 2020, Boomers will account for 4 in 10 office visits to physicians. Over the next 20 years, Boomers will make up a greater proportion of hospitalizations as they live longer but with multiple complex conditions (Giganle, 2010). Prescription drugs will become a major part of medical treatment and is expected to be a major expense. According to the Congressional Budget Office, spending for programs such as Medicare and Medicaid accounted for 3% each of gross domestic budget in 2009. By 2035, spending for Medicare alone will have more than doubled to 8% and by 2080 it would have grown to approximately 15% (Peterson, 1999). These generations have different needs a nd expectations than past generations. In the past many of the older generations were not as concerned about their health and many illnesses and diseases often went undetected. They did not visit the doctor as much. On the other hand, this generation is more concerned about maintaining their health and living longer; therefore they visit the doctor frequently. They are making more doctor visits and using more prescription medications. Many of these prescribed medications are new and very expensive. There is also cost associated with the number of lab test that are required in order to monitor these medications. People are also living way longer than before, however many of them are living with chronic conditions. The growing number of people with these conditions will also put an increase demand on the healthcare system. Medicare cost for those 65 and older may cause the national debt to dramatically increase. This financial increase may eventually cause a reduction of healthcare for all. Many healthcare practices are now preparing for the baby boomer generation. Baby boomers will have new technologies and medical services available to help them to live longer. Chronic conditions will create a demand for continuous medical management in both inpatient and outpatient settings (Peterson, 1999). Some health care providers are preparing themselves as well by looking at the amount of space they have available for increased amount of patients, training their staff for diversity, and having new technology available for patients to enhance their care. Procedures like minimally invasive surgery, new imaging techniques and remote care technologies will improve the quality of life for many (Taylor, 2005). These new and advanced technologies would allow them new opportunities. All we can do now is brace ourselves as we prepare for the Gray Tsunami; the age wave that will definitely change America. References: Giganle, S. (2010, February 22). How baby boomers will impact healthcare industry. Retrieved from www.cnbc.com Peterson, P. (1999, April 16). Gray tsunami; how the coming age wave will transform america. Retrieved from www.infoworld.com/../aging-baby-boomers-will-drive-health-care- Taylor, R. (2005). Baby boomers put hurt on healthcare system. Senior Journal, Retrieved from SeniorJournal.com

Total Cost of Ownership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Total Cost of Ownership - Essay Example The paper tells that the concept of Total Cost ownership is one of the fast-growing concepts in today’s business environment. Based on this concept the entire cost of the procurement is been determined rather than calculating only the initial purchase price of the raw materials. The term Total cost ownership is quite new in the business environment but it is quite similar to the notions of life cycle costs and other criteria’s which are been used to properly evaluate the business operations. This particular concept aims at understanding the true cost that is incurred in a purchase process when a particular material is been bought from a specific vendor and this concept also indicates all the types of costs that are involved in the entire purchase process. This includes the per-transaction cost which is incurred from the time of requisition to the time of placing the order, the transaction costs which is incurred from the order placement to the receipt and the post-trans action flow of cost which refers to the cost incurred from the receipt to the disposal of the materials. In case of the pre-transaction cost the cost associated in investigating and determining the sourcing strategies or addition of new vendors to the IT system is been taken care, in case of transaction of different costs such as the delivery cost, purchase cost and also the quality inspection cost can be seen and in post-transaction cost the reworks been done, the cost incurred at the time of warranty and fallouts are been considered.

Entrepreneurialism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Entrepreneurialism - Essay Example Once one ventures on the entrepreneurial journey and the way to self-actualization, he will come across resources and people to make clear the way. Lastly, to develop into an entrepreneur is to achieve self-assurance, which emerges as a normal consequence of the process (Johnson, 2007). Characteristics of a wholesome entrepreneur are: they get things completed faster, have confidence, effective management of funds, they get used to changes and, finally, they are connected. I would make an effective entrepreneur since being an entrepreneur is like a rubber band where ones limits are stretched to unimaginable extends and one adapts to these changes. My business entails offering 3D rendering and online gaming services to people. When a designer has completed his concept in Computer Aided Design software, sometimes the computers are slow and it takes days for one to render the result. I will have very advanced and powerful computers where people will come to render their works and even play games online. I will finance my venture through bootstrapping which means employing any accessible possessions to assist in growing the business. Raising money from my friends and relatives would boost my venture. I would not mind applying for Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) given to technology businesses. Finally, I will approach customers who might be willing to support my business if I tailor my services for

People of Jewish Heritage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

People of Jewish Heritage - Essay Example In addition to this, they Jews have freewill to do what they wish. However, everyone is responsible for the choices he makes. They also believe they are connected to each other regardless of where they live. They form one global Jewish community. They also respect the Torah because it contains all the commandments given by God (Purnell, 2013). Jews believe in life after death. They believe that their souls continue to flourish even in death. They also argue that nothing should be used on a patient to prevent them from dying a natural death or extending their dying process. Therefore, drugs may be viewed as substance which prevents death. It would be in appropriate for a heath practitioner to treat a patient using drugs and yet the chances of the patient to survive are very minimal. However, regardless of the patient health condition, pain among the patients must be relieved at all cost. The Jews do not carry out autopsy on the dead because they believe that a person’s body should not be interfered with so that they can use it in the afterlife (Purnell, 2013). The nurse words of comfort were inappropriate because it is only God who can decide when to give or take a life. Jews do not require another party to confess their sins. Instead, they pray individually and ask God for forgiveness. Nonetheless, the Jews have a personal confession prayer that they carry out when they are sure of death. The confession is called viddui and it might be said by the patient or someone on his behalf in case he is too sick to say. The Jews also believe God is the giver of life and can also take it. In addition to this, the Jews also view sickness as part of life that God has set in motion. They regularly recite a prayer for healing. The prayers can be said anywhere including hospitals. The Jews also have a tradition of visiting one another in hospital to give support and comfort (Purnell, 2013). Care tends to shift from curing measure to relieve of pain, emotional

Michigan Liquor Control Commission Research Paper - 1

Michigan Liquor Control Commission - Research Paper Example Shipment consolidation- small orders are integrated so that big loads can be carried in one carriage. Implementing shipment consolidation decreases the freight rates due to negotiation and bargaining power because of economies of scale. Freight rates are also dependent on the warehouse. The shipment consolidation and a consolidated warehouse decrease emergency deliveries. Value added services- the firm should implement an electronic scanning system and to replace error-prone paper-based information collection system; hence saving time in the supply chain. Any increase in the cost of packaging the goods can be offset by a reduction in transit costs. Inventory carrying costs- The inventory carrying costs will reduce because the number of inventories stored at a central warehouse will be fewer than that stored at the regional warehouse. Moreover, consolidation enables the just in time system to be feasible; hence reducing inventories and cutting costs. Effect of third party/ private warehouse facilities on warehousing costs handling costs, storage costs and fixed facility costs- the third party provider will cause the overall costs of fixed facilities, handling and storage costs to reduce due to economies of scale. The coordination work among the warehouse owners also reduces the administrative costs that include fixed costs. By consolidating multiple client freight, the transportation costs are also reduced. Decentralization- the firm should have a decentralized DPR where the products reach the customers fast through their supply chain. A centralized system requires more time before the products are accessible, and may lead to the groceries getting spoilt or rotten. Decentralized- decentralized customer relationship collaboration enables the firm get feedback faster and easier from their customers. A centralized system may not be easily accessible for the customers. Decentralized- a decentralized LCS enables the

Communication difference between men and women Essay

Communication difference between men and women - Essay Example A person’s particular upbringing, environment, ethnicity and personality type affect the way they communicate. A person’s communication style will be tempered by the gender expectations placed on them from within and by others and by the environment in which they find themselves, whether it is business or more informal. Examining the communication patterns of men and women in both of these scenarios reveals that there is indeed a distinct different between male and female communication primarily due to cultural gender expectations which is important to understand in order to be a good communicator. Persons of any race, personality, background or gender utilize an assortment of speech and conversational skills in an attempt to communicate appropriately in a specific situation. Generally speaking, a talkative person is seen as controlling and domineering. In the workplace, these personality types are more likely to be looked to as leaders, but they only keep this reputation is they have other leadership qualities like intelligence and strong problem solving skills. In most cases, these individuals are well-liked and respected †¦ if they are male. For a talkative, intelligent and well-organized woman to be well-liked, respected and seen as a leader, she must also display more stereotypically feminine behavior. She has to adopt more feminine forms of communication, take a nurturing attitude toward those around her and demonstrate herself to be warm-hearted if she wants to gain the same respect as her male equal. However, she may still not be seen as a leader. The reason for this is possibly because leaders must be understood to be competent, trustworthy and intelligent, traits that are strongly linked to a person’s communication patterns. All of these ideas of a leader are conveyed by the ‘powerful language’ that is

Distribution of Justice in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Distribution of Justice in America - Essay Example From the report it is clear that the consequence of the distribution and maldistribution of justice under the Bill of Rights to the corporation is the rise of the global corporate empires with vast powers. This causes a threat to the democracy of America and the entire well-being of every citizen of America. American corporations and globalization are echoed as the best hope for democracy and prosperity in America. Though, this is hindered by the huge size of global firms and markets, lack of accountability and single-minded profit making and seeking. This, therefore, fails to distribute justice fairly because of, domination of corporations with a deteriorating economy and financially deep instability. This, therefore, creates a dangerous planetary environment. As the discussion highlights distribution and maldistribution of justice in America also occurs through the racial justice, affirmative action. In the long awaited Fisher decision, the Supreme Court allowed the use of race pre ferences in college admissions as part of the program of affirmative action. In the early years, United States understood and practiced educational affirmative action in a more rectifactory way and justice oriented. Justice is maldistributed since in some colleges in America, only a certain race can be admitted and successfully complete their education. In the same colleges, maldistribution of justice does not only happen in admission, but also in hiring context.

In your opinion, and according to your own personal definition of Essay

In your opinion, and according to your own personal definition of feminism, how has feminism helped or hurt our society over the past thirty years - Essay Example last thirty years it has helped society by creating greater equality for women in the workplace, normalized their position in politics, and shifted general stereotypes. One of the most impactful areas in which feminism has benefited society is in the workplace. While by 1980 women had greatly left behind the entirely male dominated culture of the 1950s, one recognizes that there was still great disparity between men and women; much of which still exists today in lesser forms. Today, however, individuals such as Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Facebook, have made staggering contributions to the employment world. Additionally, salaries for women have increased progressively. Ultimately these changes benefit society in that more of our best and brightest minds can find equal access to employment and thus make contributions to the greater good. Another prominent area where feminism has contributed to society is in the political arena. Since 1980 there has been also an increase in the amount of women running and holding political office. While a woman still hasn’t been elected President or become Vice President of the United States it seems that feminism has greatly paved the way for this in the near future. One considers that the last Presidential election featured Sarah Palin as a Vice Presidential candidate. Additionally, for a period during the primaries Hillary Clinton was a front-runner for the Democratic nomination. Although it’s clear the country still has a ways to go before females gain complete equality in this arena, it seems that feminism has made significant contributions over the last thirty years. In addition to employment and politics, feminism has also been successful in changing stereotypes surrounding women. Women have received a large amount of criticism for being overly emotional and not implementing logic or rationality to the same extent as men. Such stereotypes have been used to oppress them in the workplace and political

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Research Paper Example When my Aunt, Elizabeth was a young woman, a wife for five months, all she could dream of is becoming a mother of three lovely kids. Due to anxiety, she could sit to watch baby stories on TLC, and always cry when the baby is born, a feeling of joy felt by a new mother. She thought every part of motherhood had to be the most amazing feeling. Such was the feeling that she decided to hasten the decision to become pregnant contrary to the agreement with her husband that they would only become parents once they achieve status they can comfortably take care of a baby. According to her plans she thought she would labor for a while, and then have a perfect delivery and start breastfeeding expecting to start bonding with the baby instantly. As a first time pregnant mom, it was natural that she would always think of how fun it will be. She is just one woman among the many who undergo such expectations before becoming pregnant after all. It was not long after that she found out it was not all glitters as she had dreamt it would be. Like other women, she experienced varied emotions coupled with life changing moments that she would be forgiven for dismissing the idea of having a second baby in the near future. An occasional drinker in her youthful years, she stopped her habit, stopped eating her favorite cheese and meat products. Instead she had to drink milk and other foods as advised by those magazines that she read. She even began keeping track of the amounts of fruits and vegetables that she because she was obsessed with being the perfect pregnant woman. Now not interested anymore in working and having resigned all she would do was master the TV programs that would help further her know-how on motherhood. All these adjustments to her were a small sacrifice to make; the baby was that entire she cared for. In the first months of pregnancy frequent vomiting, fatigue, and

Play and Game Essay Example for Free

Play and Game Essay The title of this article kind of makes it seem like I’m about to encourage you to cheat, but that’s not what I’m here to do. I’m here to tell you what you can do when it comes to poker that allows you to get ahead of the game. While some of these tips might not be necessarily applicable to online poker, for poker where you are sitting around a table, these tips can tip the scales into your favor. Know the People If you find yourself at a table somewhere where you don’t know the other players, take a little time to know the tendencies of each player. One might only bet big if he has a good hand, one might be very hesitant no matter what card he has and the other might flick his hair when he is lying. Every single person at that table has a ‘tell’ for when they have something good or for when they are bluffing, especially in Poker, when you are all trying to beat each other. Take some time, get to know the people at the table and even get them talking. It could create a way in which you can win more money, just from being able to read the other players. Be conscious of your own tells If you have the chance, play a friendly game of Poker and have a friend watch you as you play. Have them after the game tell them what you are doing in the way of body movement depending on the hand you are on. It’s extremely important to know what you do, and be able to stop it. Especially if you know you touch your face when you might be able to use this to your advantage in ways I don’t even want to explain. While these two tips don’t work online, they can change the balance in your favor during an offline game of poker. Just Give Up If it is not your night, if you have been fighting with your significant other, just don’t play. Whether offline or online you might feel the urge to do so, but try to resist. While it might act as your stress reliever; your mind will not focus on the game and in a game where your money is on the line, this is a serious issue. From here you have to make sure to change any habit that you think is costing you money, whether that is staying up until 3 in the morning to play and feeling fatigued while playing or not drinking enough water. If you feel you aren’t in peak Physical condition, don’t bother playing. It’ll end up being a waste of time and money. Know the Rules; Know the Hands. In Poker, the best hand is a four of a kind and an ace combination. That is the best possible hand (figuratively) but the probability of getting it is very low. Know this when you go into a game and you will see your play improve dramatically. Know what you can have and what your opponents can have. Use probability and their reactions to make sure that if you are going into a hand that you can win, but going into a hand that is a calculated risk and has a chance of winning is better than hoping for the best. Just watch your play and keep everything in mind. Poker is as much a game of outwitting your opponent as staying mentally sharp yourself. You have to know what to do and when to do it. You have to make sure you are watching your own play as well as others. You have to know when to ‘hold’em’ and when to ‘fold’em’ Author Bio: Jeremy Henderson is an expert in all forms of poker and this is possibly because he is so passionate about the game. His expertise has helped him win at a number of tournaments and in turn he has made a comfortable living playing the game. He is also a voracious reader and an avid writer.

Analysis of Desirees Baby By Kate Chopin

Analysis of Desirees Baby By Kate Chopin Desirees Baby has been set in the days before the abolition of slavery in the big farms/plantations owned by whites and tendered by black slaves in the Southern State of Texas. Monsieur Valmonde finds an abandoned baby by the wayside. His wife, Madam Valmonde, does not have a child of her own thus; she takes the baby and names her Desiree. Madam Valmonde and her husband, Monsieur Valmonde raise the child, until she turns 18 years-an age considered ripe for courtship and marriage (Chopin). Her beauty, elegance, and white skin attract Monsieur Aubigny, a plantation owner and widower who just returned from burying his wife in France. This essay provides an insight into alienation in relationships, the consequences of mans evil institutions like slavery and racism. Aubigny, the main character, feels a strong sense of alienation in his relationship with black slaves, a people that he greatly despises. They are an inferior race, generally a non-people in his eyes. Aubigny a rich white landowner is endowed with wealth and the right color. In the society that all the characters live, white is deemed acceptable and good. Anybody with a black skin is a social outcast, and they should be rejected to live the cursed life, that of slavery. Aubignys parents were white, and they instilled into him the right color that an endowed person should have or associate. His family is one of the initial sources of alienation. His upbringing constantly placed him on top of blacks, and this is why he denies his baby because it is turning black. Madam Valmonde also exclaimed that Desirees baby was not the baby implying that the babys origin and color will not be accepted by society as that of Aubignys. The society, immediate family, and close friends shape the status of an individual. The way people behave is largely affected by; how they perceive themselves and what society will think about them. Madam Valmonde refuses that Desirees baby is not the kind of child that society will accept. Society cannot accept that both Augbiny and Desiree, both white can have a black offspring, the cursed race. Augbiny cannot accept living with a woman who has given birth to an inferior being (Chopin). He cannot imagine what his close friends, family, and society will think about him. This is why he decides to alienate himself from both wife and child before society judges his behavior. His actions are dictated by society and not by self-worth. If society does not accept blacks, then he too cannot accept them. He burns everything that belongs to Desiree and her baby to get rid of any information that links his private life to blacks. This shows that he cannot outdo the code of conduct in his white dominated society. Desire too cannot imagine what society will think of her black baby and she chose to drown with him in a swamp. Madam Valmonde plays the role of society. She knows that the real father, Aubigny, will not accept the baby. She tries to express this to Desiree although she does not understand. She also plays the part of society that will accept the rejected. She willingly takes her daughter and grandson back. This shows her motherly love and concern for the unhappy daughter. Failure to accept her adopted daughter and grandson may cause her to be labeled as selfish and inhuman by society. The letter from Augbinys mother to his father serves the role of a wakeup call into reality. It jerks Augbiny into knowing that whatever he has rejected (black) is in his blood and in fact the source of his life (mother) (Chopin). A popular culture metaphor taken from the story is the one that describes Armand Aubignys features. He is described as a having a dark and handsome face that had not been disfigured by frowns. This metaphor implies that black is handsome although society does not accept people of color (Chopin).This metaphor shows the irony in societys code of acceptance. A person can be black and handsome and yet society had rather accept white and ugly because the later comes from a superior race while the earlier originates from an inferior race. Aubigny lacks a complete sense of direction. He knows that the origin of Desirees parents is not know and yet drinks into her beauty. He cannot accept the color of slaves thus results to deceit and wickedness to save his face in society. He is very ignorant of his looks and denies his looks. The fact that he does not acknowledge his ignorance, wants to satisfy the code of acceptance of society makes him ruin his relationship with his family. Ironically, He begins to treat the slaves fairly because he realizes that he has a black baby! Aubignys chooses the wrong path of letting go of his family because of the color of the baby. The baby just like his parents did not choose where to be born and in what color. Desiree also chooses the wrong path of killing herself and son. This because she feels that society cannot accept her and they may label her as a failure. She does not understand that one cannot satisfy the demands of society and being black is human. My sympathy goes to the baby who dies because of something that he does not have any power over. As for the married couple, they deserve what they get; they let society dictate everything that they believe in without realizing that nothing is perfect in the eyes of man. Society and its representatives like race, marriage, and slavery are faulted in this story. During the pre-colonial times, a slave could only marry a slave and a white to a white. However, whites could have sex with slaves with or without their consent. This resulted to colored people who could not be accepted because of their mixed heritage and the act of a white male siring with a black slave (one of the lowly acts). This story highlights racism, its effects on people who are victims and cannot accept it like Desiree and Augbiny. In this story, there is a great conflict between reality and fantasy. Augbiny fantasizes that he should get a girl instead of a boy. He further fantasizes that the beauty and fair skin of Desiree will help him to get a purebred white child who does not have any black flaws. Madam Valmonde also fantasizes that the child should have been white she says that openly à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦this is not the child (Chopin). She knows that if the child is not white, then there is nothing foe Desiree. This is why she accepts both daughter and grandson. Women/girls are victims of their own making. They fail to understand that beauty or color alone cannot lead to a happy life. They do not comprehend their needs and the reason to live. Desiree argues with Augbiny that she is whiter than Augbinys. She writes a letter to her mother telling her that she is unhappy because of the mistreatment from her husband. This shows that she cannot accept to live as black, with a black child in a society that labels black as bad and cursed. In a case like these, men like Augbiny take advantage of misunderstandings and capitalize on them making women unhappy. They strain their relationship because they feel that they are following the code of acceptance of society. Women are also victims of societal demands. Desiree cannot be happy without a man and she does not want to imagine how society will see her. This makes her end her life and that of her baby in a tragic manner. A man like Augbiny is a victim of society and its institutions like slavery. Man spends so much time building racism and slavery and in the end, these two things swallow their lives into the unknown. Racism and slavery are meant to serve the interest of whites but it is ironical that they again destroy him especially when Augbiny discovers that he too is black. Augbiny expects his fantasies to be true thus lays all his hopes in color. If it is now white, he does not want anything to do with it. He falsely expects that society will accept him now that he has done away with family only to discover that he too is black. The moral issues that arise in this story are wickedness, deception, and misunderstanding. People shudder at the thought of being black or even being associated with the cursed race. Augbiny does not understand that color and origin of a human being can neither be changed nor be discarded. Desiree discards her color, that of her son and her origin in death. This implies that slavery and racism are things that are very evil in society and should be discarded or they will eat into the human soul. Blacks are human beings and color is only skin-deep and is dictated by their genes; things that none can suppress or change (Schneider). Madam Valmonde accepts her daughter and son. She is that part of society that embraces what the elites have rejected. Madam Valmondes letter to her daughter show the humanity, acceptance that can be found in the heart of the human race. The wickedness of the institution of slavery and racism is clearly depicted in this story. Augbinys mother prays that his son should never discover that he has a black mother. It clearly shows the way whites deny that blacks are human beings and a part of society. Death is very wicked because it embraces even the innocent like Desirees baby. It does not discriminate between the ignorant, rich or color. It just takes everything that comes on its way.

Customers Needs of Marks and Spencer

Customers Needs of Marks and Spencer Introduction of Marks and Spencer In 1998, Marks and Spencer became the first British retailer to make a pre- tax profit over  £1 billion, but a few years later it plunged into a crisis which lasted for several years. They cant meet the customer expectations and need longer lead time on the production. However, after changing their company CEO, Marks and Spencer started improve due to a substantial number of changes in operation management. It included dynamic and cheaper supply chain, improve the products design and quality, and good identification and service of market segments. 1.1 The identification of different customer needs on MS clothing ranges Marks and Spencers (MS) has divided into three types of clothing ranges that are Perfect and Classic range, the Autograph range, and he Per Una range. Each range has been developed to a different target segment customer of the women clothing market. Marks and Spencer must identify what their customer needs to meet their customer expectations and improve the products. Customers will tend to judge the products and services according to their judgement to compare the price, quality, promotions, values, and pre and post services together with competitors to determine which brand they like. Marks and Spencer using the demographic segmentation to identify what their customer needs. Mark and Spencer target their customers by age, gender, income, social class, and the others. This is because customers will change their needs and wants anytime. So that, Marks and Spencer should be aware this issue occurs. 1.2 Customer Needs Customer needs is to meet the customer expectations or customer needs and wants. We need to do the market research to find out what products the customer likes and identifies emerging opportunities (No author, 2011). The products can influence the customer needs and wants such as the price, location, design, culture, and the others. 1.3 Perfect and Classic Ranges The Perfect and Classic ranges are aimed to serve the core customers of Marks and Spencer. Marks and Spencer core customers are target under 35 to 55 year old men and women. Perfect collection is designed the clothing in basic and simple way and they include plain, white shirts, black roll-neck sweaters and jeans. The clothing must be machine washable, non-iron, and tumble-dry friendly for the busy lifestyle customers. These range customers who is looking for appreciate practical, good quality, and value at reasonable priced. Besides, the design must be timeless that means the design not outdated from time to time. The Classic Collection was aimed at more mature customer and tends to serve into different style such as smart, elegant, and confident style for their customers. The designs for these ranges are limited and ensure the customers can find their suitable clothes. 1.3.1 Age and Gender Perfect and Classic Range in Marks and Spencer their core customers are target under 33 to 55 year men and women. Marks and Spencer must determine these range customers what are their age and gender before designing the clothes. This is because easier for the designer designing the clothes. 1.3.2 Income and Social Class Income and social class can show a customer buying behavior. As we can see, Perfect and Classic range customers their income and social class not so high. Therefore, they required appreciate practical, good quality, and value at reasonable priced. Marks and Spencer must meet their customer expectations. 1.4 Autograph Range The Autograph range was launched in the spring and summer in year 2000 and it is a new seasonal range. This range is to bring cutting-edge design to wider the audience within a unique environment. These range designs were done by Julien Macdonald, Philip Treacy, and Sonja Nuttall who are the recruiting best designers in Marks and Spencer. This design was developed a range of clothes, men and women accessories. It is providing a more up-market range of clothes for Marks and Spencer core market. Autograph range brings the top designer collection to Market and Spencer customers at high street prices, within a designer boutique environment. However, in the autograph range limited to spring and summer range with merely 60 colours style every season. Autograph range designs a bit like formal wear or elegant clothing. For example, the elegant clothing can wear to work or shopping. 1.4.1 Income and Social Class As we know, Marks and Spencer Autograph range products are more expensive. Their customers are willing to spend their money to purchase the luxury products. It shown that, Autograph range customers have high income and high social class. 1.5 Per Una Range Per Una range was launched on 28 September 2001. Per Una range target customers were the fashion-conscious women aged between 25 to 35 year old, sizes 8-18. This collection is providing the high quality materials and the designs are the latest trends design. Besides, the products of Per Una range sold under limited edition, which makes the products unique in the market. Besides that, the prices were 10% more expensive than other Marks and Spencer ranges. 1.5.1 Age and Gender For age and gender in Per Una range, Marks and Spencer their target customers are under the aged between 25 to 35 fashion-conscious young lady. Around this aged ladies like to buy the trendy or fashion clothes especially the limited edition because its very unique and small quantity in the market. So, the Marks and Spencer designer must identify their age range to design the limited edition clothing for the customers. 1.5.2 Income and Social Class In the new generation, most of the young ladies liked to show how rich they are or their social level. Per Una range are very suitable for the ladies who like to buy the trendy or fashion clothes especially limited edition to show out their social level and how rich they are. Identification and explanation of order winners and qualifiers In Marks and Spencer, they are very clear on their order winners as well as their order qualifier. Marks and Spencer as the top retailer in UK, the order winners and order qualifier for each range are identified. This can make the customers perceived the clothing produced by Marks and Spencer is high quality and competitive prices meet their customer expectations. In Marks and Spencer, each range clothing has different order winners and order qualifier to target different customers in UK. 2.1 Order Winners Order winners are those competitive characteristics that cause a firms customers to choose that firms goods and services over those of its competitors. It can be considered to be competitive advantage for the firm. It usually focuses on rarely more than two of the following strategic initiative. It included price or cost, delivery speed, delivery reliability, quality, product design, flexibility, brand image, and after-market service (No author, 2008). 2.2 Order Qualifier Order qualifiers are those competitive characteristics that a firm must show to be viable competitor in the marketplace (No author, 2008). The firm is responsible for providing the order winners and order qualifier that enable the products to win orders in the marketplace. This process must start with the corporate strategy and help the firm to continue operating or to wins the customers business (Hill, 2000). The order winners and qualifiers are both specific in market and time. They work in different combinations such as different market and different target customers. Therefore, the customer needs are the key factor that influence the order winners and order qualifiers principle makeover (Nemetz-Mills, 2001). 2.3 The correlation and influences of order winners and qualifiers in MS clothing ranges. Perfect and Classic Ranges Autograph Ranges Per Una Ranges Product Range The range is limited to its classical style and return to basics trend The range is based on designer wear trend and available at selected boutique store The range is focused on high quality and fashion trend design Design Changes The design standardise with multifunctional clothing The design is seasonal range and focus on spring and summer The design of its product is latest trend and changes monthly Price Value at reasonable pricing High street pricing High street style at affordable pricing, 10% more expensive than other MS ranges Quality High quality and functional clothing High quality, based on the summer and spring trends High quality, limited edition and trend designs Sales Volume [SKU] Large volume Limited and available at the selected boutique store Very small volume and limited edition Order Winners The reliability of its product functional from wash to tumble-dry High quality and clothing design ranges based on seasonal trends The design based on its design and appearance and its limited edition trends Order Qualifiers It focusing for quality and value at reasonable pricing It focusing on its competitive high street pricing of it clothing range Affordable price and high quality Operations Priorities The operations prioritised on its clothes cost The operations prioritised on its clothes quality The operations prioritised on its rapid and flexibility changes of it clothes trends 2.4 Perfect and Classic Ranges Perfect and Classic ranges are emphasise to standard design that mean the fashion is not the out-dated design or timelessness design. Perfect Collection customer who is looking for appreciate practical, good quality, and value at reasonable priced. This collection is carrying on Marks and Spencer tradition of reliability and buying experience and the sourcing is more low cost producers. Classic Collection is focusing on more mature customers. The design for these ranges are timeless and not just the latest fashion. It is to ensure the customers can find the suitable products. 2.5 Autograph Range The Autograph range is design the clothing on seasonal range that are spring and summer. Besides, it is offering exclusive collection of products on high street prices. The OWC comprises of the product more stylish, designer boutique, service package, store layout, and high street pricing. Moreover, quality control (QC) is very important to control the product quality. Marks and Spencer has obtained the products for the suppliers who have strengths in product or material development (Harrison Pavitt, 2003). 2.6 Per Una Range Per Una range is aimed to serve the target customers aged between 25 to 35 year old women who are fashion- conscious. This collection was provided the high quality materials, latest trends, individual cuts, fanatical attention to detail, and ease of shopping (Harrison Pavitt, 2003). Besides, the collection was sold under limited edition and the design changes in monthly. So that, the prices was 10% more expensive than other MS ranges. The operations prioritised on its rapid and flexibility changes of it clothes trends. Polar Diagram approach assessment and comparisons of different operations performance in MS clothing ranges. 3.1 Polar Diagram Tabulation Table Perfect and Classic Ranges Autograph Ranges Per Una Ranges Quality 4 5 5 Speed 5 3 2 Dependability 3 4 5 Flexibility 5 3 2 Cost 3 4 5 The polar diagram above represented the five performance objectives of Marks and Spencer. Marks and Spencer must know the different of the clothing ranges and analyse it. 3.2 Perfect and Classic Ranges Perfect and Classic range should emphasis on flexibility, and speed because it get the highest scored in polar diagram. 3.2.1 Flexibility Flexibility means that Marks and Spencer able to innovate the product and design the latest trends. This is because Perfect and Classic collection can be more fashion. 3.2.2 Speed Speed means the rate of response and delivers on time to the customers. It shows that how Marks and Spencer organisation communicate with the customers. From the polar diagram above, Perfect and Classic ranges get the highest scored in terms of speed. This is because all the products design are returns into simple and basics. So, the produces and deliver time will not be longer. 3.3 Autograph Range Marks and Spencer should look into the quality to enable the Autograph range can compete in high street market. 3.3.1 Quality Good quality is essential to maintain Marks and Spencer brands image. From the polar diagram above, Autograph and Per Una ranges get the highest scored in quality. It is due to Marks and Spencer has high quality control. 3.4 Per Una Range Marks and Spencer should emphasis on dependability and cost in Per Una range because it is the limited edition and the prices more expensive that other ranges. 3.4.1 Dependability Dependability refers to the reliability of the products. In Per Una range, it scored top among other ranges. The design is latest trends and limited edition and reliability products. In this range, Marks and Spencer targeted the fashion-conscious young women between 25 to 35 years old. 3.4.2 Cost In this area, Per Una range get the highest scored among other ranges. This is because these range design are limited edition, changes monthly and need to produce in high quality. Therefore, the production cost will more expensive than other ranges. Appendix 4.1 Appendix A Logo Company and Products Logo Previous Marks and Spencer Logo New Marks and Spencer Logo presented in 2004 Per Unas logo, three heart shapes 4.2 Appendix B Three Ranges Clothing 4.2.1 Classic Collection Classic Collection Pure Cotton Swirl Classic Collection Floral Border Neckline Jersey Top Dress with Scarf Classic Collection Large Collar Classic Collection Front Belt Pull Ruched Jacket On Trousers 4.2.2 Autograph Range Autograph Shower Resistant Trench Autograph Exclusive Pure Silk Floral Coat with Belt Dress with Belt Autograph Cotton Rich Crochet Autograph Pure Silk Paisley Print Lace Waistcoat Top 4.2.3 Per Una Range Per Una Pure Linen Bold Stripe Per Una Linen Blend Floral Prom Dress Appliquà © Shift Dress Per Una Crossover V-Neck Zebra Per Una Pure Cotton Tie Dye Print dress Camisole Top

Smart Grid Benefits Essay -- reliability, cost savings, energy indepen

A smart grid is an electricity network according to digital technology that is utilized to supply electricity to consumers by using two-way digital communication. This system allows for observing, analysis, control and communication within the supply chain to help develop efficiency, decrease the energy consumption and cost, and maximize the translucence and reliability of the energy supply chain. The purpose of smart grid is to motivate consumer contribution in grid operations, also allows the electricity markets to arise and create business and also it can be healing itself and functioned more efficiently. Brief benefits and applications are to save energy, reduce prices and strengthen trustworthiness and reliability. And The Smart Grid will provide consumers information, control, and choices that allow them to involve in new electricity markets. The purpose of the report is to understand the concept of smart grids, and identify the applications, benefits and issues of smart grid This diagram shows that with renewable energy, consumers can create their own energy and right to use a 'greener' energy mix. Flexible distribution allows a more responsive and steady electrical network. Active energy efficiency and energy management create energy visible and permit individuals to perform on their consumption. Electric vehicles are revolutionizing the observation of mobility and, at the same time, access to energy, its use, and storage. Real-time grid management allows expectation of consumption and acclimation of the offer. Issues of existing grid The efficiency issues At managing peak load and energy savings, actually the new smart grid could have wonderful results on world economy. If the grid were just 5% more capabl... ...t must be supported by a smart and safe communications network, power utilities will have the infrastructure, applications and services required to deliver non-stop high quality power securely and efficiently. Smart system is consists of smart grid and smart meter operating mutually. This system is efficient as it is demand responsive, which automatically generates and offers appropriate amount of electricity to consumers. The consumers are able to control their own electrical bills at the end of each month by using the real time access which enables the users to determine the time and duration of appliances operations. And through that all, the smart grid is absolutely and definitely more useful for our life and future. Works Cited http://smartgridtech.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/sg-nature.jpg http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-38030-3_4

The Black Cat Essay -- essays research papers fc

A Glimpse Into the World of 'The Black Cat';   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Those who have read any of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories know that most of them are full of suspense and mystery and that they efflict a feeling of horror and shock upon the reader. Poe studies the mind, and is conscious of the abnormalities of his narrators and he does not condone the intellectual expedient through which they strive, only too earnestly, to justify themselves. He enters the field of the starkly, almost clinically realistic investigation of men who, although they may feel uneasy about their mental states when their tension lets up, are too far gone to understand their mania, let alone to control it (Gargano 171). His stories usually have a horrible murder theme in which there is a obsessive narrator and they follow the development of the theme step by step with a realism that, barring with genius, might case a history from the twentieth-century psychiatry. This could not be presented more clearly than in 'The Black Cat';. Those who may deny realism to Poe cannot be very familiar with our daily newspapers, which periodically carry true stories of murders committed under just abnormal psychological pressures as those described in 'The Black Cat'; (Buranelli 76). This story begins with the narrator ,who is about to be hung, confessing what he has done in some type of repention for his soul. The narrator step by step describes how he began drinking and then to neglect his dearly beloved cat and his wife. One day when he is maddened by the actions of the cat, he cuts out its eye and later kills the cat by hanging it. After his house burns down and he has lost all he owned he finds a new cat resembling all to well the first. One day while working with his wife in the cellar he is nearly tripped down the stairs by the cat, he then picks up an axe and tries to kill it but his swing is intercepted by his wife and he instead strikes her and kills her instantly. He conceals the body but then when the police come, he in a mocking manner taps the wall in which she is buried and reveals to the police what he has done(Poe). In Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Black Cat,'; his use of point of view, symbolism, foreshadowing, and theme all combine with what he calls 'a series of mere household events'; to show how the narrator is driven into madness (Poe 1).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tol... ...uld have not got the full effect that Poe was trying to convey, which is that just about anyone can be driven into madness and that the narrator in this story is not very different from any other person. Works Cited Buranelli, Vincent. Edgar Allan Poe: Second Edition. Boston: Twanyne Publishers, 1977. 76-77. Davidson, Edward H. Poe: A Critical Study. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1957. 190. Gargano, James W. 'The Question of Poe's Narrators.'; POE: A Collection of Critical Essays. Ed. Robert Regan. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall, 1967. 169-171. Hoffman, Daniel. Poe Poe Poe Poe Poe Poe Poe. Garden City: Doubleday & Company, 1972. May, Charles E. Edgar Allan Poe: A Study of the Short Fiction. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1991. 78. Poe, Edgar Allan. 'The Black Cat.'; Ed. Martha Womack. n.page.online. Internet 29 July. 1998. Available http://www.poedecoder.com./Qrisse/works/blackcat.html. Prinsky, Norman. 'The Black Cat.'; Masterplots II: Short Story Series. Ed. Frank N. Magil. Vol. 1. Pasadena: Salem Press, 1986. 231-34. Womack, Martha. 'Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Black Cat.''; n.page.Online. Internet. 2 August 1998. Available http: //www.poedecoder.com/essays/blackcat.

Joe and the Juice

Ind. Competence. Joe and the juice: Franchise – you pay royalty every month, whether you earn or not – You use the name. The concept have to be good and proved. Of course you need a lot of money to invest, because the main firm does not give a single penny for your business. When you see a concept that people like you have to carry on this wave. Partnership is not like franchise . There is no real influence with the concepts. You have to stick to what all think is a good idea. You got limitations. You can choose how to look like but you still get limitations about the main concept.Fremtiden – future : restaurant business is to rely the personnel. How you adapt different stores to different market? – number of personnel is different depending on how busy they are. Adjust the music, take best employees to make sure the new place is working good, adapt to peoples behaviour. Try to learn from mistakes and take much more time before you open a stoer, so you can know what the locals are and you can adapt to them. . Scandic hotel To give people away from home the feeling of being home. They run the hotels, they do not own them.Promises and missions are part of any hotel chain. People skills are vital and training is vital. Team members should speak their mind and discuss. More sales are more service. Self-service is no service, it is ignorance Customers pay grants for emotions. Every business has a potential. Brand is much more than a logo type. Brand platform needs to be relevant to the customers. It is an explanation to who we are. People away from home need warm and nice atmosphere and friends. Caring, casual, creative – these are the values of Scandic.

Pel Appliances Essay

In 1986-87, the company started manufacturing of refrigerators in technical collaboration with M/s IAR-SILTAL of Italy. In 1987, PEL deep freezers were also introduced in technical collaboration with M/s Ariston of Italy. In 2006, the Company has started manufacturing of split type air conditioners of various capacities as the customer choice has shifted from window type to split type. The product has been well received in the market. This encourages the company to multiply its production in the coming year. Today, PEL has become a household name. Its products are not only in great demand in the local market but the Company has started exporting its appliances The company comprises of two divisions: * Appliances Division * Power Division Pak Elektron Limited (PEL) is the pioneer manufacturer of electrical goods in Pakistan. It was established in 1956 in technical collaboration with M/s AEG of Germany. In October 1978, the company was taken over by Saigol Group of Companies. Since its inception, the company has always been contributing owards the advancement and development of the engineering sector in Pakistan by introducing a range of quality electrical equipments and home appliances and by producing hundreds of engineers, skilled workers and technicians through its apprenticeship schemes and training programmes. The company comprises of two divisions: * Ever since their launch, PEL air conditioners have a leading position in the market. PEL air conditioners cooling performance has been tested and approved by Copeland and ITS USA. With the shift of users preference from window type to split type air conditioners, PEL has started manufacturing split type air conditioners. PEL Refrigerators The manufacturing of refrigerators started in 1986-87 in technical collaboration with M/s IAR-SILTAL of Italy. Like the air conditioner, PEL’s refrigerators are also in great demand. Today, PEL Crystal has 30% market share. Its cooling performance is tested and approved by Danfoss, Germany and its manufacturing facility is ISO 9002 certified by SGS Switzerland. PEL Deep Freezers PEL deep freezers were introduced in 1987 in technical collaboration with M/s Ariston of Italy. Because of durability and high quality, PEL deep freezers are the preferred choice of companies like Unilever. Power Division manufactures energy meters, transformers, switchgears, Kiosks, compact stations, shunt capacitor banks etc. All these electrical goods are manufactured under strict quality control and in accordance with international standards. PEL is one of the major electrical equipment suppliers to Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Karachi Electrical Supply Corporation (KESC), which are the largest power utilities in Pakistan. Over the years, PEL electrical equipment has been used in numerous power projects of national importance within Pakistan. PEL has the privilege of getting its equipment approved and certified by well-reputed international consultants such as: * Preece, Cardew and Rider, England Harza Engineering Company, USA * Snam Progeti, Italy * Societe Dumezm, France * Miner ;amp; Miner International Inc. USA * Ensa, France In spite of stiff competition from emerging local and multinational brands, PEL Group’s appliances and electrical equipments have remained in the spotlight due to constant innovation. Strategic partnership with multinationals of repute have enabled t he PEL Group to incorporate new technologies into existing product ranges, thus giving the Pakistani market access to innovative, affordable and quality products. PEL was 16th Company in Pakistan which got ISO 9002 Certification in 1997, since then PEL Management is applying this International Standard Practices for Effectively Managing Quality of Products and Services that Company Offers. The International Standard Practices in PEL have been Upgraded as per the Revised   ISO 9001 Standards and its   Scope of Application   is expanding ever since and Top Management is Committed to make PEL a Total Quality Management (TQM) Company. In this Company Quality is the Subject of Management at all Levels.

Childrens Ailments In South India Health And Social Care Essay

IntroductionSuffering from minor complaints is the most frequent episode in childhood experiences. Fever is one of the main ailments every bit many as one tierce of all paediatric audiences in general practice.1 A survey indicated that parents still have a job to care the febrility in kids. Some parents believe that febrility is one of the diseases which may happen among their kids, instead than to be a mark or symptom of illness.2 In many states, the antipyretic medical specialty and other over the counter ( OTC ) medical specialties are normally used among parents to handle their children.3 Using ( OTC ) medical specialty among parents may be affected by their attitudes towards unwellnesss. However, it is deserving adverting that some old surveies show that parents ‘ cognition about febrility is still inaccurate. Most parents are confused about which medical specialty should be given to their kids to pull off the hurting and febrility associated with minor ailments.4 The common complaints of kids including concern, febrility, grippe, diarrhea and sore pharynx can be treated at place. Some minor complaints can be relieved with ( OTC ) medicines such as Paracetamol or other traditional redresss, without seeking for audience from general practicians or baby doctors. When a kid falls sick, the parents ‘ concerns are frequently influenced by their cognition of the complaints. Parents may acquire advice from the media, through household tradition, from friends and via other beginnings which affect their direction of the complaints. The construct of self-management in health care includes disease bar, selfdiagnosis, self-treatment and appropriate audience with wellness attention practicians. Within the context of kids ‘s complaints, the determination shaper will normally be the kid ‘s attention taker.5 A attention taker must be the parent or defender of the kid. In general, parents with higher degree of medical cognition are expected t o hold a better direction of kids ‘s complaints. This survey aimed to heighten the parents ‘ cognition about their kids ‘s unwellnesss and better their direction of handling their kids from minor complaints, in add-on to urge that wellness attention professionals should pass on with parents and do non project aside the latter ‘s beliefs about kids ‘s complaints.MethodThe survey design was cross-sectional survey. Data collected on a group of topics at one clip instead than over a period of clip. Parents were recruited to mensurate their medical cognition and direction degree to handle their kids ‘s complaints. This survey was conducted to place parents ‘ medical cognition on minor complaints refering their kids. The mark population of the survey was the ‘parents ‘ group regardless of age groups, ethnics, businesss, and societal position. The entire sample size of this study was 250 parents. Non-probability convenient trying method was used. Parents were recruited from the populace to reply our questionnaires. Harmonizing to the inclusion standards, the parents who were able to read and compose were included. Furthermore, parents who had child under 12 old ages old and agreed to take part in this study were included. The questionnaire was designed to measure the parents ‘ cognition about OTC medical specialties which are normally used to handle the minor complaints. In add-on, to research how the parents are normally manage the minor complaints. Most inquiries came from the old surveies related to parents ‘ self-medication and parents ‘ cognition about medical specialties. The face and content cogency were performed with wellness attention professionals before carry oning the study. SELF-administered questionnaire was used to roll up the information from the parents. Written informed consent signifier was obtained from the parents who were agreed to take part in the study. Parents were required to reply and finish the questionnaire on the topographic point. The questionnaire was designed to dwell of 3 parts. Part 1 was the demographic information of the parents, and Part 2 for look intoing the degree of medical cognition of parents about OTC medicines, whilst Part 3 was on the p arents ‘ ways of managing their kids ‘s unwellnesss. Data analysis had been done by the assistance of statistical package, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences ( SPSS ) Version 15.0. Frequencies of demographic information of respondents were tabulated. In order to mensurate the degree of medical cognition of parents and the direction of kids complaints, the mark of each respondent for portion 2 and portion 3 of the questionnaire was counted and analyzed. To cipher the entire Markss of different respondents, we used the marking method for different replies and actions.ConsequenceOut of the 250 distributed questionnaires, 240 ( 96 % ) questionnaires were successfully collected. Table No. 1 presents the demographic information of 240 participants. Who had filled in the questionnaires to happen if this factor may act upon the parents ‘ cognition about medical specialties and this factor can be utilized as evidence-based information in the hereafter. There were 104 male and 136 female respondents take parting in the study. The bulk of our respondents were 31-40 old ages old and 41-50 old ages old. Table No. 2 showed the general cognition among parents sing the OTC medical specialties. Most of parents were n't familiar with the name of medical specialties particularly in instances of diarrhoea and cough hence, the parents who would cognize and acknowledge the medical specialties for these instances were ticked â€Å" yes † and for those parents who would n't cognize and acknowledge the medical specialties were ticked â€Å" no † . Most of the parents were knowing plenty about the sorts of medical specialty that should be given to their kids during febrility, when they have cold and when they suffer from cough. To add, 194 parents know the medical specialty for concern for their kids but 46 parents do non hold that cognition. It is besides a newly-found fact that the medical specialty for diarrhoea is merely known by 41.6 % of parents, the lowest per centum gathered in the list. Parents ‘ beliefs about the signifier of medical specialty that works better for their kids. Table No. 3 showed the Parents ‘ cognition about over the counter medical specialties medical specialties to their kids. Besides, the age of parents, all inquiries was about medical specialties in general which are normally used to handle the minor complaints at place. There was a big per centum of respondents who hold the rule that medical specialty is of import for their kids. In add-on, 31 % of parents think that medical specialty can non make injury for their kids. The older parents and those with higher instruction degree and high monthly income were more knowing. Sing the side effects of medical specialties, merely 40.8 % parents know about the side effects of their kids ‘s medical specialties. Table No. 4 shows that 59.2 % of respondents agreed that the fiscal position may impact the determination of seeking medical aid for their kids. Furthermore, parents with the high instruction degree and the monthly income showed statistically important ( p=0.004 ) and ( p=0.001 ) . In add-on, 106 of respondents agreed to give addendums such as multi vitamin to their kids. Table No. 5 nowadayss that most of respondents were with moderate cognition degree and moderate direction degree. There was important association between the cognition degrees and besides the degrees of directionDiscussionThis survey has highlighted the parents ‘ medical cognition on unwellnesss of their kids every bit good as their methods of pull offing their kids ‘s complaints. A quantitative attack was used to bring forth statistically representative consequences. In our survey, showed there was no difference between the gender and their cognition about medical specialties. Most of the respondents ag ree that medical specialty is of import for their kids. They know which medical specialties should be given to their kids when they are holding febrility, cough, grippe or concern. This is likely due to the fact that these are truly the sorts of complaints which parents frequently encounter. For diarrhoea, however, merely 41.6 % of parents are cognizant of its medical specialty. This is because diarrhoea is non common among kids as the parents may be given to be excessively sensitive of their kids ‘s hygiene6. Most of the parents believe that injection and sirup work better for kids. This is because medical specialties in the injection signifier works faster than others as it straight inserts medical specialty into the blood stream. For medical specialty in syrup signifier, it works better for kids because of parents consideration that sirup can be easy swallowed by children7, and this automatically sheds visible radiation on the fact that medical specialty in Tablets or capsu les is harder to swallow.8,9 Although most of the parents think that medical specialty can be harmful, non all of them were cognizant of possible side effects of their kids ‘s medical specialty. This is because parents tend to confront troubles in obtaining information about medical specialty taken by their kids. Parents besides referred they used medical specialties information cusps as a beginning of information.10 There was a strong desire to portion duty for appraisal of their ill kid with a professional, but parents are frequently disquieted or tend to experience guilty that they might be trouble oneselfing the physician unnecessarily. Parents choose non prescribed medical specialties or ( OTC ) medical specialty to handle their kids. This is likely because they can merely give ( OTC ) because of parents consideration that sirup can be easy swallowed by kids and this automatically sheds visible radiation on the fact that medical specialty in Tablets or capsules is harder to swallow.8,9 medical special ty to their kids. Despite the deficiency of grounds for the effectivity of many ( OTC ) medications11-13 and the possible hazards associated with their improper usage among immature children,14,15 they remain widely used.16 Based on our survey, there was a important difference between the cognition degrees and besides the degree of the parents ‘ direction when be givening to their sick kids. Parents with higher cognition of kids ‘s complaints have better direction, or ‘solutions ‘ to the complaints. Their cognition and information of the kids ‘s complaints may be obtained from physicians, paediatricss, druggists, friends, books, magazines, newspaper or the internet.17 The information sought by parents may decrease the ignorance and feelings of powerlessness from the parents ‘ experience, heighten their sense of control, and modify their perceptual experiences of menace posed by an unwellness. Parents normally seek more than simple advice about pull offing the common symptoms. Information should be developed harmonizing to parents ‘ perceived demands and incorporate parents ‘ accomplishments and experiences.18 Since the degree of parents ‘ cognition influences the wellness attention picks and determinations made for their kids, utile information of kids unwellnesss should be given to parents by general practicians or wellness attention professionals. Education and advice must besides be recognized and parents ‘ normally held beliefs about viruses, self restricting unwellness, and antibiotics and their cardinal concerns about febrility, cough, and other unwellnesss should besides be addressed. Professionals could make more to authorise parents and it seems to be a good instance for aiming parents who have peculiar troubles in pull offing ill children.19DecisionThis survey shows that parents frequently have unequal cognition and misconception for hand ling their kids. From this survey, we found that parents with better and higher medical cognition have better agencies of pull offing their kids ‘s complaints when they deal with OTC medical specialties. The consequences of this survey have successfully rejected the statement that there is no correlativity between parents ‘ degree of medical cognition and the direction of kids ‘s complaints. However, by comparing the agencies of informations collected, the male parents have somewhat better medical cognition than the female parents but the female parents have somewhat better direction in their kids ‘s complaint as compared to the male parents. This survey has merely been placed in the larger social-cultural context as an illustration of the possible influence of it on wellness behaviour and the medical specialty usage. It is hoped that by placing weak countries in parents ‘knowledge, better planned educational and behavioural alteration attempts can be m ade to promote the cognition degree among the parents when it comes to pull offing or managing the complaints. One means would be the parental educational intercessions, which guarantee that kids will have the best quality of attention.

African American Characteristics Paper Essay

African American culture in the United States refers to the cultural contributions of Americans of African descent to the culture of the United States, either as part of or distinct from American culture. The distinct identity of African American culture is rooted in the historical experience of the African American people. The culture is both distinct and enormously influential to American culture as a whole. African-American culture is rooted in Africa. It is a blend of chiefly sub-Saharan African and Sahelean cultures. Although slavery greatly restricted the ability of Americans of African descent to practice their cultural traditions, many practices, values, and beliefs survived and over time have modified or blended with European American culture. There are some facets of African American culture that were accentuated by the slavery period. The result is a unique and dynamic culture that has had and continues to have a profound impact on mainstream American culture, as well as the culture of the broader world† (Rydell, 2010). Learning Team B has chosen African Americans as the culturally diverse group we will focus on. The subjects in this paper will be African American history, family characteristics, parenting practices, language, and religion. Also, the primary characteristics of African Americans and how those characteristics impact their experience as a subculture in American Society will be a topic. The last topic will be the implications of the characteristics for psychological theories and practices. History African Americans are the descendants of Africans brought to America during the slavery era. Many were owned as property and forced to work as day laborers in the fields or as servants in their owner’s homes. Others were allowed to work off their debts by being bough and sold on â€Å"the block†. An article titled â€Å"The Slave Auction of 1859 gives a brief account of what it was to be sold on â€Å"the block†: â€Å"The buyers, who were present to the number of about two hundred, clustered around the platform; while the Negroes, who were not likely to be immediately wanted, gathered into sad groups in the background to watch the progress of the selling in which they were so sorrowfully interested. The wind howled outside, and through the open side of the building the driving rain came pouring in; the bar down stairs ceased for a short time its brisk trade; the buyers lit fresh cigars, got ready their catalogues and pencils, and the first lot of human chattels are led upon the stand, not by a white man, but by a sleek mulatto, himself a slave, and who seems to regard the selling of his brethren, in which he so glibly assists, as a capital joke. It had been announced that the Negroes would be sold in â€Å"families,† that is to say; a man would not be parted from his wife, or a mother from a very young child. There is perhaps as much policy as humanity in this arrangement, for thereby many aged and unserviceable people are disposed of, who otherwise would not find a ready sale†¦ â€Å"(New York Daily Tribune, 1928). President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of civil war. The proclamation declared â€Å"that all persons held as slaves† within the rebellious states â€Å"are, and henceforward shall be free. † Despite this expansive wording, the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in many ways. It applied only to states that had seceded from the Union, leaving slavery untouched in the loyal border states. It also expressly exempted parts of the Confederacy that had already come under Northern control. Most important, the freedom it promised depended upon Union military victory. History pages often claim President Lincoln as â€Å"The Great Emancipator† which most educated adults come to learn is an over exaggeration. The general consensus is that Lincoln never freed a single slave, and only used the proclamation as a means to get what he wanted from the states. Once freed most African Americans still experienced racial violence and lived in fear for many years. In 1870 the fifteenth amendment was added to the constitution giving blacks the right to vote. Although blacks were free they were still segregated from the white people, made to go to different schools, stores, and even ride at the back of the bus. In 1954 the supreme courts declared segregation in school unconstitutional due to the Brown vs. The Board of Education of Topeka Kansas. The civil right movement was at its peak during 1955-1965. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, ensuring basic civil rights for all Americans, regardless of race, after nearly a decade of nonviolent protests and marches, ranging from the 1955-1956 Montgomery bus boycotts to the student-led sit-ins of the 1960s to the huge March on Washington in 1963. In 1968 President Johnson signed the Civil Right act prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing. Some of the most famous leader of the civil right movement includes Martin Luther King Jr. , Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks and many others. Although civil rights were established many African American still struggled to be treated fairly in America. Affirmative Action was established in 1978 by a ruling of the Supreme Court to ensure that minorities are given an opportunity that they may have missed because of their race. In 2008 Barack Obama was the first African American to be nominated for a major party nominee for president. He was elected the 44th President of the United States on November 4, 2008, and sworn in on January 20, 2009. Family and Parenting Characteristics As with most cultures, African Americans place a high value on their families. In the United States African American family’s make-up 12. 9 percent of the population according to the 2003 US Census. The US census also shows that for African Americans over the age of 15 there are 34 percent married, five percent separated, eleven percent divorced, seven percent widowed, and 43 percent were never married. According to the First Things First website, â€Å"African Americans are the most un-partnered group in America† (Medium, 2011, para. 4). One major goal of African American families is communalism, which is very important for effective functioning (Hall, 2010). Hall (2010) describes African American families as having three family types. The first type is the cohesive-authoritative that is explained to be a family with high cohesion along with being supportive, nurturing, and involved with their children (Hall, 2010). The second type of family is the conflictive-authoritarian that is defined as families with conflict and the parents are controlling, critical, and express unhappiness with children (Hall, 2010). The last type of family Hall (2010) explains is the defensive- neglectful, that did not like other racial groups and also did not teach their children to be proud of being an African American. One significant trend that has been determined about the African American family structure is that the more interconnected the family is, the lower the rate of depression in African Americans (Hall, 2010). Based on these findings, a program called Strong African American Families has been created in order to strengthen the relationships between parents and children. According to Hall (2010), â€Å"The Strong African American Families program also has been found to reduce preadolescent risky sexual behaviors, preadolescent alcohol use, and parental depression among African American families† (p.95). This kind of program has been very effective in keeping families cohesive and helping to improve the goal of communalism. Language â€Å"Generations of hardships imposed on the African American community created distinctive language patterns. Slave owners often intentionally mixed people who spoke different African languages to discourage communication in any language other than English. This, combined with prohibitions against education, led to the development of pidginsimplified mixtures of two or more languages that speakers of different languages can use to communicate. Examples of pidgins that became fully developed languages include Creole, common to Louisiana, and Gullah, common to the Sea Islandsoff the coast of South Carolina and Georgia† (Rydell, 2010). It is sad to think that slave owners intentionally put Africans with people who did not speak their language to discourage communication, but is have been researched and proven to be true. Slavery is not the only element to African American culture, and it often seems that when discussing African American culture slavery is the main topic. However, when discussing language the centuries of slavery that they endured have everything to do with the evolution of African-American language. Now that we have covered the origin of African American language we can discuss the American perspective of where modern day African American language stands, and how this effects the culture. â€Å"African American Vernacular English (AAVE)—also called African American English; less precisely Black English, Black Vernacular, Black English Vernacular (BEV), or Black Vernacular English (BVE)—is an African Americanvariety(dialect, ethnolect and sociolect) of American English. Non-linguists sometimes call it Ebonics(a term that also has other meanings or strong connotations) or jive or jive-talk. Its pronunciation is, in some respects, common to Southern American English, which is spoken by many African Americans and many non-African Americans in the United States. There is little regional variation among speakers of AAVE. Several creolists, including William Stewart, John Dillard, and John Rickford, argue that AAVE shares so many characteristics with Creole dialects spoken by black people in much of the world that AAVE itself is a Creole dialect; while others maintain that there are no significant parallels. As with all linguistic forms, its usage is influenced by age, status, topic and setting. There are many literary uses of this variety of English, particularly in African-American literature† (Rydell, 2010). Of course this information does not imply that all African Americans speak a version of AAVE, only that it is very common and prevalent throughout the modern day African American culture. Religion In the African American community religion plays an extremely significant role. â€Å"The story of African-American religion is a tale of variety and creative fusion. Enslaved Africans transported to the New World beginning in the fifteenth century brought with them a wide range of local religious beliefs and practices. This diversity reflected the many cultures and linguistic groups from which they had come. The majority came from the West Coast of Africa, but even within this area religious traditions varied greatly. Islam had also exerted a powerful presence in Africa for several centuries before the start of the slave trade: an estimated twenty percent of enslaved people were practicing Muslims, and some retained elements of their practices and beliefs well into the nineteenth century. Preserving African religions in North America proved to be very difficult. The harsh circumstances under which most slaves lived—high death rates, the separation of families and tribal groups, and the concerted effort of white owners to eradicate â€Å"heathen† (or non-Christian) customs—rendered the preservation of religious traditions difficult and often unsuccessful. Isolated songs, rhythms, movements, and beliefs in the curative powers of roots and the efficacy of a world of spirits and ancestors did survive well into the nineteenth century. Historically during their most difficult times the African American relied on their religious beliefs to endure. During the civil rights movement black churches were often the target of racial violence because that was a place that African Americans spent most of their time. This was a place where they often held meetings to discuss their civil rights efforts. African Americans practice a number of religions, but Protestant Christianity is by far the most prevalent. Some African and African American also follow the Muslim and Judaism. According to Fife, Kilgour, Canter and Adegoke (2010), â€Å"African spiritual traditions have historically held a central place in African American communalism (Mbiti, 1990) and were vital to survival during the time of slavery. In African and African American culture the concept of spirituality is inseparable from all other aspects of human experience. The spiritual and the physical are indistinguishable (Mbiti, 1990). A deep connection exists between humans, God, family, and group (Barrett, 1974). Spirituality is not compartmentalized into systematized beliefs and practices but woven into everyday experience (Boyd Franklin, 1989). The Black church is the primary means through which many African Americans express their religious and spiritual beliefs and values (Richardson & June, 1997). This institution is a central force in African American childhood and adolescent identity and helps to shape ideas about what comprises community. † Many African American children have christen ceremonies for they can even walk or talk. African American families generally spend a substantial amount of time within their places of worship. Conclusion For review, the big questions the above research addressed were: †¢What are the primary cultural characteristics of this selected group? †¢How do the characteristics of this group impact its experience as a subculture in American society? †¢How might the cultural aspects of this group be applied to traditional psychological theory? †¢What are the implications of these characteristics for psychological theory and practice? We have found that the primary cultural characteristics of the African America culture are their history of slavery in America, distinct family and parenting practices, slavery based evolution of their language, and their dedicated religious beliefs. The characteristics of this group impact its experience as a subculture in American society by enticing others in to the culture and sparking curiosity around the world. African Americans make up a small percentage of the minority in America. However African American culture dominates the world of music, fashion, and professional sports. The cultural aspects of the African American group can be applied to traditional psychological theory when considering family dynamics, cultural perspectives, and how these aspects influence mental health. The implications of these characteristics for psychological theory and practice would focus on how the African American history of slavery in America influences their world view, how family and parenting practices mold their ideals of what a family should be, how religion influences their beliefs and actions, and how language distinguishes them from others and what psychological impact this has on them as a whole. For many years African-American culture developed separately from mainstream American culture, both because of slavery and the persistence of racial discrimination in America, as well as African-American slave descendants’ desire to create and maintain their own traditions. Today, African-American culture has become a significant part of American culture and yet, at the same time, remains a distinct cultural body. References Fife, J. , McCreary, M. , Kilgour, J. , Canter, D. , & Adegoke, A. (2010). Self Identification Among African American and Caucasian College Students. 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