Saturday, December 28, 2019

Benefits Of Using Generic Drugs For Cancer And Autoimmune...

In 2014, it was estimated that Americans spent over $373 billion on pharmaceuticals, which is an increase of 13 percent and considered the highest increase since 2001. With the Affordable Care Act in place, it is estimated that patients filled approximately 24 percent more prescriptions in 2014 than in 2013. There are several reasons to account for this spending growth. The first is the increased spending of $20 billion on new medication brands. Secondly, over 161,000 people started treatment for hepatitis C treatment, which is approximately ten times more than the previous year. The third reason is an increase for recent innovative treatment for cancer and autoimmune diseases (IMShealth.com, 2015). With health care spending continuing to rise, Americans have at least three options to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Cost-saving methods include switching from brand name drugs to generic medications, discussing potential alternative medications that are less expensive with healthcare providers, and rallying lawmaker to change current laws to restrict the amount pharmaceutical companies can charge for medications. Generic Drugs In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that in 2004, the â€Å"average price for generic prescription drug was $28.74, while the average price of a brand-name prescription drug was $96.01.† The FDA recognizes that the high price of medications puts the public at a high health risk. To help Americans be able to have access

Friday, December 20, 2019

Benefits And Benefits Of Employee Benefits Essay - 1422 Words

Believe it or not, when the phrase employee benefits is mentioned there are many different perspectives from various angles as to what exactly employee benefits entail. Some perspectives are, but not limited to, what is deemed an employee benefit, what benefits are required by law to be given to employees, benefits that employees might feel are superior, and whether or not benefits provide value to the employer. For clarification purposes Alison Doyle offers this, â€Å"Employee benefits are non-salary compensation that can vary from company to company. Benefits are indirect and non-cash payments within a compensation package. They are provided by organizations in addition to salary to create a competitive package for the potential employee.† (Doyle, 2016, para. 3). Essentially, this can be taken to mean that employee benefits may be in the form of monetary compensation or still compensation, but without monetary payment to the employee. Examples of employee benefits include, competitive compensation plans, pay for performance packages, flexible work hours policies, and medical leave, which is illustrated in the following scenarios. As an illustration of what some individuals might deem one of the most important components of employee benefits, surround the need to revamp a compensation plan for a franchised restaurant establishment. Paying employees fairly for the service provided is very important in a business’s ability to remain competitive. To yield this result a businessShow MoreRelatedBenefits And Benefits Of Employee Benefits1957 Words   |  8 PagesEmployee benefits are an important component of compensation for many US employees. Approximately 30% of worker compensation comes in the form of fringe benefits, and benefits have been linked to increased productivity and worker satisfaction, and reduced absenteeism (Artz, 2010). While health and life insurance are common benefits provided to employees, firms also offer EAP programs, child care, flexible work hours, work-at-home programs, long-term disability insurance, and health and wellnessRead MoreBenefits And Benefits Of Employee Benefits1195 Words   |  5 PagesEmployee benefits coordinator play a significant role in Human Resource Management. Employee Benefits coordinators are responsible for assisting with employee benefits, maintaining employee data base, managing all insurance billings and maintain employee files, sick pay, vacation and retirement. This study explores the importance of employee benefits to corporations, government agencies and non profit organizations. This paper also researches the effects on the management team and on individual employees’Read MoreBenefits And Benefits Of Employee Benefits Essay1156 Words   |  5 Pages Employee benefits are all forms of consideration given by an enterprise in place of service rendered by employees. Post employment benefits are employee benefits which are payable after the employment period is completed. Profit sharing bonus payment: an organisation should observe the future cost of profit sharing and bonus payments only if the organisation has a present obligation to make these payments based on the result of past events. A trustworthy assessment of the obligation can be madeRead MoreBenefits And Benefits Of Employee Benefits1847 Words   |  8 PagesI’ve chosen the topic of employee benefits and the varying considerations given to benefits as part of total compensation around the globe. What are the issues to be considered? What about the MNE employee? The content of this paper includes key excerpts and a condensation (compacted by 80%) of current knowledge regarding the administration of employee benefits as published by McGraw-Hill 2011 in â€Å"The Handbook of Employee Benefits: Health and Group Benefits, 7th Edition. Jerry S. RosenbloomRead MoreBenefits And Benefits Of Employee Satisfaction1611 Words   |  7 PagesBenefits play a major role towards employee satisfaction and how they behave in an organization. Employee satisfaction is necessary for the success of any organization. Keeping employee satisfaction should be a priority for every employer. There are many reasons why an employee can become discouraged with their jobs. Some include: lack of communication within the organization, high stress levels, lack of recognition, or limit opportunity for growth. Health insurance is one benefit in the foundationRead MoreBenefits And Rewards For Employee Benefits1785 Words   |  8 PagesEmployee benefits are an essential component of an organization’s total rewards strategy. Today companies design benefits packages that are unique and rewarding in order to attract and retain talented workers. In fact, employee benefits have evolved significantly over the years. Employee benefits are no longer just the basics, such as healthcare and retirement plans. Organizations are now expanding their benefits and rewards offerings to include creative perquisites, such as onsite childcare, flexibleRead MoreEmployee Benefit Plan Development : Employee Benefits Essay1508 Words   |  7 PagesEmployee Benefit Plan Development â€Å"Understanding your employee’s perspective can go a long way towards increasing productivity and happiness† – Kathryn Minshew, founder of The Muse. In today’s highly competitive and robust job market, benefit programs have become an integral aspect of an employer’s total compensation package. In fact, an employer’s total benefit package plays just an important role in attracting and retaining talent for organizations as monetary compensation, according to a recentRead MoreEmployee Compensation And Benefits Package Essay905 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction – Employee Compensation and Benefits This paper will outline an employee compensation and benefits package for a new hire for a secretary for the department. First, it will describe the organization I chose for designating a compensation package. Next, this paper will develop an employee compensation and benefits package for this new position. This paper will outline an employee compensation and benefits package for a new hire for a secretary for the department. First, it will describeRead MoreEmployee Compensation And Benefits Packages Essay1245 Words   |  5 PagesEmployee Compensation and Benefits Organizations create compensation and benefits packages in order to attract the best talent. In today’s global economy it is imperative that organizations offer compensation packages that are competitive in order to recruit the very best talent in the world. However, in order to be successful, compensation packages must align with business strategies. Authors â€Å"Mathis, Jackson, and Valentine (2014) explain that an effective total rewards approach balances theRead MoreEmployee Benefit And Welfare Activities Essay1490 Words   |  6 PagesEmployee benefit and welfare activities The responses received are tabulated and analysis is done to determine the result. Table no: 4.01- Employee benefit and welfare activities Particular Percentage No. Of Respondents Yes 98.7 148 No 1.3 02 Chart no: 4.01- Employee benefit and welfare activities Analysis: The above table shows that 98.7% of the respondents accept that the organisation provides them with the employee benefit and welfare activities, which is one positive result for the study

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Strategy of Starbucks Company & Apple Inc-Free-Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the CompetitiveStrategy of Starbucks Company Apple Inc. Answer: Starbucks Company Starbucks is a food and beverages services provider firm who is currently managing its business worldwide. The company is famous for providing high-quality coffee to coffee lovers. The company diversified its business to 70 countries by opening 24,000 stores (Starbucks 2017). The company is famous for delivering best coffee along with good and satisfactory services to its customers. The reason for selecting Starbuck Company in analyzing the organization excellence is that the company has initiated many projects for development and increasing the efficiency of the company. Also if asked with the target audience for their preference, major segment of the society will vote for Starbucks being their first choice; which shows that Starbucks is widely appreciated and used by them (Starbucks 2017). The mission and vision of the company suggest that the company wants to achieve leadership in all facets of the business by providing pleasant and satisfactory services to its stakeholder. For the same purpose, Starbucks initiated an innovative strategy in order to excel in their existing business. The company commenced the strategy by initiating following steps: Firstly Starbucks identified a few questions in their organization and then focused on making strategy by solving the questions (Trefis Team 2016), which are: Where do we compete: this identified the target market and other environmental factors under which the company is going to prevailing in the market. Further the company analyzed the market conditions under which they were entering; also they looked after the geographic advantages and disadvantages which would help the market in future for achieving the goal and objectives. For the purpose of attainment of organization objective, it is a mandatory procedure for the company to gain adequate knowledge about their product and the market in which they are (Galliers, Leidner 2014). What unique value does the company input in their product in order to gain market capitalization: for a company to differentiate themselves in the market, the need to initiate their unique selling proposition. USP refers to that product differentiation aspect which is not present in any other similar product in the market. Due to this quality the product is being highly sold in the market. Thus, the company Starbucks focused on selling coffee made of rick coffee beans which attracted many customers. Due to the richness in taste of the coffee, customers started using their product which made the company gain the market capitalization (Starbucks 2017). Resource and capabilities: the company optimized their input properly in order to generate output for the company. Resources of the company such as efficient human resource and networking system etc. are used to achieve profits. Human resource helped the company in achieving the target by working efficiently and effectively. Also social media helped he company in delivering the services on time and seek for customer feedback. Feedbacks gave the company a path to follow and gain mission. How to sustain USP: in order to maintain the market share, the company took steps to sustain in the market. Such as, the company introduced various vouchers and gift in order to keep the interest of the customer in the company. Also, the company updated their menu to maintain their specialization in the market (Peng, Wang, Jiang 2008). Apple Inc. Apple Inc. is a multinational company who serves electronics to the customers worldwide. It is the world largest information technology company which works under a wide network of 498 retail stores in 22 countries. The reason for choosing Apple Inc. is that the company gave a new innovative phase to the technological world. Also currently apple is gaining market capitalization because of its efficient and innovative business model (Slack 2015). The company is perceived to excellent the technology industry due to its leadership traits and product differentiation in the market which attracts the customers to buy their products; this leads to the growth of the company in the market (Hahn, Kolk, Winn 2010). For the purpose of efficient working in the system along with maximization of profit, the company adopted the razor and blade framework back in the year 2001. Razor and blade framework refers to strategy model under which the company provides certain complementary advantages to the customers apart from their main business line product. Such as the company apple sold its products at a minimum range (to make it economical for the customers) and then earn revenue from the accessories (Dormehl 2015). Like, the apple watches uses high tech spin in this case, the company smartly use this technology to earn revenue with maximum profit. The company sells watches with minimum profit margin and the buyers also prefer to purchase the various band for the watches. The company increases the cost of the band and earns high revenue with it (Andersson et. al., 2015). For instance, the sports band which cost around $2.05 to the company is sold for $49. So, in this way the company applies the razor and blade strategy and earns the profit. Other ways through which this tool is used by the company is that, the company sells iPhones at a minimum profit margin and earns revenue from iTunes and other application installed in the phone (PatentlyApple 2015). Per song, the company earns 65 cents per song. Through this technique the company lures the customers to buy the product at cheap prices. Also, the model cannot be imitated by any other competitor in the market as in the Apple Inc. All the depart ments are interlinked with each other (complex design) resulting to which profits of the company is shared by all (Peng, Wang, Jiang 2008). The razor and blade is an innovative as well as aggressive business technique used by the company to gain profit. Perhaps the Apple Inc. uses this technique efficiently to sell all its products in the market along by gaining the satisfaction of the customers. It becomes easy for the customers to purchase the product at cheap prices and company also gains profit by providing them additional services with maximum profit margins (PatentlyApple 2015). Thus it can be said that the company optimally uses all the resources provided to it along with effective management strategy in order to gain market capitalization and satisfaction of customers. References Andersson, U., Gaur, A., Mudambi, R. Persson, M., 2015. Unpacking interunit knowledge transfer in multinational enterprises. Global Strategy Journal, 5(3), pp.241-255. Dormehl, L, 2015, Forget the Apple Watch, extra bands are where the big profit is, viewed on August 5, 2017 from https://www.cultofmac.com/326702/razor-blade-business-model-giving-apple-an-edge-on-watch-bands/ Galliers, R.D. Leidner, D.E. eds., 2014. Strategic information management: challenges and strategies in managing information systems. Routledge. Hahn, T., Kolk, A. Winn, M., 2010. A new future for business? Rethinking management theory and business strategy. Business Society, 49(3), pp.385-401. PatentlyApple, 2015, Apple's High-Tech Spin on the Razor-Blade Business Model is Paying Big Profits with Apple Watch Bands, viewed on August 5, 2017 from https://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2015/06/apples-high-tech-spin-on-the-razor-blade-business-model-is-paying-big-profits-with-apple-watch-bands.html Peng, M.W., Wang, D.Y. Jiang, Y., 2008. An institution-based view of international business strategy: A focus on emerging economies. Journal of international business studies, 39(5), pp.920-936. Slack, N., 2015. Operations strategy. John Wiley Sons, Ltd. Starbucks, 2017, Company Information, viewed on August 5, 2017 from https://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information Starbucks, 2017, Starbucks Company Profile, viewed on August 5, 2017 from https://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/starbucks-company-profile Teece, D.J., 2010. Business models, business strategy and innovation. Long range planning, 43(2), pp.172-194. Trefis Team, 2016, Let's Look At Starbucks' Growth Strategy, viewed on August 5, 2017 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2016/09/19/lets-look-at-starbucks-growth-strategy/#57d3172a3d71

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Narrative Interview for Food and Resources- myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theNarrative Interview for Food, Resources and Conflict. Answer: Australia is one of the mixed developed economy that has an ever evolving primary sector, which contributes almost 12% to the countrys GDP, however the growth of the secondary and tertiary sectors has faded out its importance to the economy (Sheng et al. 2017). However, fluctuation in the price of the agricultural product during the Global Financial Crisis session during 2007 to 2008 around the world, it gained much amount of focus. Plunging price of the food crops around the world has attracted minds of the many researchers for detailed analysis of the phenomenon. However, presently, Australian economy has been facing massive boom through the rise in crop production in both part of the nation and along with the increased nut production. Under this situation, this narrative interview is aimed to provide a brief overview of the World Food Crisis that took place during 2007 to 2008 around the world and its impact on the Australian economy (Hendrix and Haggard 2015). For this purpose, t his report is aimed to interview Robert Ruwoldt, who is Australian Year of The Farmer winner of 2011 and he is presently on f the best person in the country who has firsthand data regarding the impact of the agricultural crisis of 2008 (Lawson 2018). According to same source, besides this, with wife Wendy, Daughter-in-law Katie and son Justin, has survived the dwindling market situation of the 2007 to 2008 that makes him the ideal person to be interviewed for this report. During interview Robert Ruwoldt stated that he was the farmer of the year 2011 in Australia who grows pulses, canola and cereals on his land with his other family member who are his wife, son and daughter-in-law that makes the farming a family business for him. He stated that they grow crop not for subsistence farming rather it is the main source of income for his family. Within the 380 hector of land they produces various crash crops and it presently earns them a substantial amount of fund to live (Spivack 2012). However, once the interviewee was asked about the situation of the 2008 World Food Price Crisis was asked, he argued, that was one of the worse situation for the Australian agricultural sector, when the demand fell to the lowest point over the last two decade. It affected the family hardly, because their income fell by 45% compared to the 2006 situation, when the demand was highest and the income for the family was relatively much higher compared to the situation of World F ood crop Price rise (Lawson 2018). Consumers were facing lower economic development in the country as compared to the other developed nations like US, UK and others due to the fact that Australia used to import much amount of food crop from the developing countries at lower cost, which was stopped due to the certain sanctions by the developed nations (Atkins 2016). It reduced the CPI as well as the development index of the country and the rising price of the food crops reduced the consumer surplus that hampered the fall in demand and it in turn reduced the producers welfare too as opined by the interviewee (Reserve Bank of Australia 2018). According to the words of the interviewee there has been huge political as well as the economic impact due to the rise in the World Food Price Index. One of the radical impact of this phenomenon can be seen from the fall in the demand of the Australian food crops in the world as well as in the domestic market. Robert Ruwoldt argued that rise in the price of the corn prices in the Australia has affected the cattle industry of the country badly. With the rise in the corn, there was rise in the feedstock for the country that has hampered the overall economy too (Beghin 2014). According the words of the Robert Ruwoldt food is the new oil and new gold is the soil. Thus absence of the adequate food at equilibrium price, where the demand and supply equate with each other lead to political turmoil in the various countries too. When it comes to the case of the Australia, there has been riots in various areas of the country for the governmental interfere to control the market situation; howeve r, government failed to do so. Considering the response of the interviewee it can be stated that there were various interesting thing has come up. According to the Robert Ruwoldt, the interview, each there is more than 219,000 additional plates every day at dinner table that has been providing much amount pressure on the economy of the land (McCarthy 2012). Rising demand has made the farms unable to withstand against the certain shock in the market. In addition to this, shifting of focus of the states from primary sector towards the secondary and tertiary sector has hampered the economy of the agricultural sector too. From the interview of the Robert Ruwoldt it has been found that though the Australian agricultural sector has been performing really well, however, it has failed to entice the market effectively. According to my belief, rise in the import of the agricultural product from the developing nations, governments of the respective developed countries like Australia imposed import restriction, that plunged the price in the global context. In addition to this, I believe that the restriction on export of the cash crops to the developing nations from the developed nations under the considerable amount of complicated policies make the market volatile where the trust of the investors on the market was reduced by a large extent. This further caused fall in the demand and lead the economy to face higher price level. Considering the perspective of the interview it can be stated that the agricultural sector of the Australia faced a crippling blow due to the rising pricing because it has caused rise in the price and fall in the consumer as well as the producer surplus through the fall in the demand. Thus from the present narrative interview I have learned how interview can be made on the topics which are related to the economics and in addition it has also been learned by me that how to think differently for the different type of interview so as to interact with the different interviewee in interactive way to get much amount of details from the interviewee. Reference: Beghin, J., Bureau, J.C. and Gohin, A., 2014, November. The Impact of an EU-US TTIP Agreement on Biofuel and Feedstock Markets. In International Agricultural Trades Research Consortium, Annual Meeting: Food, Resources and Conflict. Hendrix, C.S. and Haggard, S., 2015. Global food prices, regime type, and urban unrest in the developing world. Journal of Peace Research, 52(2), pp.143-157. Lawson, A. (2018). Victorian innovator sets sight on N efficiency. [online] Grains Research and Development Corporation. Available at: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/ground-cover-issue-122-may-jun-2016/victorian-innovator-sets-sight-on-n-efficiency [Accessed 30 Apr. 2018]. McCarthy, J. (2012). Leaders urged to heed global food crisis warning. [online] ABC News. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-15/an-food-security-feature/4199736 [Accessed 30 Apr. 2018]. Reserve Bank of Australia. (2018). Developments in Global Food Prices. [online] Available at: https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2011/mar/3.html [Accessed 30 Apr. 2018]. Sheng, Y., Jackson, T., Zhao, S. and Zhang, D., 2017. Measuring Output, Input and Total Factor Productivity in Australian Agriculture: An Industry?Level Analysis. Review of Income and Wealth, 63(s1). Spivack, J. (2012). 2007-2008 Food Crisis: Causes, Responses, and Lessons Learned. [online] Nourishing the Planet. Available at: https://blogs.worldwatch.org/nourishingtheplanet/2007-2008-food-crisis-causes-responses-and-lessons-learned/ [Accessed 30 Apr. 2018].

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Exxon Mobil Merger Trend Analysis Essays - Business,

Exxon Mobil Merger Trend Analysis Exxon Mobil Merger Trend Analysis With the Exxon-Mobil deal official, other big oil companies are now in a mating game. The companies are mulling their own mergers to keep pace with this new mega-rival, and to survive the near-collapse of world oil prices that spawned the marriages of Exxon and Mobil--and British Petroleum and Amoco Corp. --in the first place. Exxon and Mobil's $75.3-billion merger gave the combined company a dominant presence in U.S. and world oil markets that is sure to draw antitrust scrutiny. Exxon Mobil is America's largest oil company and antitrust issues are being raised because of its refining capacity and share of the U.S. gasoline market. This does not mean a merger wave will automatically roll through the industry; mergers routinely collapse over issues of price, management egos and other factors. But every oil company is at least going over its options now that Exxon and Mobil, the two biggest players in the U.S. oil industry, are joining to create an awesome competitor. To be sure, other possible pairings in the oil patch are just speculation for now, and the companies themselves aren't commenting. But attention is shifting to the likes of Texaco, headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., and San Francisco-based Chevron Corp.--the nation's third- and fourth-largest oil companies, respectively--as potential buyers. They are likely to consider buying smaller rivals because most of their peers are now spoken for, namely Exxon, Mobil and Amoco. Yet it is also possible that some of those smaller rivals might pair up to bolster their positions. Either way, the consolidation is having a major impact on the three oil companies headquartered in Southern California: Atlantic Richfield Co. (Arco) and Occidental Petroleum Corp., both based in Los Angeles, and El Segundo-based Unocal Corp. Arco, a leading force in Southern California gasoline sales but a relatively small player worldwide, has been rumored to be a takeover target for months. The merger turmoil means it is nail-biting time for tens of thousands of oil company employees in California and worldwide. A key purpose of these mergers is to slash overlapping operating costs so that the companies can keep growing profits, even with oil at historic low prices. That means huge layoffs. Big Oil is just now going through a massive consolidation that's already taken place in many other industries, including aerospace, banking, pharmaceuticals, retailing and financial services. The trigger, of course, is the plunge in oil and gasoline prices to levels not seen in decades. That drop has dug deeply into the companies' profitability, making it harder for them to compete for new exploration and production projects around the globe. But antitrust scrutiny of oil mergers--in light of oil's incalculable importance to the world economy--will be considerable, one reason why it is hard to speculate on which oil companies might eventually join forces. Another problem is whether the two companies can efficiently mesh upstream operations, which involve exploring for and producing oil, with downstream operations, or the refining and selling of oil products. Regardless, companies are likely to seek viable partners first and worry about the details later, because the Exxon-Mobil deal could so accelerate Big Oil's merger trend that potential partners might not be available for long. Bibliography Peltz, James F.; Exxon-Mobil Deal Has Other Firms Assessing Options; Business Week, October 1999 Business Reports

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Title 1 Schools Summary essays

Title 1 Schools Summary essays A Title 1 school is a school that serves low-income children. A Title 1 school might also be a low-performing school, because poverty and low school performance are highly correlated. Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is one of the largest federal aids to education programs. It was originally passed in 1965 to provide financial assistance to local school districts in planning and operating special programs for educationally disadvantaged children. Most educators refer to this as the Chapter 1 pullout program where students went to a designated "lab" and received limited math or reading instruction. From 1981 until 1994, Title I was called Chapter 1. In October 1994, President Clinton signed into law the "Improving America's Schools Act" (IASA). This reauthorized law provides parents, advocates, and school communities with a new opportunity to use Title I as a tool for broader school reform. Schools that receive this assistance are presently identified as Title I School-wide Project Schools. Title 1 schools have several positive effects on the communities as the use of federal grants can be used to provide a safe and orderly environment for learning to the children of low-income groups. Also, by attending Title 1 Schools, low-income students can create positive expectations about themselves. In addition, one of the aims of the Title 1 School is to provide strong and effective school leadership. There have been several negatives associated with Title 1 schools also. The first and foremost is that the quality of education that is provided in these schools is low and most of the schools have become the centers of student violence and drug uses. One of the reasons for it is the lack of the parental guidance. Because most of the students who attend these schools are not expected to compete nationally, the expectations that the ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Identifying Challenges Within Institutional Structures Research Paper

Identifying Challenges Within Institutional Structures - Research Paper Example This is owing to the fact that it contributes to the external and external structures that impact on leadership. From a research conducted by qualified faculty developers there are three setbacks facing faculty development in universities and colleges (Kezar, 2005). First, there is the dynamic nature of the student community, the dynamic professoriate and the dynamic nature of scholarships, learning and teaching (Kezar, 2005). In the contemporary world, professors are facing increasing challenges in their roles and responsibilities that will need them to take part in a continuous faculty development. This poses a challenge for faculty development (Darling-Hammond, 2005). There is need for faculty developers in universities to identify the growing roles as one of the challenges facing the faculty in the modern times. The established tasks are under growing pressure to stay abreast with the changes in research and teaching (Kezar, 2005). Therefore, for example, the new members of the faculty may need to polish their skills in offering online courses as well as in grant-writing. Although the current members of the faculty in various universities are seasoned, they are required to keep up with new specialties in their areas of specialization (Seaman, 2009). Leaders are therefore challenged with the responsibility of proving the professorate with new learning opportunities. The leadership is faced with the task of handling the changing faculty roles and maintaining a balance in life and work. It was found that finding balance in the diverse responsibilities is a major area of concern throughout various stages in the lecturers’ career. It is difficult for new members of the faculty to be recognized as a scholar or campus citizen. The members of the faculty care about how they attain the balance as they deal with the professional and personal commitments. Finding balance has proven to be a key issue facing leadership in the

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Leadership and Team Dynamics in the MSCC Case Study - 30

Leadership and Team Dynamics in the MSCC - Case Study Example With respect to the key responsibilities that were associated with each role, Jim Kovecki was primarily responsible for systems maintenance and operations. Conversely, Leon Lassiter was primarily responsible for marketing outreach and conducting himself as a representative of the organization as a means to boost visibility, promote the services that the organization offered, and seek to better hone and organize marketing dynamics to better serve the needs of the organization. Lastly, Jeff Hedges was the lead director of research. Although these roles are straightforward enough, the problem that emerged was that nearly as soon as the project began, the key roles and responsibilities of the individuals that have thus far been enumerated upon seemed to experience a sudden shift. Due to the fact that Lassiter was the one that was spearheading the effort to purchase and implement the new systems, the other shareholders showed little if any interest in fulfilling their job responsibilities in order to assist the transition; interested instead in seeking to busy themselves on other tasks, or outright decline to participate in what they termed as â€Å"Lassiter’s project†. In much the same way, Lassiter was left to spearhead an information technology change over that he had little if any experience in. This served as both a disservice to the firm as well as a disservice to his own responsibilities that he was charged with fulfilling.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Essentials Mangement (report) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Essentials Mangement (report) - Essay Example Early on, the proposition seems to be true as it is appealing but research and retrospection conducted for the study would indicate that the claim is actually oversimplified. The arguments that will prove this point are presented and detailed in the ensuing discussion. Team building is essentially defined as a continuous, multifaceted process where the members learn to work together for a common goal. It can pertain to any assembly of individuals in different areas of concern such as in sport and in business. The core principles that operate in building any successful team include making the members appreciate and develop a shared vision and unity of purpose, gradually forming a collaborative and synergistic teamwork and establishing an open and honest communication process. However, an effective team does not only cooperate for this can be forced or coerced. An effective team is essentially where people forms relationships that surpasses work. It also involves peer and social support and a build-up of trust that combines to create a positive team culture and a cohesive group atmosphere. This process only comes only after several stages of team building. Thus, the process of making people work together as a team involves an understanding of complex social and psychological processes which is further explored in the ensuing discussion. Human Psychology would tell us that every individual is unique in his own ways. Group and team development strategies try to make team members to appreciate common goals. A manager tries to develop in his group a need to achieve the organization’s objectives. He tries to motivate the members to work together as a team. However, the knowledge that all individuals are unique informs us that the development of synergistic relationships is easier said than done. Philosophical undertakings followed by scientific research would tell

Friday, November 15, 2019

What Is Strategic Spatial Planning Environmental Sciences Essay

What Is Strategic Spatial Planning Environmental Sciences Essay Introduction Strategic spatial planning is arguably an approach which rails against the discourse of the scientific rational comprehensive models of planning which has and still does hold a large influence in current modes of planning. This short essay will hopefully explain to planners why a strategic spatial planning approach is more conducive in the current context which we find ourselves in. This will be done through answering a set of questions which will clarify the approach, its purpose and methods, how it differs from rational comprehensive approaches of master planning and land use planning, why planners should use it, what can be expected from it, and its usefulness. What is Strategic Spatial Planning? Strategic spatial planning is a method to help solve complex spatial problems through creating strategic visions and new spatial identities. According to Kaufman and Jacobs (in Albrechts, 2001) strategic systems originated in the US around the 1950s due to the need for rapidly changing and growing corporations to plan effectively and manage their futures at a time when the future seemed unclear. In Europe, strategic spatial planning dated back to the 1920s and 30s, and was used to direct the activities of others (Mastop in Albrechts, 2001). From Albrechts (2006) it can be understood that the word spatial brings into focus the where of things, the creation and management of special places and sites as well as the interrelations between different activities in an area, and significant intersections and nodes within an area. This spatial focus allows for a more effective way of integrating different agendas such as, economic, social, and cultural and their spatial impacts (Albrechts, 2006). The word strategy has its roots within a military context; in ancient battle armies would work out a strategy prior to the battle on how best to overcome the enemy. It is understood that this type of strategy had four basic elements an accurate understanding of the real situation, realistic goals, focused resources in areas where they would be most effective, and persistence of the action until the desired outcome is achieved (Albrechts, 2010). These elements are strongly rooted in systems of strategic spatial planning. In its entirety, strategic spatial planning is a process which is directed at a limited number of strategic key issue areas. It determines an areas strengths and weaknesses in the context of its opportunities and threats; it scans external trends, and the resources that are available. It gathers major public and private stakeholders and allows for a broad and diverse process of involvement. It develops a realistic long-term vision along with strategies in order to manage and influence spatial change. Importantly it is orientated towards decisions, actions, results, and implementation, in the short, medium and long-term (Albrechts, 2001). It is indeed impossible to understand material places and social nodes such as the city, the city-region and the region in terms of a one-dimensional hierarchy of scales (Albrechts, 2010:6). This definition illustrates that strategic spatial planning is not a single concept or procedure, but it is a set of concepts, procedures and tools that are tailored carefully to whatever situation is presented (Albrecht, 2001). Moreover it is a development-led approach and a transformative and integrative, public sector-led, and socio-spatial process through which a vision, coherent actions and means for implementation are produced; these are then able to shape and frame what a place is and its potential of what it may become (Albrechts, 2006) How does it differ from MASTER PLANNING and LAND USE PLANNING? In order to understand the difference one needs to understand the rationale of land use planning and master planning. Land use planning is a process of planning which is concerned with the location, intensity, form, amount, and harmonization of land development required for a variety of spatial uses; such as housing, industry, recreation, transport, education, and agriculture. A land use plan in this instance basically embodies a proposal as to how land should be used within a set of considered policy as expansion and restructuring progress in the future (Albrechts, 2004). Traditional land use planning is a more passive planning approach aimed at controlling land use through a zoning system and through regulations. This according to Albrechts (2006) seems unfit for bridging the gap between plan-making, political decision-making and implementation. This was one of the reasons why the need arose for a different type of planning a move away from regulatory policy and instruments to a development-led approach which aims to intervene more directly, coherently and selectively in social reality and development strategic spatial planning (Albrechts, 2006). For Albrechts (2001) strategic spatial planning is to a certain extent rendered towards an integrated socio-economic course of action that supersedes the mere focus on land use planning. For Master Planning on the other hand, Friedman (2007) found that it is almost a universally accepted form of planning practice. His survey found that in country after country, cities through their governments are mandated to produce master plans. Essentially within these master plans countries specify future land uses and location decisions. Master planning is a completely static practice and according to Friedman (2007) it needs to be rethought as it is out of line with the dynamic flows of globalisation. Friedman (2007) defines master planning as being typically municipal plans rather than regional plans, and as being exclusively concerned with land use rather than with the total spectrum of urban policy issues. They are drawn up by a specialized branch of municipal government rather than through a wider process of collaborative deliberation, and the process used to draw up master plans and getting them approved takes years thus rendering them out-dated by the time they can be implemented. Also they are top-down, with relatively minimum citizen participation, and lastly when it comes to large scale projects; master plans are often set aside to allow for necessary changes in land use and circulation patterns (Friedman, 2007). Opposing this, spatial planning is derived not from an official, mandatory character like master planning but from a role that coordinates instruments closely intertwined with urban policy formation and the design and implementation of large-scale projects. Spatial planning involves a range of actors that include communities, government officials and private stakeholders. The main purpose of spatial planning is not to mandate particular land uses as is in the instance of master planning but to allow for a better coordination of urban policies and large-scale project developments across space, to test alternative policies and designs through revising their social implications, and to allow for an informed public discourse about them (Friedman, 2007). In cities such as the new downtown peninsula of Vancouver, master planning has been abandoned for systems of spatial planning in which planning proceeds by way of involving public hearings, bargaining, and negotiations. The results of this transition over a period of 25 years are testimony to the viability not only of the Vancouver model but also of the more abstract spatial planning model (Friedman, 2007). What are its main PURPOSES and METHODS? Strategic spatial planning as mentioned earlier is used for complex problems where authorities at different levels and different sectors and private actors are mutually dependant (Albrecht, 2001). The model designs plan-making structures and develops content, images and decision frameworks which can influence and manage spatial change. It is about constructing new ideas and processes that can carry these structures through, thus generating ways of understanding, ways of consensus, and ways of organising and mobilizing for the purpose of exerting influence in different arenas (Albrecht, 2006). Both is the short and long term, strategic spatial planning focuses on framing decisions, actions, projects, results and implementation, and incorporates monitoring, feedback, adjustment and revision of the outcome. Its purpose therefore is not a new ideology preaching a new world order but as a method for creating and steering a better future for a place based on shared values (Albrechts, 2006). Albrechts (2006) goes further on to explain that the seven main aims of a strategic project are to develop an integrated innovative approach for the various project types; to develop a fully operational framework based on sustainability; to develop tools for quality management; to broaden the multi-actor/multi-level policy settings and to evaluate current settings; to disseminate the approach; to develop an educational model; and to establish a network of knowledge between researchers, professionals, and governments (Albrechts, 2006). The capacity for these projects to deliver the desired outcome is dependant firstly on the system itself and on the conditions underlying it such as structural constraints, and political, cultural, and professional attitudes towards spatial planning. The planning process is not intended to flow smoothly from one phase to the next. It is a dynamic and creative process wherein new views and facts that arise today may alter the decisions made yesterday (Albrechts, 2010). This illustrates that it is never a fixed process but is in a continuous start of change from beginning to end. The visions and frames which guide this process are never a given, rather they are to be constructed. The process of envisioning is the process by which groups develop visions of future states for themselves, their organisations, city, or their region that are clear, powerful and realistic. Essentially this means that the visions are to be constructed within a specific context and scale regarding issues that are of interest within that space and within a particular combination of actors. This is to be done within a method that fully recognises the conditions of power, inequality, and diversity. The vision describes a city or region as it may look like in the future, and it must appeal to the long-term interests of actors who have a stake in the city or region (Albrechts, 2010:8). Why do this kind of planning? Strategic spatial planning projects conduct an in-depth study of the area, thus giving preference to the location being affected over anything else. With this these projects study external trends and the resources available therefore allowing for a broad and diverse process. Also, by making use of this type of planning, planners are able to target a variety of areas; including urban, rural, and economic areas (Albrechts, 2006). In the instance of urban areas, strategic urban projects are useful as they aim to consolidate, transform, restructure or reuse the urban areas for new and emerging demands from public and private actors. With regards to rural areas, strategic projects are useful as they aim to transform rural and suburban dynamics into a more sustainable and qualitative form of development while not forgetting to enhance the cultural meaning of these spaces. Lastly, economic areas are seen as an important part of the effort to keep up international economic competitiveness. Strategic projects seek to turn away from the old concept of business parks spatial concept and management to a focus on the requirements of firms that are to be translated into specifically designed employment locations (Albrechts, 2006). And what can we expect from it? This question can be divided into two parts; we as planners and we as the public and private actors. First, the essay will intend to the address the latter part. Strategic spatial planning projects are strategic to achieve visions, goals, and objectives from a variety of policy sectors, and are to integrate the community being affected. Visions is arguably one of the most important factors of strategic projects as they are expected to be placed within the specific context, place, time and level, and are to regard specific issues that are of interest to the different actors (Albrechts, 2006). Essentially what can be expected from strategic spatial planning projects is a critical analysis of the main processes and structural constraints which shape spaces, which adds into a realistic, dynamic, integrated, and indicative long-term vision. It will provide a plan for short-term and long-term actions, a budget, and a flexible strategy for implementation (Albrechts, 2010). In terms of the projects eventual implementation, it will provide credible commitments to action engagement and a clear and explicit link to the budget thus allowing for citizens, private-sector, different levels of governance, and planners to enter a consensus (Albrechts, 2010). We as planners will expect a different set of tools, tools which will guide the planner on what to expect when acting as a strategic spatial planner. For Albrechts (2010), he finds it unthinkable that the planner should act merely as a neutral observer and refrain from playing a role in the construction of visions and images. Instead, Albrechts suggests that planners should be necessarily involved, and instrumental in substantiating, formulating and implementing images and visions. This is a logical perspective, as if planners merely observe, there expertise in certain situations are not shared, and their usefulness would be greatly undermined. Strategic spatial planners are to instead, challenge their own mental discourse which limit their creativity, and start anew thus allowing for their creativity and resourcefulness to flow and to be used in formulating, designing, and building new concepts and discourses (Albrechts, 2010). How useful is it? Strategic spatial planning is a flexible process that deals with complex problems and is able to mend to a wide range of problems, but also deals with each problem uniquely. This characteristic makes the approach very useful as it applies to a range of different issues. For example; the city of Barcelona started using a strategic planning approach in 1988 in order to enhance the cooperation between the public and private sector with the hope that the enhancement will strengthen the position of the city as a candidate for the Olympic Games (Albrechts, 2010). The city of Turin which was inspired by Barcelona also undertook a strategic approach in the mid 1990s, for Turin this formed the basis for rethinking the potential of a former monopolistic town that had been highly affected by the rise of the automobile industry. The aim for Strategic spatial planning here was to transform Turin into a European metropolis a city of activities and know-how (Albrechts, 2010:5). For the city of Bilbao, the vision was to transport the city into the economic, financial, and cultural capital of the Atlantic Arc. Lastly, for Prague, strategic spatial planning focused on integrating the city into European structures (Albrechts, 2010). From this it is clear that strategic spatial planning is applicable to a diverse range of issues and can adapt easily to what is required in the context for which it is envisioning, thus rendering it a useful approach to planning. Conclusion From the information discussed in this essay the approach of strategic spatial planning has been explained. Through using such an approach to planning it can be deduced that spaces can be become more active and interactive both on a local scale and the sectors within that scale and on an international scale. In short, episodes of strategic spatial planning informed by relational complexity concepts which accumulate sufficient power to travel effectively and have enduring material and mental effects should be judged in the long-term in terms of their capacity to enrich the imaginative resources, creative energies and governance cultures through which quality of life and experience of diverse citizens and stakeholders in particular places are likely to be enhanced. (Healey, 2006:19)

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Huckleberry Finn ( Huck Finn ) :: Essays Papers

Huck Finn IT would be most an hour yet till breakfast, so we left and struck down into the woods; because Tom said we got to have some light to see how to dig by, and a lantern makes too much, and might get us into trouble; what we must have was a lot of them rotten chunks that's called fox-fire, and just makes a soft kind of a glow when you lay them in a dark place. We fetched an armful and hid it in the weeds, and set down to rest, and Tom says, kind of dissatisfied: "Blame it, this whole thing is just as easy and awkward as it can be. And so it makes it so rotten difficult to get up a difficult plan. There ain't no watchman to be drugged -- now there ought to be a watchman. There ain't even a dog to give a sleeping-mixture to. And there's Jim chained by one leg, with a ten-foot chain, to the leg of his bed: why, all you got to do is to lift up the bedstead and slip off the chain. And Uncle Silas he trusts everybody; sends the key to the punkin-headed nigger, and don't send nobody to watch the nigger. Jim could a got out of that window-hole before this, only there wouldn't be no use trying to travel with a ten-foot chain on his leg. Why, drat it, Huck, it's the stupidest arrangement I ever see. You got to invent all the difficulties. Well, we can't help it; we got to do the best we can with the materials we've got. Anyhow, there's one thing -- there's more honor in getting him out through a lot of difficulties and dangers, where there warn't one of them furnished to you by the people who it was their duty to furnish them, and you had to contrive them all out of your own head. Now look at just that one thing of the lantern. When you come down to the cold facts, we simply got to let on that a lantern's resky. Why, we could work with a torchlight procession if we wanted to, I believe. Now, whilst I think of it, we got to hunt up something to make a saw out of the first chance we get." "What do we want of a saw? Huckleberry Finn ( Huck Finn ) :: Essays Papers Huck Finn IT would be most an hour yet till breakfast, so we left and struck down into the woods; because Tom said we got to have some light to see how to dig by, and a lantern makes too much, and might get us into trouble; what we must have was a lot of them rotten chunks that's called fox-fire, and just makes a soft kind of a glow when you lay them in a dark place. We fetched an armful and hid it in the weeds, and set down to rest, and Tom says, kind of dissatisfied: "Blame it, this whole thing is just as easy and awkward as it can be. And so it makes it so rotten difficult to get up a difficult plan. There ain't no watchman to be drugged -- now there ought to be a watchman. There ain't even a dog to give a sleeping-mixture to. And there's Jim chained by one leg, with a ten-foot chain, to the leg of his bed: why, all you got to do is to lift up the bedstead and slip off the chain. And Uncle Silas he trusts everybody; sends the key to the punkin-headed nigger, and don't send nobody to watch the nigger. Jim could a got out of that window-hole before this, only there wouldn't be no use trying to travel with a ten-foot chain on his leg. Why, drat it, Huck, it's the stupidest arrangement I ever see. You got to invent all the difficulties. Well, we can't help it; we got to do the best we can with the materials we've got. Anyhow, there's one thing -- there's more honor in getting him out through a lot of difficulties and dangers, where there warn't one of them furnished to you by the people who it was their duty to furnish them, and you had to contrive them all out of your own head. Now look at just that one thing of the lantern. When you come down to the cold facts, we simply got to let on that a lantern's resky. Why, we could work with a torchlight procession if we wanted to, I believe. Now, whilst I think of it, we got to hunt up something to make a saw out of the first chance we get." "What do we want of a saw?

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Brick wall

In this day and age I feel there Is so many kids who have something to say,to stand for- whether it be good or bad, but they hide behind a faux docile nature just because we are so different- what with the clothes we wear, the music on our [Pods, our financial status, our sexuality,etc†¦ Regardless though, we still seem to find ourselves all lost in the system. Thrown out to the wolves- by whomever. My Intention for this Is not to glorify rolling or any act that would potentially lead to turmoil.Because for some kids who have Just had enough of the bullying and neglect when they hear songs Like â€Å"The Happiest Days of our Elves(Brick In the Wall)† or see things on television it strikes the wrong chord and that's perhaps why some kids do school shootouts and that kind of thing. No one sees those kids as troubled though. The media and their communities dub them as newer do-wells and send them to rot away in prison. They never had a chance; just to be born into the system and die in it too.It is disheartening to try and fathom how in this situation kids just on the brink of starting their own lives take those of the kids who are, also. When in the end it was lust a wild impulsive action fueled by their own inner discontent, that will more than likely be regretted forever. By then though it's too late. I hope more is being done to revert these kind of problems in our society and also Just bring some sense of belonging to the kids who have the strong personalities and eccentricities.People need to make a difference for the youth, so that the youth can make a difference for the world. This should be the same for the media, government, and pop-culture also. Needless to say, I refuse to be Just another brick in the wall- let us Join together to become the wall. â€Å"All in All we're Just another brick in the wall†- Pink Floyd. Those are the words of a song;moreover, an anthem that I believe a number of brazen, nasty,borderline, rebellious teenage rs can relate to. The song itself went platinum more than 20 times; so it had to be reaching out to someone.But that was the ass; this is now. Where are the figures that can cause a revolution, or a revolt, for that matter, with the youth of this century? In this day and age I feel there Is so many kids who have something to say,to stand for- whether It be good or bad, but they hide behind a faux docile nature Just because we are so different- what with the clothes we wear, the music on our Pods, our financial status, our sexuality,etc†¦ Regardless though, we still seem to find ourselves all lost In the system. Thrown out to the wolves- by whomever.My Intention for this Is not to glorify rioting or any act that would potentially lead to turmoil. Because for some kids who have Just had enough of the bullying and neglect when they hear songs Like â€Å"The Happiest Days of our Elves(Brick In the Wall)† or see things on television It strikes the wrong chord and that's perha ps why some kids do school shootouts and that kind of thing. No one sees those kids as troubled though. The media and their communities dub them as e born into the system and die in it too.It is disheartening to try and fathom how in this situation kids Just on the brink of starting their own lives take those of the kids who are, also. When in the end it was Just a wild impulsive action fueled by their own inner discontent, that will more than likely be regretted forever. By then though it's too late. I hope more is being done to prevent these kind of problems in our society and also Just bring some sense of belonging to the kids who have the strong personalities and eccentricities.People need to make a difference for the youth, so hat the youth can make a difference for the world. This should be the same for the media, government, and pop-culture also. Needless to say, I refuse to be Just another brick in the wall- let us Join together to become the wall. â€Å"All in All we're Ju st another brick in the wall†- Pink Floyd. Those are the words of a song;moreover, an anthem that I believe a number of brazen, angst,borderline, rebellious teenagers can relate to. The song itself went platinum more than 20 times; so it had to be reaching out to someone.But that was the ass; this is now. Where are the figures that can cause a evolution, or a revolt, for that matter, with the youth of this century? In this day and age I feel there is so many kids who have something to say,to stand for- whether it be good or bad, but they hide behind a faux docile nature Just because we are so different- what with the clothes we wear, the music on our ‘Pods, our financial status, our sexuality,etc†¦ Regardless though, we still seem to find ourselves all lost in the system. Thrown out to the wolves- by whomever.My intention for this is not to glorify rioting or any act that would potentially lead to turmoil. Because for some kids who eave Just had enough of the bullyi ng and neglect when they hear songs like â€Å"The Happiest Days of our Lives(Brick in the Wall)† or see things on television it strikes the wrong chord and that's perhaps why some kids do school shootouts and that kind of thing. No one sees those kids as troubled though. The media and their communities dub them as newer do-wells and send them to rot away in prison.They never had a chance; Just to be born into the system and die in it too. It is disheartening to try and fathom how in this situation kids Just on the brink of starting their own lives take hose of the kids who are, also. When in the end it was Just a wild impulsive action fueled by their own inner discontent, that will more than likely be regretted forever. By then though it's too late. I hope more is being done to prevent these kind of problems in our society and also Just bring some sense of belonging to the kids who have the strong personalities and eccentricities.People need to make a difference for the yout h, so that the youth can make a difference for the world. This should be the same for the media, government, and pop-culture also. Needless to say, I refuse to be just another brick in the wall- let us Join together to become the wall. â€Å"All in All we're just another brick in the wall†- Pink Floyd. Those are the words of a song;moreover, an anthem that I believe a number of brazen, angst,borderline, rebellious teenagers can relate to. The song itself went platinum more than 20 times; so it had to be reaching out to someone.But that was the ass; this is now. Where are the figures that can cause a revolution, or a revolt, for that matter, with the youth of this century? In this day and age I feel there is so many kids who have something to say,to stand or- whether it be good or bad, but they hide behind a faux docile nature Just because we are so different- what with the clothes we wear, the music on our ‘Pods, intention for this is not to glorify rioting or any act t hat would potentially lead to when they hear songs like â€Å"The Happiest Days of our Lives(Brick in the Wall)† or see away in prison.They never had a chance; Just to be born into the system and die in it too. It is disheartening to try and fathom how in this situation kids Just on the brink of just a wild impulsive action fueled by their own inner discontent, that will more than tater, with the youth of this century? In this day and age I feel there is so many kids who have something to say,to stand for- whether it be good or bad, but they hide we wear, the music on our ‘Pods, our financial status, our sexuality,etc†¦Regardless though, we still seem to find ourselves all lost in the system. Thrown out to the wolves- by whomever. My intention for this is not to glorify rioting or any act that the bullying and neglect when they hear songs like â€Å"The Happiest Days of our Lives(Brick in the Wall)† or see things on television it strikes the wrong chord and err do-wells and send them to rot away in prison. They never had a chance; Just to our financial status, our sexuality,etc†¦Regardless though, we still seem to find become the wall. So it had to be reaching out to someone. But that was the ass; this is now. Where are this century? In this day and age I feel there is so many kids who have something to just because we are so different- what with the clothes we wear, the music on our pods, our financial status, our sexuality,etc†¦ Regardless though, we still seem to find the figures that can cause a revolution, or a revolt, for that matter, with the youth of

Friday, November 8, 2019

Gun Control4 essays

Gun Control4 essays In todays society, one of the major problems we face is the use, and misuse of guns. Guns are deadly weapons that can change a persons life physically and emotionally, mostly when it is not used properly. Many people possess at least one handgun either in purses or in homes for protection, while others own guns for their own pleasure. Despite the fact that a gun can protect a person during self-defense, it can also be dangerous because it can hurt and kill someone. If a gun is kept at home, the chance of a person harming a family member other than an intruder, is five times higher (Bender 140). Although it may serve as a protection to an individual, it can also be misused. This is why it should only be limited to the use of authorities such as the government, marines and the police. Death by guns is very common in America. Sometimes the victims are famous people like Ronald Regan, or President Lincoln. Often the victim is an ordinary citizen such as a relative or friend (Newton 7). This is one reason why the use of guns should only be limited to authorities. Those who own a gun may have purpose, and that is, to protect oneself, while others use it against each other. Owning a gun may save lives during a burglary, but it will also put a lot of people at risk. A person who is alone at night might suspect an intruder roaming around the house and shoots at the suspect, not knowing that it was just a friend. Guns that are kept at home are often accidentally used against family or friends (Bernards 59). Another way that guns are often used against each other is when violence and arguments get out of hand. A person out of control will not think and pull out a gun to try to solve the problem. More accidents occur when one uses their own handguns than prevent ion of criminal attack (Bender 140). Owning a gun can also get into the hands of a wrong person. A child might not know that the gun he is ...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

10 qualities to include in a leadership essay

10 qualities to include in a leadership essay While writing your term paper, if you’re asked to write an essay on leadership, how will you begin? Will you define leadership from the Oxford Dictionary, will you begin by referring to your favorite leader’s qualities or will you outline the general characteristics that you think will make a leader? Well, if you are in doubt, please know that it is fine to begin the essay with any of the above methods.   The important aspect to keep in mind is that you’re describing a quality and you should supplement it with ample examples, references and if possible, quotes. The introduction to your essay is obviously the place to hold and capture your reader’s attention, so make sure whatever you write makes the reader curious enough to read through the entire essay. Also, remember that writing a leadership essay encompasses many different aspects – like leadership styles, leadership development, types of leadership, successful leadership, leadership principles and values etc. Before beginning your essay, make a draft about what aspect you want to highlight upon. Your prescribed essay length should help you decide how much you can include and how many aspects you can briefly allude to. Leadership is not just about commanding people, but it is also about following them, and listening to them. One does not always have to be a commander, a chief or a boss to be a great leader. A great leader can also be one who has total command and control over his life, his words, his deeds and actions, and who helps others help themselves. There are lots of great qualities in a leader that you can choose from and elaborate on them with examples. For instance, 10 great leadership qualities that most people agree should be present in a leader are: Empathy Dedication Sincerity Passionate about his beliefs Puts people’s interests above his own Responsibility and ownership Self motivated Ability to influence Ability to lead Ability to teach An effective leader can be humble and strong at the same time, teach and learn at the same time, give credit to his followers and command respect at the same time. To be prepared on writing a leadership essay, you can also read biography essays of great leaders. You can also build up your knowledge by reading on different leadership strategies and how they affected people in various stages in life. To make your leadership essay more interesting, also try to compare two very different kinds of leaders and provide an analysis of what made them successful or unsuccessful as leaders. Remember to conclude your essay with a statement on what you learned from the lives of great leaders.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Police Brutality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Police Brutality - Research Paper Example Although it is not an overstatement that community policing in a free world like the United States is similar to cutting through a mountain with bare teeth! It is indeed a difficult task that requires arduous concentration, serious planning and cutting-edge management (U.S Department of Justice, 1998). The presence of multi-cultural communities in many cities and towns across the country even makes this task appears more complicated. Each member of the communities aspires for equal treatment under the law when it comes to the issue of policing (Walter, 2000). But could such demanding circumstance put a strain on the police officers’ performance and turned them into violent or aggressive officer exterminating the defenseless citizens they are paid to protect? Even though they have their own prejudice, police officers are required by laws and ethics to justly handle each case. In order words, they should see their job as servants to the entire population, not just to satisfy the ideology of their own race or religious affiliations once they are in the uniforms (Mastrofski, 1999). However, instances of overtly use of force and weapons peppered by racial prejudice have often come up between the civilians and the police officers (Milton et al, 1977). And in these situations, the affected civilians who might have felt cheated and embarrassed could also often resort to self-defense.In the course of the melee, either the police officer or the civilian may have an upper hand in the scuffle, and one of them might mistakenly take the life of the other!

Friday, November 1, 2019

Desire2learn (D2L) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Desire2learn (D2L) - Essay Example Review existing reports for corresponding areas or interview the appropriate personnel to determine if a report still justifies the reporting needs. The team will organize the effort of identifying future reporting requirement after the analysis is concluded. The team will also determine the best reporting tool(s) for the institutions needs. The objective of Systems Education/Training is to provide the appropriate training to enable the implementation teams to understand features, functions, processes and setups so that these personnel can design the future management solution. During the configuration stage, the solution is implemented in the testing environment as per the solution design documents. Baseline applications are set up, working rules are established, data inserting rules are defined, and test data is entered. In the development stages different tests are conducted. Results are matched with the expected ones. The system configuration phase includes the drafting of policies, procedures, and user manuals since testing will judge the reliability and functionality of the entire application. The data migration process is one of the most difficult implementation tasks and it is a critical step towards the successful implementation. For successful execution of the migration task the institution will. The main objective of an end-user training program is to facilitate the institution to transfer information about the new system in a way that is easily understood and quickly absorbed by the target groups. The Team Leader will develop training guides and will be responsible for conducting the training. During the deployment processes, the applications are set up and configured in the production mode, software changes are migrated into production environment, and full converted data sets are loaded. Institution is ready to use the newly installed Learning Management System, Desire2Learn (Reiss,

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Cross Cultural Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cross Cultural Literature - Essay Example It is also a way to change perception regarding one’s culture and instead of stereotyping, people should learn the beliefs of others. While going global, the diversification is much more and one gets a chance to deal with different type of dealing with various types of people who are different from them in terms of culture, religion, habits and much more. At that time it is important for one to know the aspects of dealing with the diversification. Cross Cultural literature is important because of the consistent changing of trends from West to East. Communication Challenges in Cross Culture Communication is a great challenge while moving into the different cultures because if one act is followed in one culture then it’s not necessary that the same act will also be supported in other cultures. While going global or Glocal in business, the management should have the international understanding of the cultures so that it gets easier for them to communicate with different cl asses of people. There are certain cultural variables that need to be studied while communicating with different people; Attitudes It means stereotyping. Usually people when they move from one country to another for work purpose, these types of problems arise. Managers or employees working in that environment start over generalizing those who are different from their cultures. ... Role Role means the status and level of one based on his age. Usually every individual is treated equally but within these rules people try to discriminate their companions or subordinate. Language Language is a bridge between various cultures. It create the big difference because while communication there are different meanings of different statements. Example: â€Å"COME OUT OF THE GRAVE WITH PEPSI† This statement is considered right in context of west culture but when it comes to regions or cultures like India, this statement is proved to be wrong. For India where majority is the follower of Hinduism, this statement is not effective because it’s hitting their cultural values. So while sharing any idea regarding something, one should be alert or aware of the words he/she is using to give the idea because it may or may not directly pointing their culture but indirectly it could be taken in wrong meanings. One more example is â€Å"When YES doesn’t mean YES†. It means that when Chinese, Japanese and Pakistanis say YES while talking to someone, that doesn’t means that they will follow your commands, it actually means that â€Å"YES we are listening to you†. Non-Verbal Communication Non-Verbal Communication plays a very important role in context of cultural diversification. It includes kinesics behavior (E.g., Sticking out the tongue in China); Power distances (Proximity- E.g. The corner office, Closeness when talking), Paralanguage (e.g. the sound of silence), Objective Language (E.g. Monochronic vs. Polychronic) and most importantly eye contact. Trust in conducting Business within cross cultures There are some countries that do negotiate

Monday, October 28, 2019

Christmas-Time Essay Example for Free

Christmas-Time Essay â€Å"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.† (Laura Ingalls Wilder) Christmas is coming, it is one of the most important and magnificent holidays of the Christian calendar. This is a miraculous time of year when people begin to believe in miracles again and become pure-minded like heartfelt children. We all come from childhood. This is a fun and good time which is associated with sweet memories and a sense of continuing happiness. I remember this happy-go-lucky period of my life when I dreamed with confidence without thinking whether my dreams would come true or not. On Christmas Eve there were dozens of lights which burnt in my house. Honestly, this amazing picture made my heart so bright and happy that I wanted to embrace the whole world. I waited always for Christmas time because it was very great to help my parents to make a special dinner and feel breathtaking holiday atmosphere. Even growing up I become a light-hearted child again for a while, forget all the troubles and plunge into the world of magic at Christmas. Moreover, everything changes in the days of Christmas. In this period of time even the most hardened cynics turn into romantics and become a little kinder. Most people forget about all the difficulties and could be among friends and relatives. All the year round we called each other on the phone occasionally, however at Christmas all loving people gather together at the same table. There is an opportunity to hug each other, talk, and wish happiness during this marvelous night. On Christmas Eve, the sky opens its gates, and we can make a wish, importantly that it should be sincere and from the heart. I want to believe that we can start a new countdown on the eve of this holiday and our life will be more successful and full of incredible things. Once upon a time there was already a miracle, the birth of Jesus Christ. We yearn to believe in wonders and wish to let a little Christmas magic enter into our lives. Enjoy your life and go towards your dream like children and then the most cherished desires will be fulfilled.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

The Eucharist in Fellowship of the Ring, Return of the King, and Two Towers :: Fellowship of the Ring Essays

The Eucharist in Fellowship of the Ring, Return of the King, and Two Towers      Ã‚  Ã‚   J.R.R. Tolkien's use of waybread takes on the properties of the Catholic Eucharist in The Lord of the Rings. He creates lembas, a special kind of dried bread and made it the primary food source for the main characters. This special food is, in certain ways, a type of Eucharist, as defined by the Catholic church. Specifically, the parralells can be found in the outward similarities and the surrounding effects.    Lembas are a special kind of waybread. Waybread is meant to be taken on long trips, so it must be easily preservable, nutritious, light and with no preparation necessary. Lembas are made in the form of light dried cakes, wrapped in leaves to preserve freshness. It is very tasty and seems to have a special quality of instilling energy when the eater has great need of it. Lembas are made by the elves of Lothlorien, a secret and unearthly race who gift the traveling band of heroes with the waybread to help them on their journey (Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring 478). Similarily, the Eucharist is in wafer form, and has the spiritual quality of instilling grace in the soul. It is created in a special ceremony and is a major part of the sacrament of theExtreme Unction. The Eucharist is considered by CatholicChristians to be the actual body of Christ.    It is interesting to note that both lembas and the Eucharist share the title of "Food for the Journey"(Nicolas 90). In the case of the Eucharist, this is derived from the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. When a person is on the verge of death, a priest is usually summoned to give the person communion to prepare him or her spiritually for death. Since, for the Christian, death is not final, but a door to heaven, it is considered more like a journey, and not an ending. The Eucharist is given to the dying person much as an athlete is given high energy food just before a race. Lembas are, from their very name, a kind of food for the journey. Both these light wafers have similar purposes, to feed the traveler during a physical or spiritual journey.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Graduation Speech: Happiness is Success :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

A few months ago I was sitting in the guidance center waiting for some transcripts. I was having one of those "high-stress, low-patience" days and I was just in a very bad mood. As I waited, I noticed a little book on one of the coffee tables called "What happiness is." Cynically curious, I picked up the book and fingered through it. Each page was different quote about what happiness is, and as I read each one, I started to slowly lift out of my bitter mood. The first one I read was "Happiness sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open." - John Barrymore. I could buy that, I was starting to feel a little better. The next one I read was "All who would win joy must share it, happiness was born a twin." - Lord Byron. Now that felt good to read my present mood. Eagerly, I read the third one. "Happiness is going to the 20 year reunion and finding that the boy elected most likely to succeed, didn't." Needless to say, I felt a little disenfranchised by this one. Having won that category in the yearbook this year, I felt a sudden added pressure. I was now indentured for 20 years to try to succeed in order to keep all of you from being happy. It was a lose-lose situation for all of us. For a time after, my thoughts often drifted to that 20-year reunion. How was I going to be successful? How was I going to insure I fulfilled my high school yearbook's prophecy? How was I going to be a success? Immediately, my thoughts drifted to money. Success to most Americans immediately means big houses, hot cars, bling-bling. I had no guarantees to myself that I would be a success. There was nothing I could do but continue to work hard, stay up late writing papers and hang posters my entire life for dances. I didn't necessarily want this. So I began to question what success is to me. And it's more than the cliche of happiness. What success is to me, could be radically different than what success is to anyone else in this room. It's up to me to define it for me. It's up to me to decide what I have to do in my life to make it a success. We all set our own expectations.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Character breakdown

Set at a fictional university, all the characters reside in a fraternity sponsored house within the confines of university grounds. All the characters are an attempt to break stereotypes, and come from regularly viewed backgrounds found in American society. Marcus Pullman Senior, African-American middle-class from New York. Marcus Pullman is not a star athlete, or the campus drug dealer. He is as about as average as they come, with a good GPA, an interest in football and baseball, but an even stronger interest in environmental issues and obtaining a degree in political science. He is one of many American families from the middle-income band, with a father who is a NY firefighter and a mother who works as a legal assistant at a law firm. Marcus is part of a small statistic, an alarming statistic of overall African-American males in universities in America. According to an article in 2004, â€Å"today, black men make up 41 percent of the inmates in federal state, and local prison, but black men are only 4 percent of all students in American institutions of higher education† (Maxwell). It has to be said, however, that circumstance is everything, and whilst Marcus is part of a 4% statistic, he is also one of   â€Å"17% of blacks age 25 and older who had a bachelor’s degree or more in 2005† (US Census, 2007). Marcus has been in the fraternity since his Freshman year and is seen as a figurehead of the house. Simon Li American-Asian, Freshman, music student from Louisiana. It isn’t unusual for there to be a diverse ethnicity in fraternities, but it is also been cited as something as irregular. According to some fraternity members, this comes down to simply just a matter of comfort. â€Å"Minorities don't rush because they are intimidated by the stereotypically white Greek system,† Ngan said. On the other hand, â€Å"a lot of minorities do rush, they are just more comfortable hanging out with people of the same ethnic background.†(Brubaker, 2000). Simon Li is a ‘Rushee’ and a freshman music student from Louisiana. He is a second generation American-Asian, with roots in China. According to the census bureau, Louisiana has a registered American-Asian population of 1.4% (2005) with 2.5% of firms owned by Asians in the state. Simon Li’s parents own and operate a chain of successful auto-part stores – and nothing related to restaurants or grocery stores, as is often the stereotype. Having grown-up in Louisiana, Simon has a soft spot for anything Cajun, as well as an interest in music – from country to bluegrass. His predominant interests do not lie with traditions, but with incorporating grassroot sounds with techno, or club music. Dermot â€Å"Ozzie† Sullivan Australian, Sophomore, medical student. International students continue to make-up a large percentage of undergraduates at American universities. According to Hahn-Koenig, within Philadelphia, â€Å"more than 11,000 are enrolled in the city alone, with thousands more studying elsewhere in Pennsylvania† (2007). Whilst the Australian university system is considerably good, Dermot has come to America to broaden his horizons. His family is part of the wealthy upper-class in Australia, which avails him the high tuition fees and ability to apply for a student visa. Despite Australia being a part of the Visa Waiver Program, Dermot would have had to apply for a F-1 visa in order to study in America (State Dept, 2007). Dermot is an easy-going guy who is hard-working but also knows how to enjoy life. He appears to be a well-liked sort on-campus. Victor Henson Sophomore, member of a neo-nazi group. The antagonist of the characters. Victor is a Caucasian American from a poor background in middle America. He has not known his father, and his mother continues to struggle to make ends meet and keeping a family. His family are like many who should have seen better times after Clinton’s welfare reforms, but still suffer from poverty conditions. The Anti-Defamation League have cited a 12% decline in anti-Semitic activities, in recent surveys, however â€Å"it is disturbing that there are still an average of about four anti-Semitic attacks per day in America† (ADL, 2007). Victor indulges in many on-campus parties, and unsurprising is his overindulgence in alcohol. He is the student who is trying to fit in, and is a â€Å"Rushee† of the fraternity. SCRIPT Scene: Outside the campus library. It is a noticeably Fall day, and overcast. Marcus (leaving the library): Hey, Ozzie! How’s it going? Ozzie (seated on the stairs of the library): Gudday, Marcus. Yeah, s’alright, I reckon. Weather’s a bit foul, eh? Marcus (looks up briefly, smiles): Definitely going to rain. Hey, you seen that new rushee? Uh, Victor I think his name is. Ozzie: Yeah, yeah, I have. Saw him last night. Was hammered something nasty, I tell ya. Looked real green in the bushes (laughs) Marcus: Drunk? Ozzie: Aw, totally smashed, mate. Marcus: Hm, well Freshman, I suppose. But, listen, you think you can have a talk with him? See what he wants from joining a fraternity, and if he’d fit in. (slaps Ozzie on the arm with a book) Be a spy, eh? Ozzie: Yeah, yeah. Sure. Check ya later, eh? Marcus and Ozzie part ways. Scene change: Ozzie is in the frat house with Simon, who is ‘plugged in’ to a laptop and appears to be listening to music. Ozzie throws a screwed up paper ball at him. Simon (loudly): What? Ozzie demonstrates to remove the earphones, and Simon does. Simon (normal volume): What? Ozzie: Ya seen that new kid? Victor? Simon: Yeah, he was looking a little rough in the kitchen. Told him to clean the dishes for us. Ozzie: Smooth move, mate, smooth move. Hey, what ya think of him? Simon: Meh, he’s okay, I guess. He doesn’t say much to me. Ozzie: Hm, fair enough. I’ll go talk to him. Marcus wants the scoop on him, see if he’ll fit. Simon nods and plugs back into his laptop. Ozzie goes to the kitchen where Victor is struggling in removing a pair of rubber gloves from his hands. Ozzie: Hey mate, lemme give ya a hand. Hah – get it. Victor: Yeah, I got it. Ozzie: Jeez, no humor, eh? Victor: Sorry, still hungover a bit.. and†¦ (voice trails off) Ozzie: What’s up? Feelin’ a bit crock still? Victor: Huh? Ozzie: Ill. The hangover†¦ Victor: Nah, not the hangover. Just†¦ hey, I can talk to you right, yeah? Ozzie: Sure, mate. We’re all brothers. Or, well.. you â€Å"might† be, eh? (smiles) Victor: Yeah, I guess.. well.. I don’t know. Seems really†¦ well†¦ Ozzie: What? Victor: Well, why are they in charge here? Ozzie: Who ya mean? The seniors? Victor: Nah.. well yeah.. but†¦ nevermind. Ozzie: Something bothering you, you know you can tell me. Or Marcus even, mate. Victor (sneers): I don’t think so. Ozzie: What? Marcus? Nah, he’s cool, mate. Don’t need to worry about him. He’s a good egg. Victor: Egg? Rotten, more like. His sort are nothing but trouble. Ozzie: His sort? What Greenpeace Al Gore types? (laughs) Victor: No†¦ his â€Å"sort†. Ozzie: Don’t get you mate†¦ you mean New Yorkers? Victor (laughs): Yeah†¦ New Yorkers. Whatever. Victor leaves, sees Simon still plugged in and shakes his head. Ozzie looks perplexed and follows Victor out of the house. Ozzie: Wait up. So, I don’t get what you meant in there. Victor: You want me say, for real? Ozzie: Yeah, mate. For real. Victor: I don’t trust Marcus. His type are nothing but trouble, they take advantage of everything. Ozzie: Wait, wait.. his type? What’s his type? Victor: Black, man. I got to spell it out, or what? You fucking blind? Blacks are nothing but trouble. Ozzie: Woah.. woah†¦ you can’t be serious†¦ Victor: Yeah†¦ well maybe I am. He’s always getting up in my business. Ozzie: Well you are trying to join the fraternity†¦ Victor: Yeah, well screw it. I don’t want to be a black man’s brother, ya know. Ozzie: Jesus†¦ well.. yeah, I don’t think I want you around either†¦ Marcus walks up to them outside the house. Victor falls silent but stares at Marcus. Ozzie is stunned, but looks serious. Marcus notices the uneasiness quickly. Marcus: Everything alright? Victor (snorts): Yeah, man. Victor walks away, and Marcus looks at Ozzie questioningly. Marcus: Ozzie? What happened? Ozzie: I dunno mate†¦ I really dunno†¦. References _. Lousiana State Quick Facts. Census Bureau. (available from: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22000.html ) _. New York City, Black History Month, 2007. Census Bureau Press Release, February, 2007. (available from: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/007862.html ) _. Anti-Semitic Incidents in US. Press Release. Anti-Defamation League, 2007. (available: http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/4993-12.htm ) _ . Student Visas. US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs. (Available from: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html ) Brubaker, C. â€Å"Greek system concerned with diversity† The Cavalier Daily, April 5, 2000. (available: http://www.cavalierdaily.com/CVArticle.asp?ID=3898&pid=564 ) Hahn-Koenig, A. â€Å"Coming to America.† OneBigCampus.com 2007 (available: http://www.onebigcampus.com/article_comingtoamerica.htm ) Maxwell, B. â€Å"On campus, grim statistics for African-American men.† St. Petersburg Times, January 4, 2004. (available from:

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Ode on Melancholy Essays

Ode on Melancholy Essays Ode on Melancholy Paper Ode on Melancholy Paper The differences highlighted between Ode to a nightingale and To Autumn is, their way of accepting is based on different concepts. To Autumn does so in a positive way whilst Ode to a Nightingale does not. To Autumn can be related to Ode on Melancholy; their ideas on life are similar. Ode on Melancholys theme is based on the idea that melancholy cannot be felt without feeling joy. Keats presents this through the view of Joy being unable to feel melancholy, save him whose strenuous tongue / Can burst Joys grape against his palate fine. The grape metaphorically presents the feeling of happiness and that it needs to burst and be fully tasted in order for melancholy to be completely felt or understood. To Autumn is similar in the sense that Keats understands that life and death come with each other, you cannot experience spring without experiencing the robin red breast in winter. To Autumn also makes the distinction between life and death and how they cannot be without each other when he says full-grown lamb. Lamb presents new birth and the idea of a full life ahead, whereas full-grown presents old and near death. This use of synaesthesia of the bee-mouth is able to show how quickly joy and pleasure can turn into melancholy. Sometimes there are no warning signs. It is precisely the fact that joy will come to an end that makes the experience of joy such a ravishing one; the fact that beauty dies makes the experience of beauty sharper and more thrilling. However, there are many contrasts as beauty is represented but also taken away by melancholic imagery. Like a weeping cloud is a very significant simile as nature is represented negatively although it is a common action, rain. However, weeping represents the idea of sadness and grief. Rain is not generally a negative aspect of nature. The contrast to the weeping cloud is made when this rain is able to foster the droop-headed flowers showing melancholy is also nourishing like the rain which revives the drooping flowers. Here Keats has built up an extended metaphor. The rain is very significant as it also hides the green hill showing melancholy to cover up natures finer aspects. The colour imagery of green suggests fertility, beauty and aliveness; this is the contrast of joy and melancholy. Rain and sadness are able to hide natures beauties. This contrast is almost made in April shroud which has oxymoronic ideas as April is the month of natures renewal, a pleasant setting and shroud is a cloth used for death. This portrays the idea of the mutability of life. Sadness needs to be accepted in order to enjoy lifes pleasures. Nature is a source of melancholy and like some aspects of nature, such as rainbows and waves, melancholy is not always long lasting. It is meant to be temporary, as life has many emotions through the human world as well as the natural world.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Cluny MacPherson Invented the Gas Mask

Cluny MacPherson Invented the Gas Mask Doctor Cluny MacPherson was born in St. Johns, Newfoundland in 1879. He received his medical education from Methodist College and McGill University. MacPherson started the first St. Johns Ambulance Brigade after working with the St. Johns Ambulance Association. MacPherson served as the principal medical officer for the first Newfoundland Regiment of the St. Johns Ambulance Brigade during World War I. In response to the Germans use of poison gas in Ypres, Belgium, in 1915, MacPherson began researching methods of protection against poison gas. In the past, a  soldiers only protection was to breathe through a handkerchief or other small piece of fabric soaked in urine. That same year,  MacPherson invented the respirator, or gas mask, made of fabric and metal. Using a helmet taken from a captured German prisoner, he added a canvas hood with  eyepieces  and a breathing tube. The helmet was treated with chemicals that would absorb the chlorine used in the gas attacks. After a few improvements, Macphersons helmet became the first gas mask to be used by the British army. According to Bernard Ransom, curator of the Newfoundland Provincial Museum, Cluny Macpherson designed a fabric smoke helmet with a single exhaling tube, impregnated with chemical sorbents to defeat the airborne chlorine used in the gas attacks. Later, more elaborate sorbent compounds were added to further developments of his helmet (the P and PH models) to defeat other respiratory poison gases used such as phosgene, diphosgene and chloropicrin. The Macpherson helmet was the first general issue gas countermeasure to be used by the British Army. His invention was the most important protective device of the First World War, protecting countless soldiers from blindness, disfigurement or injury to their throats and lungs. For his services, he was made a Companion of the  Order of St Michael and St George  in 1918. After suffering from a war injury, MacPherson returned to Newfoundland to serve as the director of the military medical service and later served as the president of the St. Johns Clinical Society and the Newfoundland Medical Association. MacPherson was awarded many honors for his contributions to medical science.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

USS Wasp World War II CV-7 Aircraft Carrier

USS Wasp World War II CV-7 Aircraft Carrier USS Wasp Overview Nation: United StatesType: Aircraft CarrierShipyard: Fore River ShipyardLaid Down: April 1, 1936Launched: April 4, 1939Commissioned: April 25, 1940Fate: Sunk September 15, 1942 Specifications Displacement: 19,423 tonsLength: 741 ft., 3 in.Beam: 109 ft.Draft: 20 ft.Propulsion: 2 Ãâ€" Parsons steam turbines, 6 Ãâ€" boilers at 565 psi, 2 Ãâ€" shaftsSpeed: 29.5 knotsRange: 14,000 nautical miles at 15 knotsComplement: 2,167 men Armament Guns 8 Ãâ€" 5 in./.38 cal guns16 Ãâ€" 1.1 in./.75 cal anti-aircraft guns 24 Ãâ€" .50 in. machine guns Aircraft up to 100 aircraft Design Construction In the wake of the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty, the worlds leading sea powers were restricted in the size and total tonnage of warships they were permitted to build and deploy. Under the treatys initial terms, the United States was allotted 135,000 for aircraft carriers. With the construction of USS Yorktown (CV-5) and USS Enterprise (CV-6), the US Navy found itself with 15,000 tons remaining in its allowance. Rather than permit this to go unused, they ordered a new carrier built that possessed approximately three-quarters the displacement of Enterprise. Though still a sizable ship, efforts were made to save weight to meet the treatys restrictions. As a result, the new ship, dubbed USS Wasp (CV-7), lacked much of its larger siblings armor and torpedo protection. Wasp also incorporated less powerful machinery which reduced the carriers displacement, but at a cost of around three knots of speed. Laid down at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, MA on April 1, 1936, Wasp was launched three years later on April 4, 1939. The first American carrier to possess a deck edge aircraft elevator, Wasp was commissioned on April 25, 1940, with Captain John W. Reeves in command. Prewar Service Departing Boston in June, Wasp conducted testing and carrier qualifications through the summer before finishing its last sea trials in September. Assigned to Carrier Division 3, in October 1940, Wasp embarked US Army Air Corps ,P-40 fighters for flight testing. These efforts showed that land-based fighters could fly from a carrier. Through the remainder of the year and into 1941, Wasp largely operated in the Caribbean where it participated in a variety of training exercises. Returning to Norfolk, VA in March, the carrier aided a sinking lumber schooner en route. While at Norfolk, Wasp was fitted with the new CXAM-1 radar. After a brief return to the Caribbean and service off Rhode Island, the carrier received orders to sail for Bermuda. With World War II raging, Wasp operated from Grassy Bay and conducted neutrality patrols in the western Atlantic Ocean. Returning to Norfolk in July, Wasp embarked US Army Air Forces fighters for delivery to Iceland. Delivering the aircraft on August 6, the carrier remained in the Atlantic conducting flight operations until arriving at Trinidad in early September. USS Wasp   Though the United States remained technically neutral, the US Navy was directed to destroy German and Italian warships that threatened Allied convoys. Aiding in convoy escort duties through the fall, Wasp was at Grassy Bay when news arrived of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7. With the United States formal entry into the conflict, Wasp conducted a patrol into the Caribbean before returning to Norfolk for a refit. Departing the yard on January 14, 1942, the carrier accidently collided with USS Stack forcing it to return to Norfolk. Sailing a week later, Wasp joined Task Force 39 en route to Britain. Arriving at Glasgow, the ship was tasked with ferrying Supermarine Spitfire fighters to the beleaguered island of Malta as part of Operation Calendar. Successfully delivering the aircraft in late April, Wasp carried another load of Spitfires to the island in May during Operation Bowery. For this second mission, it was accompanied by the carrier HMS Eagle. With the loss of USS Lexington at the Battle of the Coral Sea in early May, the US Navy decided to transfer Wasp to the Pacific to aid in combating the Japanese. World War II in the Pacific After a brief refit at Norfolk, Wasp sailed for the Panama Canal on May 31 with Captain Forrest Sherman in command. Pausing at San Diego, the carrier embarked an air group of F4F Wildcat fighters, SBD Dauntless dive bombers, and TBF Avenger torpedo bombers. In the wake of the victory at the Battle of Midway in early June, Allied forces elected to go on the offensive in early August by striking at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. To aid this operation, Wasp sailed with Enterprise and USS Saratoga (CV-3) to provide air support for the invasion forces. As American troops went ashore on August 7, aircraft from Wasp struck targets around the Solomons including Tulagi, Gavutu, and Tanambogo. Attacking the seaplane base at Tanambogo, aviators from Wasp destroyed twenty-two Japanese aircraft. Fighters and bombers from Wasp continued to engage the enemy until late on August 8 when Vice Admiral Frank J. Fletcher ordered the carriers to withdraw. A controversial decision, it effectively stripped the invasion troops of their air cover. Later that month, Fletcher ordered Wasp south to refuel leading the carrier to miss the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. In the fighting, Enterprise was damaged leaving Wasp and USS Hornet (CV-8) as the US Navys only operational carriers in the Pacific. USS Wasp Sinking Mid-September found Wasp sailing with Hornet and the battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55) to provide an escort for transports carrying the 7th Marine Regiment to Guadalcanal. At 2:44 PM on September 15, Wasp was conducting flight operations when six torpedoes were spotted in the water. Fired by the Japanese submarine I-19, three struck Wasp despite the carrier turning hard to starboard. Lacking sufficient torpedo protection, the carrier took severe damage as all struck fuel tanks and ammunition supplies. Of the other three torpedoes, one hit the destroyer USS OBrien while another struck North Carolina. Aboard Wasp, the crew desperately attempted to control the spreading fires but damage to the ships water mains prevented them from having success. Additional explosions occurred twenty-four minutes after the attack making the situation worse. Seeing no alternative, Sherman ordered Wasp abandoned at 3:20 PM. The survivors were taken off by nearby destroyers and cruisers. In the course of the attack and attempts to fight the fires, 193 men were killed. A burning hulk, Wasp was finished off by torpedoes from the destroyer USS Lansdowne and sunk by the bow at 9:00 PM. Selected Sources DANFS: USS Wasp (CV-7)Military Factory: USS Wasp (CV-7)Hull Number: CV-7