Agent Orange Essays - Dioxins, Defoliants, Immunotoxins, Toxicology

Agent Orange Just saying the name Agent Orange gets the attention of every Vietnam veteran, and I dare say most of the Australian and American public, not to mention the Vietnamese. It has been argued about, written about, researched and debated, published in magazines and newspapers, talked about on radio and television. It was the subject of documentaries, legal battles, and in Australia a Royal Commission that lasted some two years and cost 3.8 million dollars. Agent Orange was the code name for a herbicide developed for the military, primarily for use in tropical climates. Although the genesis of the product goes back to the 1940's, serious testing for military applications did not begin until the early 1960's. The purpose of the product was to deny an enemy cover and concealment in dense terrain by defoliating trees and shrubbery where the enemy could hide. The product "Agent Orange" (a code name for the orange band that was used to mark the drums it was stored in) was principally effective against broad-leaf foliage, such as the dense jungle-like terrain found in Southeast Asia. The product was tested in Vietnam in the early 1960's, and was brought into ever widening use during the height of the war in 1967-68, though it's use was diminished and eventually discontinued in 1971. Agent Orange was a 50-50 mix of two chemicals, known conventionally as 2,4,D and 2,4,5,T. the combined product was mixed with kerosene or diesel fuel and dispersed by aircraft, vehicle, and hand spraying. An estimated 19 million gallons of Agent Orange were used in South Vietnam during the war. The earliest health concerns about Agent Orange were about the product's contamination with TCDD, or dioxin. TCDD is one of a family of dioxins, some found in nature, and are cousins of dibenzofurans and PCB's. Dioxin is formed by burning chlorine-based chemical compounds with hydrocarbons. The major source of dioxin in the environment (95%) comes from incinerators burning chlorinated wastes. Dioxin pollution is also affiliated with paper mills, which use chlorine bleaching in their process and with the production of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastics. The TCDD that can be found in Agent Orange is thought to be harmful to man. In laboratory tests on animals, TCDD has caused a wide variety of diseases, many of them fatal. TCDD is not found in nature, but rather is a man-made and is always an unwanted byproduct of the chemical process of manufacturing of certain herbicides, bactericides, wood preservatives, and other products. It is believed by many scientists to be the most toxic of all synthetic chemicals. It was first identified as a contaminant in 1957, but not recognized as a major public hazard until the mid 1970's. The Agent Orange used in Vietnam was later found to be extremely contaminated with TCDD. The Agent Orange in Vietnam was contaminated in amounts from 0.05 to almost 50 parts per million, with the most common contamination being 2 parts per million (ppm). This contamination resulted in an estimated 368 pounds of dioxin sprayed over Vietnam in a six-year period.

Primary ESL Learners in Taiwan English Literature Learning Syllabus

Primary ESL Learners in Taiwan English Literature Learning Syllabus Introduction The education enables people to gain new skills in a formal and governmentally controlled way which then benefits the individual’s professional training and promotional ladder movement. Though some people think education to be a rudiment of the renaissance age when this was a concept available to rich people only, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of education on different levels and in different ages.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Primary ESL Learners in Taiwan: English Literature Learning Syllabus specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The age groups of learners vary regarding the essence of learning. For instance, elementary and secondary education is obligatory aspect of ordinary life in most countries of the world whereas ESL learning is the area available to people who want to learn English and master it to the degree of native speaking. At the same time, many nations acknowle dge necessity of learning other languages than the native one in the context of the globalisation and developing cultural diversity issues. The syllabus will include vocabulary, language focus, listening, and speaking sections that consist of specific topics necessary for adequate development of language skills in whole. The present learning syllabus in Taiwan elementary schools was introduced to make the learning-teaching process more effective. Along with the new syllabus, a new assessment scale was introduced to functions as the following: understanding the strengths and weaknesses of students’ learning ability, assisting teachers in monitoring student learning progress, evaluating students’ learning, placing students in learning groups based on given institutional standards (Chan, 2006, p. 37). So, the syllabus for the primary school in Taiwan includes interventions for reading (phonemic awareness), writing, listening, and speaking. Reforms can be considered anot her important aspect of many sectors of human activity including education that should be adjusted to changing needs and preferences of the population with regard to the expansion of businesses into the global market, development of new areas in new fields of industry with the help of foreign partners or involvement of foreign investors. In this respect, ESL learners in Taiwan are facing the necessity of introducing new English literature learning syllabus in accordance with the importance of being in the mainstream of the language learning. Besides, a combination of the most effective approaches to design of the literature learning syllabi can be more effective than the application of a single approach or in-turn application of different approaches.Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More So, ESL learners can benefit from introduction of the new approach that is aimed at u sing the task-based and topic-based learning syllabi. The present project is designed in order to outline an English literature learning syllabus for ESL learners of 8-12 years old in Taiwan. The subject will include reading, speaking, writing, listening, and pronunciation interventions for ESL students that would contribute positively to the development of language skills necessary for adequate academic development which is impossible without good reading, speaking, writing, listening, and pronunciation skills. Background The English literature learning syllabus should include the features of the topic-based and task-based approaches because ESL students should benefit more from the introduction of new instructions. The syllabus should include clear instructions and be more oriented on gaining the knowledge on a specific topic rather than on a definite text that is aimed at developing knowledge in a concrete area. General aims of the course include design of a new English learning syllabus or ESL learners in Taiwan. The social, cultural, and educational environments are under the influence of the political and economical ones because of the emerging tendencies in the economy and growth of globalisation. Participants of this syllabus are ESL learners in Taiwan and well-qualified teachers who have experience in primary teaching and ESL teaching as well. The English literature learning syllabus is introduced for the primary EFL students in Taiwan to enable them to gain knowledge in English language and understand the peculiarities of culture better. Theoretical Framework The globalization and the development of an international perspective have pushed English to become an international language or global communication language. Many countries see English as a basic educational requirement (Maurais and Morris, 2003). The motivation and environment have been examined as factors that influence the language acquisition progress by many researchers. As reported in th e study by Gunderson (2008), â€Å"Cummins argued that learning occurs in different contexts [that] provide substantial cues to the learner† (p. 41). Corson (1999) reviews the methods that can be applied to increase the language and literature learning efficiency in the ESL class.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Primary ESL Learners in Taiwan: English Literature Learning Syllabus specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For instance, increase of motivation, reduce the level of anxiety, and increase the level of pupils’ self-confidence and others (p. 199). This means that environment and motivation are of great importance for the ESL students’ effectiveness in learning. The current situation is such as the ESL learning syllabus is mostly based on the insufficient teacher training resources, content-based or topic-based approach to the presentation of new learning material in class, cooperative l earning, and learning in groups when students are divided into smaller groups than the class usually comprises for better acquisition of the presented material. In addition, the current situation with ESL students in primary school in Taiwan is such that students start learning English as a second language in a younger age than they used to before; so, students may experience difficulties related to associations built in the native and the foreign language. Moreover, students are taught to build analogies and simplify more complicated terms and concepts using new vocabulary. Qualification of teachers plays one of the major roles in effectiveness of instructions and the expected outcomes of the teaching process. â€Å"Students who are not isolated in ESL programs are thrust into mainstream classrooms with teachers little prepared to accommodate them† (Flood, International Reading Association and National Council of Teachers of English, 2003, p. 430). As suggested by Carder (20 07), â€Å"ESL teachers for primary (ages 6-11 or 12) should be well-qualified teachers of this age group, with additional training in second language teaching† (p. 38). Besides, the student teacher ratio should not exceed 8:1 (eight students per one teacher) if the ESL syllabus concerns the primary school (Carder, 2007, p. 40). The history of ESL reading instructions was reviewed by Gunderson (2008) who analysed the approaches and reading programmes used by different scholars and practicing teachers of ESL learners with regard to effectiveness of each approach and benefits gained by learners. The first approach includes a bottom-up model of teaching according to which â€Å"most teachers appear to believe students should be taught skills such as phonics and letter-sound relationship† (Gunderson, 2008, p. 36). The second model, in this case, concerns the top-down approach when students are â€Å"asked to read meaningful material† which excludes teaching the lett er-sound correspondence directly (Gunderson, 2008, p. 36).Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The compromise between these two models is reached in the third one called interactive which is supposed to combine the designs of both the top-down and the bottom-up models (Gunderson, 2008, pp. 36-37). Combination of different learning syllabi is welcomed in the educational system in order to promote educational level of ESL learners. Variety of views and approaches makes it easier for teachers to use and combine the most effective educational models for ESL students to benefit from them. Ferris and Hedgcock (2005) report about the variety of views developed in terms of the ESL composition writing, namely the opinion of expressivists who think that expressing oneself in the process of writing is the most important part of writing and cognitivists who consider problem-solving and analysis the main components of the writing process (pp. 5-6). Task-based learning can be useful in addressing conditions related to ESL students’ writing practice (Cumming, 2006, p. 163). Hinkel (2 004a) reports about the varieties of instructions for writing classes and importance of writing skills for ESL students. As such, opinion-based reports and essays are aimed at reflecting personal thoughts and vision of a student (Hinkel, 2004a, p. 10) whereas the fact-based exemplification allows the instructor to assess the cognitive concept and the knowledge gained by the ESL student (p. 24). Topic- or content-based approach to the learning syllabus which was introduced in the late 1970s in Australia to cope with the problem of ESL students that should have been included into mainstream school curriculum became a real innovation (Evans, 1996, pp. 179-180). As suggested by Evans (1996), the structure of the lesson was based on a topic, its visual presentation, building of a reading passage, analysis of the passage, and the final writing (pp. 180-182). Besides, careful structuring of the task has been identified as the primary factor for effective teaching-learning process using the task-based approach (Clegg, 1996, p. 17). In addition, the pace of language and inter-language development should be increased to ensure that an ESL student succeeds in learning (Clegg, 1996, p. 18). Different approaches used with ESL students enable the teacher to perform the teaching-learning process more effectively. The study by Brownlie, Feniak and McCarthy (2004) enables the readers to understand the benefits of different models of learning. For instance, ESL students are claimed to benefit more from lessons if they find the tasks a bit difficult and challenging and the instructions do not take the most part of the lesson (Brownlie, Feniak and McCarthy, 2004, p. 2). A literature learning syllabus for ESL primary learners may focus more on topics and vocabulary rather than on specific works of literature (Carder, 2007, p. 55). The process of reading is not only a part of the English literature learning syllabus but also an important element of second language acquisition that has a number of benefits (Carder, 2007, p. 59). Language learning syllabus should be aimed at developing such skills as recognition and identification of definite â€Å"sounds, letters, lexicogrammar, sentence†, â€Å"awareness of language†, and other useful components that would be applied during the entire learning course (Carder, 2007, p. 58). Mississippi Department of Education (1998) insisted on the importance of instructing students how to read; so, clear instructions facilitate learning. Grade books may appear to be too difficult and easier variants can be used. The book by Barchers (1991) is structured in an interesting way including texts and explanations and clear instructions to each of them making it really simple: Read the book aloud. Allow the students to fill in words as they listen. During the second reading, list a variety of examples of alliteration on the board. Find the 60 objects in the book that begin with the letter â€Å"f†. Then list all the foods mentioned in the story (Barchers, 1991, p.146). The study by Honig (2001) advocates the importance of associating the typed text with the speech heard by students. Larkin (2003) insists on the importance of reading words correctly; this method â€Å"†¦ helps students to improve their reading comprehension, increase their vocabulary, and work cooperatively with peers† (p.156). Assessment of the ESL learners enables the teachers to thrust them into mainstream curriculum school so that they became an integral part of the learning process paying no attention to their previous achievement and gaining knowledge in other subjects as well as mastering their language skills. The skills gained by ESL learners are assessed by the teachers in order to identify whether they are ready to enter the mainstream of the curriculum with other students whose native language is English; assessment includes measurement of listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills and pronunci ation (McKay, 2006). At the same time, some learners may feel anxiety while being assessed and demonstrate poorer skills and knowledge than was previously seen in ordinary classes without introducing tests and assessment scales. The task-based curriculum requires students to be capable of fulfilling various tasks that are claimed to become useful for future learning; topic-based curriculum is supposed to be limited to specific topics taught through various visual aids and instructions to facilitate understanding of the topic and build bridges between the native language and second language. Literature-based approach in teaching-learning is isolated in terms of the definite number of literary sources in accordance to which the ESL students are expected to acquire knowledge about the environment and cultural peculiarities of the second language. Competency-based syllabus is designed in a way that makes the ESL students gain knowledge and experience in the areas that are believed to be of primary importance; for instance, students are taught to identify letter-sound relations in order to pas the text on this activity later. Context Analysis The effectiveness of every model that has been in operation should not be questioned because it appeared to be effective for the period in which it operated. At the same time, the model or design is updated as soon as it becomes inappropriate for the audience, other methodologies applied to it, and the results anticipated from its work. In this respect, the effect of the communicative language teaching model has been analysed by Hinkel (2011b), â€Å"The communicative competence model proved highly successful in broadening the scope of classroom teaching and applied linguistics† (p. 348). In this case, this model is worth being used for design of a new English literature learning syllabus for ESL students in Taiwan. Needs analysis can be fulfilled using the needs assessment tool introduced in the study by Nunan (1992, p . 248), can be seen in the Appendices section. According to this tool, students should be surveyed with the help of simple questions that concern their language skills and language difficulties experienced in their ordinary environment. So, this survey enables the teacher to identify without any stressful tests how a student feels about his/her progress in English, communication in different levels, listening skills, and other areas that might require more attention in the process of teaching-learning. Material and visual resources should contain word cards and pictures where all the objects and most situations in different topics are depicted. In this respect, a teacher would not need to write down the words on the blackboard every time. Besides, it would be interesting for children to draw pictures on different topics by themselves to put those up when the teacher asks them in English. Visual perception of the text as well association of words with specific objects is very importa nt. Preparation for every lesson will take a lot of time if a teacher is going to provide every; time limitation would not be a problem in case of clear organization of the lesson with comprehensive instructions. The use of vocabulary and other tools to enrich the students’ understanding of the language structure and meaning and develop ESL students’ desire to learn the language further are the primary tasks of the course. Course Rationale, Organisation, And Approach Aims of the course include a variety of assignments aimed at developing listening and reading skills, writing and speaking skills, and pronunciation. Besides, comprehension of the read material should be an integral part of the expected results of the learning syllabus because lack of understanding contributes negatively to the further learning achievements and influences the entire concept of language learning as it includes many aspects. The course is designed for the ESL learners in Taiwan taking into a ccount the primary school aged 8-12 years. Instructional language with a prevailing number of infinitive constructions will be used to provide instructions in the classroom. The lexical range of verbs will be developed as the class progresses including adequate translations as soon as the verb is introduced for the first time and repetition of the verb accompanied by specific actions. For instance, if a teacher tells â€Å"take your books†, he/she should do what he/she says to show pupils, repeat the same phrase in their native language and repeat it in English again. The assessment of achievement will be performed right after the class (using a 5-10 minute period to find out what pupils got to know). In addition, every class should start with a brainstorming activity to recollect what was said and learn at the previous class. The learning-teaching context will concern an ordinary classroom that will be steadily filled in with words and pictures on the walls referring to the topics studied in the language acquisition, in literature, and grammar. This course strives to help students to gain more abilities for reading, writing and speaking. The following areas will be components of the syllabus analysis and justification: description of entry level to course, description of intended exit level, description of assessment, course description, and course goals. Description of entry level to course The entry level to the course will include needs analysis using the model offered in the appendices section and evaluation of the gaps students may have in terms of the English language acquisition and use in everyday life and activities requiring the use of English language. At this stage, it is necessary to recognise that a student has or might have problems and he/she needs help in coping with those issues. Dividing the class into groups should not be fulfilled in accordance with the language competence level but on the basis of the types of information percepti on. For instance, some students may read and remember the typed text better while others are better listeners and understand the speech on the TV and on the radio better than their classmates. Description of intended exit level The exit level for ESL students that are going to finish this course include achievement of the goals enumerated below. Description of Assessment The assessment of the preliminary stage was already discussed while assessment of each student’s achievement in terms of language acquisition concerns the tests and quizzes aimed at analysis of the speaking, reading, writing, listening, and pronunciation skills. Course Description The course includes information on topics to improve the ESL students’ speaking, writing, listing, reading, and pronunciation skills. Course Goals Improve listing and comprehension skills Strengthen vocabulary Develop students’ basic English communication abilities (speaking including formulation of their thoughts) Ra ise students’ interest in learning English Broaden students’ cross-culture awareness The importance of grammar cannot be excluded from the learning syllabus. The study by Gordon (2007) contains analysis of different approaches used to teach grammar as a part of the language learning syllabus. However, everything can be arranged in the following way: the first phase of teaching-learning should concern noun phrases (nouns, adjectives, pronouns, determiners, noun clauses, and infinitives) (Lester, 2008, pp. 3-119). The next phase of learning should enable ESL students to acquire verb phrases using basic forms of the verbs, special verbs, adverbs, and vary tenses of the verbs (Lester, 2008, pp. 119-273). Finally, active and passive sentences including affirmative and interrogative statements should be introduced to the ESL students so that they could find the application of their knowledge on parts of speech in practice (Lester, 2008, pp. 273-334). In this respect, gramma r can be arranged in the way that meets the topic of the speaking and reading parts of the syllabus. Vocabulary The vocabulary should include the topics indicated in the appendices section in order to make the learning process more well-organized and structured for better understanding of the foreign culture by ESL students in Taiwan. Speaking: The topics for speaking include the same as those for development of ESL students’ vocabulary because the topics should coincide in order to be effective in the learning syllabus. As such, the topics are the same as for vocabulary area: Listening: The same as the speaking and vocabulary areas concerns the listening area because it is important to develop different skills using the topic-based approach. Writing: This area of the learning syllabus should combine the grammar and vocabulary/speaking/listening topics in order to be effective. Nouns and pronouns should be introduced with the topic about ‘myself’ and family while the adjectives would be better used with such topics as weather and appearance. Adverbs can be introduced together with the topic of directions and geography while differences between direct and indirect speech should be learnt in the framework of the discussion of literary sources. Pronunciation: This area should include the same sources as for other areas such as speaking and vocabulary. Grading Scale Writing Assignments 30% Tests/quizzes 50% Class Participation 20% Anticipated Problems And Limitations Limitation of the course includes the number of teacher necessary to accomplish every lesson because the learning groups should consist of 8-10 students and no more. Besides, it is necessary to take into account the amount of materials necessary for every topic and importance of variety of assignments so that students were not bored. Approach To Course Evaluation The assessment of the needs was already offered in the Appendices section while the evaluation of the outcomes should be performed after every class and after every topic using standard tests and evaluation sheets. For instance, Hedge (2000), uses 2 stages of textbook selecting process. The syllabus is designed in the way suggested in this paper using specific topics for instruction and clear explanation of assignments for students. The further gaps of the syllabus can be identified in the process of operation and indicated by the teacher and survey aimed at analysing the students’ opinion and their satisfaction level. Other limitations of the syllabus include the previous experience of the students in English language acquisition and their achievements. The course evaluation should comprise at least two approaches aimed at analysis of the achievements before and after the implementation of the new syllabus. As such, it is possible to introduce a test based on multiple-choice questions for students of 8-12 age group so that a teacher could see their literacy level and divide them adequately in to groups for teaching-learning a new syllabus. The next step in the assessment should include evaluation of students’ achievements after being in the program for some time (at least two months); this means that evaluation should be performed in a stage-by-stage manner to understand the effectiveness of the syllabus and its influence on the learning process of ESL students in primary school in Taiwan. Conclusion The reforms are always important for different sectors of human activity but education is one of the areas where reforms also can be either positive or negative. As a rule, the gaps in the methodologies and techniques are identified after their implementation into full operation. This also causes multiple problems and necessity for solving them. As such, the importance of education was advocated in many studies while others think education to be a rudiment of the ancient ages when this was a method for achieving some goals. At the same time, education remains the meth od of achieving one’s goals because it enables people to think differently, read books, and learn something new due to their skills. The age of learners can vary but the methodologies remain the same because of their proven effectiveness. English is claimed to be an international language and every country attempts to introduce it as a foreign language into the system of education to develop the learners’ interest and desire to learn it in a more advanced level. Every syllabus should be designed in the way that facilitates understanding and learning of the material offered by the teacher. Social, cultural and educational values may shift priorities but the desires remain the same and people often need formal education to go further up the career promotional ladder. In Taiwan, education has a strong basis for English language acquisition and instructions but they want to achieve more in giving their students the best practices and making them more experienced in English . Reference List Barchers, S. (1991). Bridges to Reading: Grades K-3. Florida: Libraries Unlimited. Brownlie, F., Feniak, C. and McCarthy, V., 2004. Instruction and assessment of ESL learners: promoting success in your classroom. 2nd ed. Winnipeg, MB: Portage Main Press. Carder, M., 2007. Bilingualism in international schools: a model for enriching language education: Volume 8 of Parents and teachers guides. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. Chan, Yu-Ching, 2006. â€Å"Elementary school EFL teachers’ beliefs and practices of multiple assessments.† Reflections on English Language Teaching 7.1, pp. 37–62. Clegg, J. ed., 1996. Mainstreaming ESL: case-studies in integrating ESL students into the mainstream curriculum. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. Corson, D., 1999. Language policy in schools: a resource for teachers and administrators. Mahwah, NJ: Routledge. Cumming, A. H., 2006. Goals for academic writing: ESL students and their instructors. Philadelphia, PA: John Benjamins Publishing Company. Evans, R., 1996. Content-based language teaching: geography for ESL students. In: J. Clegg, ed. Mainstreaming ESL: case-studies in integrating ESL students into the mainstream curriculum. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. pp. 179-198. Ferris,D. and Hedgcock, J., 2005. Teaching ESL composition: purpose, process, and practice. 2nd ed. Mahwah, NJ: Routledge. Flood, J., International Reading Association, and National Council of Teachers of English, 2003. Handbook of research on teaching the English language arts. 2nd ed. Mahwah, NJ: Routledge. Gunderson, L., 2008. ESL (ELL) literacy instruction: a guidebook to theory and practice. 2nd ed. Abingdon, Oxon: Taylor Francis. Hedge, T., 2000. Teaching and learning in the language classroom. Oxford: OUP. Hinkel, E., 2004a. Teaching academic ESL writing: practical techniques in vocabulary and grammar. Mahwah, NJ: Routledge. Hinkel, E. ed., 2011b. Handbook of research in second language teaching and learning, Volume 2. Abingdon, Oxon: Taylor Francis. Honig, B. (2001). Teaching Our Children to Read: The Components of an Effective, Comprehensive Reading Program. California: Corwin Press. Larkin, M. J. (2003). Reading Strategies for Elementary Students with Learning Difficulties. California: Corwin Press Lester, M., 2008. McGraw-Hills essential ESL grammar: a handbook for intermediate and advanced ESL students. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional. Maurais, J. and Morris, M. A. eds., 2003. Languages in a globalising world. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. McKay, P., 2006. Assessing young language learners. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Gordon, T., 2007. Teaching young children a second language. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. Nunan, D., 1992. Collaborative language learning and teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Issues in the correctional system, the case study analysis of facility

Issues in the correctional system, the analysis of facility murder - Case Study Example Moreover, it explains the necessities of reducing the liberties given to the prisoners in America. According to Ikilo, (n.d.), it is the duty of The Federal Bureau of Prisons to â€Å"protect society by confining offenders in the controlled environments of prisons and community-based facilities that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure, and that provide work and other self-improvement opportunities to assist offenders in becoming law-abiding citizens† (Ikilo, n.d.). However, nobody thinks about the safety of correctional officers while saying volumes about the safety of the public. It should be noted that many of the correctional officers working in American jails are females. They were forced to interact with many of the hard-core criminals who have less faith in humanity and more faith in cruelty. Many of the criminals in correctional system are sex offenders. Moreover, it is quite possible that even normal criminals may become sex offenders in jails si nce they are not getting any opportunities to relieve their sex energy. Many studies have proved that homosexuality is common in American jails. This is because of the lack of opportunities for heterosexuality in jails. Under such circumstances, the logic of asking women officers to work in American jails can be questionable. The ill fate suffered by Marsha Wills point towards the serious issues prevailing in American jails which needs immediate attention from the authorities. This paper tries to identify the issues, and make recommendations on how to improve the correctional system based on the given case study. Major issues prevailing in American correctional system James (2010) pointed out that â€Å"In "Tent City", a notorious convict camp in the Arizona desert that lacks even basic air conditioning, temperatures regularly top 130 degrees, causing no end of heat-related health problems among its internees† (James, 2010). It is a fact that absence of basic living condition s may cause distress in the minds of people and in the case of criminals, such distress may result in unexpected outcomes. Majority of the criminals in American jails are leading a no hope life. For example, life imprisonment in American means the culprit should spend his remaining life span in jails. He may not get enough opportunities for parole or probation. The US is the only country where juveniles are serving life imprisonment without parole under the so-called "life means life" policy. Only the US and Somalia have refused to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which rules out life sentences with no chance of release for crimes committed before the age of 18 (Pilkington, 2011). Even though America is believed to be the most civilized country in the world, they are not so at least in terms of considering criminals who got life sentencing. In other countries such as India, life imprisonment means only 15 year jail term. Moreover, during this 15-year jail term it self the criminal can spend lots of time outside in the name of parole. Those who are behaving decently in Indian jails, may get paroles frequently. In other words, criminals in Indian jails have hope for a future life outside the jail campus. The incidents or the murder of Marsha Wills in the given case should be analysed in the above context. John James, the 52

Judaism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Judaism - Essay Example This paper will examine Judaism and argue that it may be largely defined as a communal behaviour that is rooted in knowledge of the reality. To begin with, one should note that just like Islam Judaism also has a legal dimension to it. In other worlds, there is a legal system that is based on the sacred text of Judaism, namely Torah (Solomon 1996, 56). Indeed, this means that the latter should not be considered to be merely a spiritual text, but a set of rules and regulations that might be used to resolve different issues. What is more important is that the very name might be interpreted as teaching which implies the practical application of knowledge that is stored in it. That is why it is not surprising that the Jews also applied the text that contained the religious dogma to daily affairs. One should also note that this application is recognized on the state level. For example, according to the tradition of Judaism, on the seventh day of the week, which is Saturday, the Jews should not do any work, but only rest. While this might seem as a peculiar religious tradition; nevertheless, on every Saturday trains do not run in Israel, planes do not fly and the majority of the stores are closed. All this shows how religious principles are able to modify communal behaviour. Moreover, while some rules might have some theological support, they still impose severe restriction that other people, regardless of their involvement into the spiritual practice have to face. The next point that should be noted while considering the nature of Judaism and its communal dimension is the way the above mentioned sacred text is regarded. Thus, there is no doubt in the fact that Torah is the corner stone of this religious tradition (Harvey 2005, p. 74). However, it must be noted that Judaism recognizes two kinds of Torah – Written one and Oral one. As a result, what people tend to mostly

Case Analysis of Nationwide Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Case Analysis of Nationwide - Research Paper Example Aside from these core values, management has likewise signified adherence to other core values which include honesty, integrity, trust, and respect. The current discourse hereby aims to present a brief case study on Nationwide in terms of discussing the organization’s goals and strategies that was deemed formulated to help it maximize its total value; prior to presenting an explanation of the company’s abilities and market opportunities that help it create value for its stakeholders. Likewise, a Porter’s Five-Forces analysis would be conducted to incorporate the basic framework of value-driven strategy. Finally, a discussion on how the company can apply the Christian worldview of money, morality, and social responsibility to impact the business would be expounded in both the sort-term and long-term. Company’s Goals and the Strategies that Maximize its Total Value The vision statement of Nationwide is explicitly disclosed as follows: â€Å"to be the truste d advocate for U.S. consumers and businesses by protecting what matters most and building a secure financial future† (Nationwide, 2013, par. 1). ... g the things considered most important to clientsm through superior customer service; (2) providing solutions for the protection through various products and services that cater to varied needs; (3) providing stable, reliable, and diverse business portfolios; (4) providing greater access to products and services through varied and greatly accessible means; and (5) provision of support to the local communities within the organization’s vicinity (Natiowide, 2013). The the effective implementation of these strategies, it was therefore revealed that Nationwide generated as much as $22,650,000 in total revenues in 2012 and a net income of $940,000 in the same year (Nationwide, 2012). Company’s Abilities and Market Opportunities that Create Value for its Stakeholders Spulber (2009) has emphasized that â€Å"the abilities of the organization are its resources and competencies† (p. 161); where resources were explicitly defined as the â€Å"tangible physical assets†¦and more complex information resources† (Spulber, 2009, p. 161). Concurrently, the firm’s competencies are its â€Å"technological expertise, process capabilities, functional skills, and other firm-specific abilities† (Spulber, 2009, p. 161). These abilities are therefore evaluated using internal analysis. On the other hand, through external analysis of the macro-environment, the organization is able to determine the opportunities which abound and which could be tapped or capitalized to create value to its stakeholders. For Nationwide, the firm’s resources could be determined through a closer evaluation of its physical assets, which could be viewed it in balance sheet items. As of December 31, 2012, its total assets equal $168.3 billion. Other financial highlights which prove Nationwide’s strength include

Swot Analysis And Changes Toward Effective Performances Management Essay

Swot Analysis And Changes Toward Effective Performances Management Essay This paper is a critical knowledge of SWOT analysis of Yau Lee Holdings Limited (YL) and Chun Wo development Holdings Limited (CW), which refers to the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats involved in a business venture. The aim of this paper is to assess the importance of business to identify the internal and external factors of influence to achieve organizational goal. Through the two companies strategic planning such as present market position, financial resources, image etc. and characteristics of the organization such as size, structure, managerial expertise, physical etc. to compare, contrast and analysis the importance of each element. Focuses of these aspects are the Strengths and Weaknesses of strategic planning and development in the field of business. Furthermore, this paper will discuss the conditions of change for these two companies in the external environment. It might find the two companies sensitive business strategies and their responsiveness to changes toward opportunities in new markets, technology advances, improved economic factors etc. in order to increasing company income and maintain or grow market share. On the other hand, change of external environment might bring more threats which in include changes in legislation, political or economic unrest, changing social conditions etc. Above all it may involve potential risks such as company liquidation and hurt the firms sales and profits. Finally, this research will help suggest recommend changes needed for the two companies and list suggestions to solve their weaknesses and threat. Furthermore, this research will make it possible to make informed strategic choices and plan the future of the companies. SWOT Analysis for YL and CW As the proverb goes You will win the wars if you know your enemies and yourselves well. This term cant only be applied to people, it also can be applied in business. How do we measure and understand a companys condition? In business strategy, SWOT analysis is a common strategic planning method credited by Albert Humphrey. Use the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a business venture to analyze of the company (Thompson Strickland, 1999). A SWOT analysis is a thorough analysis of a companys internal and external factors that influences decision makers. According to the companys resources and capabilities to assess when they can rely on and seize opportunities of environment changes, while at the same time, external threats might damage the firms sales and profit (Coulter 2008). Although YL and CW have the similar business backgrounds such as construction Industry and founded in the 50s and 60s. But, they had different of market positions. Organizational structure, culture and managerial expertise had a significant influence on their development. While at the same time they encountered different of situations such as companies strategic planning and self-ability. Following will use SWOT to analyze the two companies to explore this topic in great depth. Compare the Strengths of YL and CW Strengths and advantages analysis are mainly endowed within the firms. These elements are within the control of the firm management (Belleville 2010). 2.11 Strengths Analysis for YL Culture of Innovation of Information Technology IT can to increase organizations competitiveness in future (King and Teo, 1996 and Probst and BÃ ¼chel, 1997). Due to Technology fast development, companies need adoption of IT can improve the efficiency of a business process (Farrell, 2003). In addition, the adoption of IT can help in communication. If they use IT properly, can advance in the time of process (Sammut-Bonnii and McGee, 2002). YL management encourages innovation and change. YL has been support by advances in IT. Subsidiaries VHSoft Technologies Company Limited was established 1998. YL also adopted the advanced information technologies in management for higher efficiency and accuracy. Its subsidiary, VHSoft Technologies Company Limited, has joined force with renowned universities in Hong Kong and Mainland China to develop various tools to effectively increase project management efficiency (Yau Lee Construction Company Limited 2010). Technology was emerging from a rational-liner process of invention, design, development and innovation in YL. Wide range of Construction Related Services YLs business strategy was expanded diverse development in business. Their array of holdings range from building construction to related services including Subsidiaries like Ming Hop Company Limited (building service works), Yau Lee Wah Concrete Precast Products Company Limited (Building Construction), InnoVision Architectural Engineers Ltd. (Design), Yau Lee Curtain Wall and Steel Works Ltd. (Building Material) and VHSoft Technologies Company Limited (Information Technology) were established between 1982-2002 etc.. In 2008, REC Engineering Company Limited (REC, formerly known as Ryoden Engineering Company Limited) was acquired by the Yau Lee Group, REC was established in Hong Kong in 1966 as an electrical and mechanical engineering contractor. (Yau Lee Construction Company Limited 2010). Wide range of construction related services can help YL to provided construction services of coordinated process or one package service. 2.12 Strengths Analysis for CW Quality Management System Chun Wo is committed to fulling customers needs, expectations and statutory requirements. It would be issue to improve the system of management and provide the highest quality services to customers. Enterprises principles approach toward quality management requires the selection of optimal tools and indicators suitable for creating their own national system of quality (Vajcnerova Ryglova 2010). In 2005, CW was awarded of Business Performance Index (BPI) Assessment and , 14 Gold Awards, by Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, Quality Award 2005, Bronze Award, by Hong Kong Management Association. (Chun Wo Construction and Engineering Company Limited 2009). According to above award Indicate CW was succeed issue quality policy. Communication Another strengths for CW is communication. They are the best than compared to other companies. Communication was include there elements which in downward, horizontal, and upward to exchange message such as through two type channels (formal and informal) communication can enables employees to achieve their goals (Bell and Martin 2008). Front line employees significantly to communicate with manager who can get staffs expectation and personal goal develop. Would be effective motivate the staffs. Enabling the policy allows the company to achieve of the organizational objectives. Training and Development CW believes good management practices help build up a highly motivated and efficient workforce. CWs human resources department has developed a philosophy of collective consultation. CWs HR department can provide training for recruited employees the basic skills required to perform their jobs and provide more courses to improve their knowledge, skill, and abilities. Good image in business ethics and corporate social responsibility In 2004, CW established the Volunteer Team for caring towards the community such as capital support Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the Community Chest and Sowers Action etc. The public appreciated CWs business ethics. There was an increase in consumer confidence. 2.13 Conclusion of the Strengths in YL and CW According to strengths factors for the two companies, they have differences advantage in management. The culture of YL has expanded its business into different areas in line with the market needs such as innovation of information technology. CWs policy was to continue improving quality of services to customers. These advantages can increase revenue and maintain or market share growth. These factors were enabling the company sustained development. Although the strengths factors of the two companies were different, but the two companies is equal enormous contribution in construction field. Compare the Weaknesses of YL and CW Weaknesses or disadvantages analysis mainly endowed within the firms. These elements are within the control of the firms management (Belleville 2010). 2.21 Weaknesses Analysis for YL Subsidiary company was small organization Due to YLs business strategy plan, regarding the policy of diversify development. Although have diversify way for company development, but this way would be need more investments fund to support. Furthermore this subsidiary company might not have enough experience and fund to compete with existing companies. Complex management Although YL has some diversified subsidiary companies, the supply chain management is not very impressive for YL. It has not introduced a breakthrough product / service yet. 2.22 Weaknesses Analysis for CW Not completely independent CW is reliant on material supply and EM Sub-contractor Corporation. If these companies increase the price on materials and CW must either absorb the cost or pass it along to the client. Either of the two scenarios can make CW vulnerable. Traditional services and technology People considered technology to be the most important in 21st century. CW also used traditional construction method. They they constructed buildings effectively, efficiently and a consumer with confidence. Leaderships change Mr. Pang Yat Ting, appointed as the the Chairman in April 2010. Some employees were anxious that companys new policy and leaderships style would influence staff stability such as turnover rate or increasing workload. The above factor also influenced staff morale and performances. 2.13 Discussion on the Weaknesses in YL and CW According to weaknesses factors for the two companies, their management have some problems. They need to improve or advance their management and increase communication between manager and staff. This paper will suggest some methods from the last section. Compare the Opportunities of YL and CW Opportunities analysis mainly endowed without the firms. These elements are not under the control of the external environment. (Belleville 2010). They had similar opportunities for their advances in the companys development because they are both in the construction industry. Government Policy was Booming infrastructure Refer to the 2011 Policy Address The Hong Kong government strategy of promoting economic growth through infrastructural development which included 10 major infrastructure projects. Example: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, MTR Sha Tin to Central Link, South Island Line (East). These projects are now in progress (2010-11 Policy Address 2010). The government will spend amount of exceeding $50 billion for the next few years. This enables the construction field to have more opportunities for the two companies. Maintain old buildings Hong Kong has more existing buildings in old town. Building safety was very important, the government provide resources to management through legislation, enforcement, public education and support for building owners. Client need to get funds to improve these old buildings. These were also opportunities for the two companies. Huge investment in Asia-Pacific Grasping business opportunities in Macau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) etc., were important because in recent years these countries important integrated resort development such as casinos, residential buildings and infrastructure by foreign investors and local developments. More construction projects of large-scale resorts, hotels and high-class residential buildings can be built promptly. But these regions dont have enough experience and human resource. Due to the above factor, the two companies were the best candidates to develop in other Asia-Pacific countries. Expanding business to Mainland China Mainland China is booming market due to Chinas fast growing economy. China has more opportunities for construction services into other business areas, including property development, professional property services and investment. The above factor or chances also are best opportunities for two companies development but who can ability grasping the each business opportunities, this factor is more important. On the other hand external environment will transform more threats, next section will de discuss this topic. Compare the Threats of YL and CW Threats analysis mainly endowed without the firms. These elements are not under the control of the external environment. (Belleville 2010). They hadve similar threats for influencing the companies development because they are both in the construction idustry. Rising and instable Construction Costs In recent years, the price of materials increased every year, and wage inflation spirals upward. It was difficult for construction companies to make a tender offer for each project and obtain construction financing. If the company made a tender offer lower than the cost, then the profits would be influenced. If set up was a higher proposal cost than other companies would be less competitive and efforts to boost the economy with greater liquidity. This increased the risk for each company such as business investments. Lack of skilled manpower Main reason many civil engineering graduates dont find these jobs lucrative because construction companies dont pay enough and the jobs are also temporary. After a project is finished in one state the company moves to another state leaving the workers behind. In most cases the workers too dont prefer to shift unless they get good salaries and like in the finance companies. The Government regulations Every year the government publishes and updates more health and safety regulations such as safety method of construction in progress, equipment, accident insurance etc., and these regulations increase cost of construction. Construction companies that cant co-operate these with regulations will loss of money. Stronger competition Due to the worlds developing trend is globalization, more construction companies cant limit themselves to local development. Moreover, the construction industry is a bigger market so more enterprises investments. For example, China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. is a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company Ltd. Gammon construction Ltd. is a subsidiary of Jardine Matheson Ltd and Balfour Beatty, both are world-renowned international companies who has more capacity and technology to support their competition. Housing building was real estate developers monopoly Hong Kong is a free market and Hong Kongs real estate developers want to control housing demand in order to influence price of housing building. Many real estate developers cant to construct housing building such as accumulates the land. It might influence construction of hosing building. Above threats factor, also influence two companies stable development. Changes toward Effective Performances Companies or organizations survival and prosperity are important to management such as the starting point, destination, path, variation, alignment, communication etc., because effective performance management is incredibly difficult (Srinivas 2009). Next section will explore the changes recommended for two companies. Changes Recommended for YL Increasing Communication YL needs to set up some methods of systematic communication because YL has a many subsidiary companies. The message needs to be clear and communicated consistently. Front line employees are given information by managers and feedback upward. Effective communicate can help companies and each staff of high productivity (Ahmed, White, Wilbert, Shields, 2010). There would be less noise and consideration between top head officials and front line employees and therefore increase mutual trust. Strategic plans of joint venture or corporation Most joint venture corporate strategic plans are to increase the probability of each achieving their mission or decrease loss and risk in a business (Lovallo 2007). When a company does not have enough capital and technology, the partner would gather funds such as investments. Moreover through cooperation, technology sharing and development will be obtained. Doing this enables the company sustained development. Strategic plans of Mainland China and Asia-Pacific Due to China, Macau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) etc., is fast growing economy and development. The two companies need catch up this best of opportunity. Focus on the Mainland China and Asia-Pacific markings. Companies will trend to international development. Property Development YLs technical knowledge is construction which in return lowers costs and reduces time. This factor is the advantage. Recommend Property Development business both in Hong Kong and overseas. 3.2 Changes Recommended for CW Managerial behavior and leadership styles appropriate to work situations Although the new chairman was appointed in 2010, he needs to increase communication with his employees, communicating an inspiring vision and behaving supportively (Locke Latham 2002). Successful leaders focus on managing in a way that builds employee trust, loyalty, and commitment (Mayfield 2002). Doing so enables staff and provides a stable working environment and less consideration. Human resource management such as outsourcing CW needs to increase resource management such as outsourcing, because CW cant supply construction fields, materials and workforce. Its influenced by supplies and subcontractors. Scholars know that HRM is organizational success manly reason (Hernandez, 2008). More choice of supplies and subcontractor would be stabilize construction costs. Develop Information Technology and Knowledge Management CW needs leading innovation in Information Technology and method of construction. Knowledge Management can help them, because Knowledge Management which in approach of identifying, capturing, evaluating, retrieving, and sharing all of an enterprises information assets. These assets may include databases, documents, policies, procedures, and previously existing expertise and experience of individuals works (Srikantaiah Koenig 2001). Knowledge Management suggests similes are tools of techniques, strategies to retain, analyze, organize, and share business expertise(Groff and Jones 2003). The above conception said that knowledge management is important in develop a business society because due to the explosion of information, we can find a problem and increasing knowledge to create a new method, skill and knowledge. Ultimately, effective performance management must become an integral part of the organizations culture (Hellriegel Slocum 2008). Strategic plans of Mainland China and Asia-Pacific (Same as changes recommended for CW) Due to China, Macau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) etc., is fast growing economy and development. The two companies need catch up this best of opportunity. Focus on the Mainland China and Asia-Pacific markings. Companies will trend to international development. Property Development (Same as changes recommended for CW) YLs technical knowledge is construction therefore lowers costs and reduces time. This factor is the advantage. Recommend Property Development business both in Hong Kong and overseas. Conclusion This paper has compared and conducted a SWOT analysis and changes recommended of Yau Lee Holdings Limited and Chun Wo Development Holdings Limited. Through the using of SWOT analysis, the two companies had diffident factor of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. When they can their own strengths and weakness, there will be improvements and advance in their management. They will know what opportunities and threats are in an environment and will catch up in order to avoid risks. It will enable the company sustained development. Refer Fig. 1 showed the relationship and principles between in Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Fig. 1 Relationship and Principles between in Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Each company has different management method which in expertise or traits approach but dont formed a formula will ensure success. Condition, situation and external environment is a very important aspect. Certainly good management internal environment would extend a company or organizations development and success. But dont forget to mention external environments included. Changes in legislation, political or economic unrest, changing social conditions etc. are equally important in a business society. I hope we will use on SWOT analysis to explore some advantage and disadvantage in other companies in our next essay.

Shamanism: The Siberian Paradigm in the Analysis of Shamans Essay

Shamanism: The Siberian Paradigm in the Analysis of Shamans THE ANALYS OF THE SHAMAN: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION King Louis IX of France, a devout Roman Catholic who is venerated as saint and exemplary Christian monarch, received a harrowing report from a Franciscan monk in 1255. The Monk Wilhelm av Ruysbroek, who had been sent to the court of Mongolia on behalf of France, retold the account of an oracle that invoked spirits with sorcery and fed an evil darkness with drum music and boiled meat. Scholars now realize that this account describes the first encounter a Westerner experienced with shamanistic rituals (Siikala, A.L. & Hoppà ¡l, M. 1998). More importantly, despite his subjective portrayal, the French Monk introduced the concept of the shaman to the West. Through many subsequent eye-witness reports, it would be seen that the role of the shaman has remained relatively unchanged from century to century. The shaman, as a spiritual-religious specialist, is now the focus of much Western scholarship with research analyzing the role of this individual within the shamanistic systems of belief. Yet, it is within this study that the scholar of shamanism must become acquainted with the characteristics of the shaman through the collection and scrutiny of primary data in order to properly interpose established conclusions to the discipline. These conclusions should introduce original claims within the field such as shaman identification criteria, detailed research methodologies, and deconstructions of clan-specific shamanic history. More importantly, the data being analyzed must originate from first-hand accounts of shamans and their otherworldly journeys, ceremonial rituals, and specialized paraphernalia. The aim of this research piece is... ...ifferent worlds and interaction with unearthly beings is juxtaposed with a dependency to a participatory community. In the end scholarship is given an understanding of the shaman that is accord with the reality of the cultural circumstances. References Eliade, M. (2005). In L. Jones (Ed.), Encyclopedia of religion (2nd ed. ed., pp. 8269-8274). Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA. Pharo, L. K. (2011). A methodology for a deconstruction and reconstruction of the concepts â€Å"Shaman† and â€Å"Shamanism†. Numen: International Review for the History of Religions, 58 Sidky, H. (2010). Ethnographic perspectives on differentiating shamans from other ritual intercessors. Asian Ethnology, 69(2), (pp. 213-240). Siikala, A.L. & Hoppà ¡l, M. (1998). Studies on shamanism. Helsinki: Finish Anthropological Society. Stutley, M. (2003). Shamanism: An introduction. London: Routledge.

“A Good Man Is Hard to Find” Analysis: Six White Columns Essay

â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† is a southern stories in several ways. Most of the old southern values are embodied through the grandmother. As the family loads into the car to drive to Florida, the grandmother is described as wearing white cotton gloves, a navy blue straw sailor hat with white violets on the brim. She also dons a white-dotted navy blue dress with white organdy cuffs and collar trimmed with lace. She had pinned a cloth violets containing a sachet—a scented bag—to her collar. She is the only one dressed up, her rationale being â€Å"In case of an accident, anyone seeing her dead on the highway would know at once that she was a lady.† Dress was an integral part of class distinction in the Old South, and the grandmother clearly thinks things should still be that way. The grandmother also displays one attitude towards blacks when she describes a young black child she sees as they drive. She explains to June Star that he doesn’t have britches because he is poor and simply not white, saying, â€Å"[they] don’t have things like we do.† She goes on to say she would paint him if she could, treating him as an object rather than a human child. Slavery and racial discrimination was characteristic of the Old South. The family also stops for barbeque at The Tower. It may not seem â€Å"southern,† but I can say from experience that BBQ is a part of southern culture. I once drove from Georgia to Florida with my own family and along the way saw many barbeque places. And they were delicious! Southern culture is also brought up when the grandmother recalls the old plantation. She paints a picture of what I always envision when I think of one, with â€Å"six white columns† and â€Å"an avenue of oaks leading up to it.† Finally, religion was an important part of southern culture. Though it doesn’t say of which religion the grandmother belongs to, she brings up religion during her confrontation with The Misfit. She plays it off that she is devout, but all throughout the story she contradicted those â€Å"strong morals† that come with religion.

Reconstruction Finance Corporation

Reconstruction Finance Corporation The Reconstruction Finance Corporation was a federal lending agency created by the U.S. government under President Herbert Hoover to rescue banks on the brink of failure and restore Americans faith in the financial system while minimizing the crises of the Great Depression in the early 1930s. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation eventually grew in scope to finance agricultural, commercial and industrial endeavors through billions of dollars in loans until it was disbanded in 1957. It played a significant role in funding New Deal programs under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to help the United States recover from its worst financial crisis. Key Takeaways: Reconstruction Finance Corporation The Reconstruction Finance Corporation was created by Congress on Jan. 22, 1932, amid the Great Depression to provide emergency capital to financial institutions. The support provided to those banks has been likened to the bailouts provided in modern times.The Reconstruction Finance Corporation helped minimize bank failures and improve monetary conditions prior to the banking crisis of 1933 by financing agriculture, commerce and industry.Under President Franklin Delano Roosevelts New Deal, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation became the largest investor in the economy, representing a relocation of Americans economic power from Wall Street to Washington, D.C., according to historians. Creation of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation Signed into law by Hoover on Jan. 22, 1932, the Reconstruction Finance Act created the federal lending agency with $500 million in capital from the U.S. Treasury to provide emergency financing facilities for financial institutions, to aid in financing agriculture, commerce, and industry.   Hoover, describing the agencys role at the White House signing ceremony that day, said: It brings into being a powerful organization with adequate resources, able to strengthen weaknesses that may develop in our credit, banking, and railway structure, in order to permit business and industry to carry on normal activities free from the fear of unexpected shocks and retarding influences. Its purpose is to stop deflation in agriculture and industry and thus to increase employment by the restoration of men to their normal jobs. †¦ It should give opportunity to mobilize the gigantic strength of our country for recovery. The agency was modeled after the War Finance Corporation, the federal governments effort to centralize, coordinate, and fund the procurement and supply operations that accompanied formal U.S. entry into World War I in April 1917, according to Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland research officer Walker F. Todd. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation distributed nearly $2 billion a year in loans in its first three years of existence, though the money was not enough to lift the country out of its economic woes. The money did, however, provide liquidity to the financial system and prevent many banks from failing by allowing Americans to remove their savings. Criticism of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation The Reconstruction Finance Corporation endured criticism for bailing out some banks and railroads and not others- particularly larger institutions instead of smaller, community-based ones. For example, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was hit for lending $65 million in the early years to Bank of America and $264 million to railroads controlled by some of the wealthiest families and corporations in the nation. The original plan for the agency was to help rescue small banks in rural parts of the United States that typically did not have access to Federal Reserve loans. According to Hoover: It is not created for the aid of big industries or big banks. Such institutions are amply able to take care of themselves. It is created for the support of the smaller banks and financial institutions and, through rendering their resources liquid, to give renewed support to business, industry, and agriculture.† Jesse Jones, chairman of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, pictured at the hearing of the Senate banking and currency committee. Bettmann Archive / Getty Images The agency was also subject to scrutiny because of its secretive nature, at least at first, and because it was seen as corrupt under Chairman Jesse Jones, a Houston businessman, in the final stages of its existence. It was revealed, for example, that the Reconstruction Finance Corporation had loaned $90 million to a Chicago bank whose chairman had served as president of the agency. Eventually the agency was forced to disclose the name of all of its borrowers under the Emergency Relief and Construction Act. The agency revealed that many of the borrowers were, in fact, large banks not intended to benefit from the corporation. The agency stopped lending money in 1953 and ceased operations in 1957. Impact of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation The creation of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation is credited with saving many banks and it also provided an alternative to the controversial plan of making the Federal Reserve the so-called lender of last resort to failing financial institutions during this crisis. (A lender of last resort is a term used to describe the central bank of a nation that works to rescue troubled institutions. The Federal Reserve acts in that capacity in the United States.) Critics of the Federal Reserve plan worried it would lead to inflation and even deepen the nations depression. The agency also served to strengthen the capital structure of the banking system and eventually morphed into a convenient agency through which to extend government credit to many additional groups which the Roosevelt administration sought to aid, wrote B.W. Patch in the 1935 CQ Press publication The R.F.C. under Hoover and Roosevelt. As supporters of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation noted at the time of its creation, the agencys mission was not merely saving the banks but to provide relief to millions of Americans who had deposited their money in them. Allowing the banks to fail, in other words, would have led to hardship beyond which the Depression had already inflicted. Sources â€Å"Records of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation.†Ã‚  National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/234.html#234.1.Patch, B.W. â€Å"The R.F.C. Under Hoover and Roosevelt.†Ã‚  CQ Researcher by CQ Press, Congressional Quarterly Press, 17 July 1935, library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?idcqresrre1935071700.Saving Capitalism: The Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the New Deal, 1933-1940. Olson, James Stuart, Princeton University Press, Mar 14, 2017.

Living By Number Essays

Living By Number Essays Living By Number Essay Living By Number Essay Living by Number Summary MarineCorp was the maritime solution provider for the SORIA group of companies. It had two subsidiaries which are Green Port Sdn Bhd and Sungai Emas Port Sdn Bhd. Hafiz Hasyim is the person who is responsible to report financial performance in the company. He is one of the Boards which is CFO in organizational structure for the three companies. Besides, Vessel inspection and vetting was a major business of MarineCorp. MarineCorp also provide consulting services to SORIA and its related contractors that included those for newly built vessel for upstream and downstream il and gas operations. For Green Port, it major activities included pilotage and marine support, emergency response, port management and operations, navigational safety, and marine services to the Single Buoy Mooring facilities. Last but not least, Sungai Emas major activities included pilotage and marine support, emergency response, port management and operations, and navigational safety. Protagonist/ Decision maker Hafiz Hashim, the Chief Financial Officer of Marine Corp Sdn Bhd and responsible for the financial management of MarineCorp and its wholly-owned subsidiaries which re Green Port Sdn Bhd and Sungai Emas Port Sdn Bhd. Problem There are some problems that Hafiz face during this financial performance which is he in dilemma situation whether to approach economic earnings that has required by SORIA group, Value Based Management (VBM) or use profits as practised by the company(Marine Corp Sdn Bhd) and its subsidiaries to report financial performance. Also, the Chairman requested specifics action that can improve companys performance due to financial performance. Other problem faced by the protagonist is pressure from the General Manager of Green Port and also Marine Corp Sdn Bhd here they want to have better performance so they can get higher bonuses. GM Green Port, Anita Osman requested to amortise the dregging cost because Hafiz miscalculated them while GM Marine, Lee Chong Way refused to propose the dividend to the shareholders because of the cash already spend to fund investments. There are also certain accounting issues that arise that give pressure to solve it. The Major Issue The major issue occurred when there are two types of opinions that Hafiz has to consider. First is the opinion president of Suria Group so that Value Based Management (VBM) to be used for the SORIA Group and all its subsidiaries and associated companies. Secondly, for the current situation the MarineCorp and it subsidiaries are practicing profit base to measure the company performance. Besides, General Manager (6M) of Green Port requested to change dredging cost by amortizing it. Another issue occurred also in Marine Corp while the GM of the company refuse to propose dividend to their shareholders and use cash to generate interest income on fund investment. Case Exhibits From Appendix G it shows the companies NOPAT, Average Invested Capital and Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) and from these components the performance for each company can be measured. Under the VBM model, both economics earning for Sungai Emas and MarineCorp are positive which are 5,030,563 and 14,274,611 thus its shown that these company are creating value for their company. In the other hand, economic earning for Green Port is -14,588,232 (negative) and this indicates that value was destroyed for the company. Besides, under profit based the Green Port company shown the most profitable company compared to Sungai Emas and MarineCorp when the net profit after tax for the Green Port is the ighest among them. Question 1: Determine the economic earnings of the MarineCorp Sdn Bhd, Green Port Sdn Bhd and Sungai Emas Sdn Bhd. Because the president of SORIA wants to use the Value Based Management (VBM) system, the company would be measured by economics earnings. The table above show economic earnings for each company. Green Port will have negative economic earnings while the other two will have positive economic earnings. Positive economic earnings means that value was created for the company and investment should be done in this company because it provides higher return han the cost of capital. Negative economic earnings would mean than the value of company was destroyed and investment should be avoided from this company because it illustrate that the company failure to provide higher returns than the cost of capital. Question 2: Rank the companies in terms of their financial performance. Measurement Marine Corp Sungai Emas Green Ranking Economic profit Net profit after tax 5,841 ,524 2770,609 Profit margin 28. 89% 24. 03% 28. 46% Current ratio 2. 47 2. 96 1. 13 ROA 70. 57% 26. 94% 5. 56% Based on the Tablel . 1, we have decided that Marine Corp Sdn Bhd has the best inancial performance compare with others two subsidiaries; Sungai Emas Port Sdn Bhd and Green Port Sdn Bhd. Even Green Port has the larger profit based but actually the company has destroy value if we calculate with the Value Based Management (VBM) as requested by the group SORIA. The value was destroy maybe because of the net operating profit was include the higher dredging cost that has been spend which is the amount that General Manager Green Port, Anita Osman want to amortise the cost to ensure that the company gain profit. Moreover, the Green port also had inancial charges while the other two companies did not have financial charges. In fact, the amount for profit based and economic earnings is differ where the amount of profit decrease. In term of ratio, profit margin shows that Marine Corp is the higher percentage which 28. 89% and follow by Green Port. However, Sungai Emas Port has lower profit margin, 24. 3% but the company has higher current ratio where is means an indication of a companys ability to meet short-term debt obligations or the possibility the company can pay debts because of Sungai Emas Port has higher urrent assets and lower current liabilities. Green Port has the lower percentage to pay the debt only 1. 13. Return on Assets (ROA) tells an investor how much profit a company generated for each dollar of assets. The higher ROA, more investor want to invest in the company. So it gives good impressions to the company. Marine Corp has higher ROA with 70. 57% followed by Sungai Emas Port 26. 4% while Green Port only 5. 56%. Overall, Marine Corp Sdn Bhd has better financial performance compare to other companies even current ratio Sungai Emas is higher than Marine Corp but the different is not too large. Marine Corp still can pay the debt. Follow by Sungai Emas Port Sdn Bhd and lastly Green Port Sdn Bhd. Question 3: In your opinion, why are the General Managers Green Port Sdn Bhd and MarineCorp behaving in such manner? In my opinion the reasons why the General Manager of both MarineCorp and Green Port behaving in such manner are self interest and stakeholder perspective towards their company. First scenario is when Anita Osman who is the General Manager of Green Port asks Hafiz to change the dredging by amortizing it. Basically, amortization is a method of recovering (deducting) certain apital costs over a fixed period of time. It is similar to the straight line method of depreciation. According to Win Mark Business solution, the amortization only applies to expenses incurred after you decide to establish a particular business and before the business actually begins operation. It applies not to all expenses. Some of them such as advertising; salaries and wages paid to employees who are being trained; travel expenses incurred in lining up prospective distributors, suppliers, or customers; and salaries and fees paid or incurred for executives, consultants, or imilar professional services. It does not, however, apply to expenses that would not be deductible if incurred after you start the business. In this case, the dredging cost exists under this category. It cant be amortize when it has incurred. It will violate the accounting principle of prudent. Furthermore, the financial statement would not give a true and fair when the cost is understated because of the amortization. When Anita decided to amortize the dredging cost, the total expense would decrease. This condition will lead to the higher profit even though from the reality view it is not. When the profit is higher, thus the performance of the company is viewed as excellent. As the company performance is good, the bonuses for the General Manager which is Anita Osman would increase. In case of General Manager of Green Port, Lee Chong Way refuses to pay dividend to shareholder. In his point of view, generate interest income on fund investment is better than giving away dividend to shareholder. The reason is market analysts worldwide are ranking companies by looking at the profit of the company. Moreover, the investor will attract to invest in the company that having ability to generate higher profit. The higher the profit, it is mean the company is the top company. Besides, when the company is in excellent rank, the pleasure will be credit to Lee Chong Way who is the General Manager. The conclusion is the evaluation of general manager is based on the company performance. Question 4 What action can be taken to improve future performance of Marine Corp and its two subsidiaries? Prepare a report of your recommendations to be presented the chairman of the board. Based on analysis that we handle, it seems that company needs to improve their performance to sustain development in the future. It is due to poor management in handling economic earnings of the one of subsidiaries in the company. We would suggest some recommendation to the chairman, firstly; mission, vision and goal of a company would be the most important determination the establishment of the company. However the organization of the company (chairman) has to review back this goals, mission and vision and remind the entire organization so that they would not go far from the objectives and improve the performance of the company. Next, think strategically and identify key metrics. In fact, you cannot manage what you annot measure. It is important to recognize and having a very systematic plan for the next two, three, five and even ten year ahead in the future and how you will measure the performance. Besides, your company should create balance score card to your strategic performance. The Balanced Scorecard provided four frameworks that a company should be identified. There are financial, customers, innovation and growth and internal process. To summarize in easy to understand language: What are the key drivers of profit and performance from all the key areas of the organization? Long term profitability comes from understanding how key variables in the organization are interrelated. To increase long term profitability your company must determine what variables drive that performance. In addition, pay attention to best in class which is set up your benchmark. Even in a life of person, there should have a benchmark to make sure his life focus to achieve something. Same goes to a company. How do we stand up to the best in class? When benchmarking, as with the balanced scorecard, it is important to benchmark many facets of the company not just company profits and product performance. What are their customer service policies, product quality, and reward? Remember benchmarking is a fast track to high performance and profitability. This was Toyotas approach when they started. They are profitable enough that they could own the big 3 American motor companies. Moreover, the recommendations that can give to improve the companies is conduct research for example, when you need specific information and prospect that does not exist conduct your own primary research rather than copied others. When the company conduct the research, they can ensure the accuracy of their findings. In ddition, the companies should implement the SWOT analysis to measure their strength and weaknesses (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats). Other areas that need to be focus more is welfare of the employees where the manager has to meet employees welfare such SOCSO, EPF and others so that they can give fully commitment to doing their Job accordingly. By doing so, it can maintain professionalism and motivate labour forces. Besides, the companies should appoint employee that fulfil the requirement that have been set by the companies. It is because these employees are the key factor that will determine successful of the ompany. On the other hand, selections of best employees can avoid the company to have higher turnover. Furthermore, the company should focus on stakeholders retention because getting a new customers is five time more expensive than retaining a current one. So the company must provide better service to have customer satisfaction. In term of shareholders, the companies must delivering on advertising promises and develop return policy that with satisfied both parties for instance pay dividend to the shareholders. This situation might affect investment in the future as shareholders give their trust and confident to the company.

Code-switching among students in the UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Code-switching among students in the UK - Essay Example Without doubt, the intertwining of the languages can be noted as a globalization issue, which has occurred in unprecedented way in the today’s highly communicative world. The standardization of the world has been brought forth due to the immense communication as well as escalating of the process of globalization (Rouchdy, 2004). It follows therefore that the increased spread of English language, the pace of globalization and the media progression has ease the potential of â€Å"code-switching† each day (MacSwan, 2010). On the other side, code switching is taken as a negative experience. As much as it is a frequent phenomenon in several parts of the globe, many assert that code switching is a sign of illiteracy or the lameness of having the ability to control two languages (Poplack, 1980). Among the Mexican-American the term â€Å"Tex-Max,† which can be noted as a derogative is used to indicate the mixing of the English and Spanish. In the same way the French –speaking but Canadian communities, the word joule is used to point out a speakers who posses poor language skills just to mention but a few (Nortier, 2008). There are several notion of pointing out fingers to some individuals who usually switch codes (Warner, 2007). At most, they find themselves being sidelined. However, the question is, what is the reason behind these increasing negative attitudes that faces those individual who switch codes? According to scholars, one of the major reasons behind this is the adherence to social norms that goes against the use of mixing codes in the scholarly scenario. One of the areas that code switching has been viewed as a negative phenomenon even by teachers is Hong Kong. In addition, students have joined the teachers in support of negativity on the code switch ing (Suleiman, 1974). This has instilled fear into many students during lesson,

The United States vs Sioux Nations of Indians Essay

The United States vs Sioux Nations of Indians - Essay Example The 1877 Act exercised the Congress power over Indian poverty and protected the tribal property which had been set aside by the Fort Laramie Treaty for Sioux. The treaty was concluded after the Powder River war of 1866 to 1867. The decisions undertaken in this case include the following. The government promised to provide the Sioux with the necessary services and materials and subsistence rations for four years in order for them to become civilized farmers. The United States also permitted this tribe to choose for themselves lands within the reservations for them to cultivate. The government through the executive branch decided to do away with the Nations treaty obligation of keeping safe the territory for Sioux. Besides, the court dismissed the earlier 448 U.S. 371 for lack of jurisdiction and without determining the merits of the Black Hills claim. In reference to this situation, I would like to describe a related case. I had a friend whose land was unjustly grabbed by a company. The ideal situation was that this particular company had detected some land which was rich in oil. Following its admiration, the company had decided to negotiate for the same that it would partake the necessary legal procedures. Instead of doing that, the company which was notably found to be corruptive somehow instead paid huge amounts of money to the land authorities in order to gain the consent from both parties (Seelye, # 25). The government through the lands authority on the contrarily did not protect the land and its owner. Instead, it took advantage of the lots of money offered and corruptly gave out a title deed to the company. This situation is unfair because it is classified under the crime of land grabbing. To me, both the company and the land authorities are corrupt. They should have protected the property of this citizen and acquire it in a correct way. If I were the in the position of the lands authorities, I would shun from corruption and sue this particular company for its mistake.     Ã‚