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

Microcredit - Essay Example From the examination paper of Agnes Loteta Dimandja, the prudent status of Africa and the status of the ladie...

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Television and Media - The Emotional Security of...

The Emotional Security of Real-life Television Real-life television shows of police officers, such as COPS and LAPD: Life on the Beat, offer viewers an intimate, up-close look at life as seen through the eyes of determined police officers who patrol our streets. Television cameras capture actual footage of police officials working to expose and fight drugs, gangs, prostitution, and murder as well as other criminal injustices. As people watch the episodes, they cheer for the good guys and detest the bad guys, hoping the police will eventually apprehend the criminals. Society wants to see the criminals arrested because people feel powerless and scared in a world overflowing with violence. Consequently, real-life television†¦show more content†¦Shows such as Real Stories of the Highway Patrol and COPS serve as an escape for people. Real-life police television shows offer people the opportunity to escape from their fear of becoming a victim of crime. For a thirty minute period, viewers can watch a program that shows the poli ce capturing a wanted felon or suspect. In one particular episode of LAPD: Life on the Beat, officers respond to a domestic violence call in the nick of time; mini-market employees help officers chase down suspected shoplifters; and the police convince a kidnapper to release two children. These happy endings are uncharacteristic of what the media projects. Newspapers, magazines, and news programs tend to only focus on and reflect the abundance of crime and how it jeopardizes the safety of Americans. Rarely do they speak of encouraging or inspiring topics. Instead, the top stories on the daily news generally relate to some sort of ongoing crime. The repetition of these negative stories convey an underlying theme to viewers that America is dangerous and unsafe. Consequently, society tends to feel scared and maintains a pessimistic view on their personal safety. Because society has these anxieties, real-life television shows can capture the attention of discouraged people. When people see an episode of COPS in which the police bring down drug bosses and bust car thieves or when an officer in LAPD: Life on the Beat arrests a house burglar, they becomeShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Television On Children s Brain991 Words   |  4 Pageshuge impact.Because children s brain is not yet mature, their life experience is not enough. It causes many times they do not have the ability to judge right or wrong. They only reimbursing emulate and learn what they saw and heard.After that they will use television program of treatment to deal with things over and over again, to think with TV s way of thinking.So there is a very serious problem if children are in touch with violent TV programs,.What will happen? Of course, the children moods willRead MoreApplication Of Multimedia Data Mining1282 Words   |  6 Pagessolve this problem, the system transcribes the speech and detects the topic that was spoken in the message. It then estimates the emotional state of the caller and i f the voice turns out to be an agitated one, it gives the message a higher priority to be responded by an experienced operator. So all that we take into consideration is that based on the topic, emotional state of the caller and the operators’ availability the system assigns a proper experienced operator to callback. Evaluation of QualityRead MorePsychological Comfort in Don Delillo ´s White Noise Essay911 Words   |  4 Pagesoverwhelmed by all kinds of information from mass media. People unconsciously dedicate more onto the stories that media made up for them, distracting the awareness of death by focusing on the mass media culture that as a ramification from this modern society. Eventually, people are swamped by those plots of mass media for getting away from something that are ironically weaken their basic abilities in life. Those advertisements and news on the television has the major impact into humans brain on reducingRead MoreEssay on Technology Negatively Affects Children1180 Words   |  5 Pagesare living in the digital age. â€Å"Technology has blended in with daily activity to become a way of life and children today take for granted all of which is automated. It is hard for kids nowadays to imagine a world that existed without all of the gadgets, electronics and seamless operations that computer technology provides.† (3) â€Å"Children in the United States devote some 40 hours a week to television, video games and the Internet.† (12) Many psychologists and researchers are concerned about the impactRead MoreThe Realities of Reality Television: A Media Psychological Approach4609 Words   |  18 PagesRealities of Reality Television: A Media Psychological Approach Abstract Though the scope of this particular research paper limits itself to media psychology and reality-based programming, the scope of the field of research in general is vast. Media psychology becomes increasingly practical and necessary to effectively and precisely navigate the 21st century information age. Whether an avid academic or a blissful consumer, referencing media psychology as part of ones media consumptive experiencesRead More10 Years Old Children Prefer to Watch Cartoons Rather Than Other Tv Shows7337 Words   |  30 Pages10 years old children prefer to watch cartoons rather than other TV shows Marcela Reyes Quintana Claudia Arteaga Gà ³mez Jessica Morales Martà ­nez Danaee Jimà ©nez Guevara Sebastià ¡n Ortega Uribe Sebastià ¡n Dà ­az Carvalledo Universidad del Valle de Mà ©xico Professor: Sergio Bautista 31 / 05 / 2010 Prologue: Since the last decades, mass media has taken a big role on any society that exists nowadays. It is of great importance because of many reasons. One of them being because thanks to them informationRead MoreExposing the Negative Effects of Technology on Kids Essay1926 Words   |  8 Pagesare living in the digital age. â€Å"Technology has blended in with daily activity to become a way of life and children today take for granted all of which is automated. It is hard for kids today to imagine a world that existed without all of the gadgets, electronics and seamless operations that computer technology provides.† (Goessl) â€Å"Children in the United States devote some 40 hours a week to television, video games and the Internet.† (Kalb, Raymond and Adams) Many psychologists and researchers areRead MorePostmodernism and the Simpsons10775 Words   |  44 PagesThe Simpsons Intertextuality, Hyperreality and Critique of Metanarratives Ritgerà ° til B.A.-prà ³fs Bjà ¶rn Erlingur Flà ³ki Bjà ¶rnsson bjornfloki@gmail.com Kt. 110982-5779 Maà ­ 2006 Abstract This essay offers a postmodernist reading of the popular television program The Simpsons, with special regard to the postmodern theories of intertexuality, hyperreality, and metanarratives. Before delving into The Simpsons, some major theoretical aspects of postmodernism in aesthetic production are outlined. ThreeRead MoreThe Role Of Media And Its Functionality2971 Words   |  12 PagesIntroduction In an effort to understand the media and its functionality, it is my belief that one needs to go back to inception to get a fair understanding. The twentieth century was an era that saw an explosion of mass media however, prior to the late 1980s; the only form of mass media that was prominent of that time was literature. It was noted that back in these times, the average person had to get by with music and oral storytelling or live action media through the form of plays or even gladiatorialRead MoreMass Media And Reflection Of Society2345 Words   |  10 PagesFeasibly, the capacity of the suburban family sitcom to capture a large audience decade after decade spotlights its importance to mass media and reflection of society. Indeed, 1950’s American television viewers were primed for an optimistic view of life. Those families depicted in the sitcoms offered an idealized representation of the American dream. (Lule, 2016) Accordingly, indicated by the many fathers of the fiftie s who were within the peace and serenity of their suburban homes with their families

Monday, December 16, 2019

Questions On Writing Assignments The Klandermans And...

Writing assignments: Below are six prompts based on the ideas presented in the Klandermans and Staggenborg text and in earlier readings in Creswell. Select three of the six prompts. Write a minimum 500-word response for each of your selections. 1. What is survey method? What kinds of survey methods are used in social movement?s research? Discuss their benefits and limitations. In the realm of social science there are a variety of measurement tools that academics use to perform social research. One of the most important tools is survey research, a measurement procedure that involves asking questions of respondents (Trochim, 2006). The importance of survey research cannot be understated, as it is estimated that in the 1980s and 1990s one†¦show more content†¦Ultimately, the data collected from research is applied to answering a research question. John W. Creswell (2007) recommends, in his book, Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Traditions, that there be a single central question and several sub questions. Therefore, one of the challenges in survey research is ensuring that questionnaires and interviews yield results that somehow assist in answering the central question or related sub ques tions pertaining to the study. A variety of survey-related studies are provided by Klandermans and Smith (2011) that normally focus on comparison of movements, events, other social movement features, or a variety of integrated comparisons. Additionally, they acknowledge one of the major challenges in comparative research studies: Unless we obtain measurements that both precede and follow participation or exposure to movement activities, we will not be able to determine the extent to which individuals participate because of their beliefs and the extent to which their beliefs are shaped by their participation ((Klandermans Staggenborg, 2002, p.5) Finally, results must be analyzed with standard statistical techniques. Klandermans and Smith (2002) accentuate the importance of multilevel analysis during the data analysis process. With respect to survey methodology, selecting the type of survey is one of the most critical decisions in many social research texts (p.25). Similarly,

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Statistics Related To Insolvency Observanceâ€Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Statistics Related To Insolvency Observance? Answer: Introduction: Insolvency is that state when companys total liabilities exceed its total assets. Section 95 A[1] of the Corporation Act 2001 states, any organization or individual can be considered as solvent if such organization or individual is able to pay all the debts and liabilities when they become due and payable. This section further states, individual or organization is considered as insolvent if they are not solvent. In this essay, various terms related to insolvency are discussed such directors role, ASIC role, various methods of insolvency, and process of insolvency. This essay also defines the statistics related to insolvency and observance. Lastly, brief conclusion is stated for concluding the paper[2]. Meaning of insolvency signs related to insolvency: Insolvency is defined under section 95A of the Act, and it is considered as that situation when it becomes impossible for organization or individual to pay its debts. In other words, organization or individual does not have that much assets which can be used to pay the debts of the company. Court determines primary method for the purpose of determining the companys solvency in case Bell Group Ltd (in liquidation) v Westpac Banking Corporation Others[3]. In this case, court held that solvency of company can be determined through the assets and management of the company. Signs related to insolvency: There are number of signs which reflect the actual position of the company such as profitability, goodwill, growth reflect the solvent position of the company. In similar way unprofitability and excess debts reflect the insolvent position of the company. It is necessary for directors of the company to determine the signs of insolvency at former stage for the purpose of preventing the company to goes into liquidation. Some of these signs are stated below: Cash flow of the company reflects more outgoing cash and less inflow of cash, which means company incurred loss while trading. Company faces issue in arranging the capital for its day to day working. Company also faces issue in selling its stock. New limit is negotiated by the individual of organization with the current financier. Shareholders and creditors take or threaten to take legal action against the company[4]. Measures taken by directors: after determining the signs of insolvency, it is the duty of directors to take reasonable measures for preventing the company to goes into liquidation. Following are some measures which can be taken by directors of the company: It is the duty of director to prevent the company from taking any further debt if above stated signs are reflected. However, directors can incurred further loan if it is possible to restructure or refinance the business, and funds in equity form is available for recapitalizing the projects off the company. Board must pass resolution for the purpose of appointing liquidators and administrators of the company. It is the obligation of the director to make sure that creditors and other stakeholders interest has been protected if any risk related to the insolvency occurred. Directors of the company must not engage in any trading with the outsiders if any risk related to the insolvency occurred or company becomes insolvent. Liabilities of directors in insolvency: Corporation Act imposed number of responsibilities on directors of the company if any risk related to insolvency occurred or company becomes insolvent. Section 588G of the Act imposed this liability. According to Section 588G of the Act, it is the duty of the director to restrict the trading at the time of insolvency[5]. Applicability of section 588G- this section is applicable not only on the directors of the company but o those individuals also who were not appointed as companys director but they were acting as the directors of the company. This section further state, obligation of director arises in following situations: Organization becomes insolvent at that time when debt is incurred. Risk related to insolvency occurred if organization decided to take debt Such reasons are present which make the directors believe that company face risk of insolvency or becomes insolvent if such debt is incurred by the company. In case Kenna Brown Pty Ltd v Kenna[6], Court stated that directors must conduct objective assessment for the purpose of determining the insolvency. Contravention of section 588G- there are two types of contravention related to this section, and these contraventions are stated below: If directors of the company fail to prevent the company from incurring further debt, even though sufficient reasons are present which make the directors believe that risk related to insolvency is present or company becomes insolvent, then such failure can be considered as contravention of this section and directors of the company are liable under civil provision. Penalty under criminal provisions will be applicable on directors of the company if directors of the company fail to prevent the company from incurring further debt, even though sufficient reasons are present which make the directors believe that risk related to insolvency is present or company becomes insolvent because of any dishonest reasons. Consequences of contravention- following are the consequences of contravention of section 588G of the Act[7]: Court pass compensation order under section 1317E[8] of the Act if director fails to compile with this section and this order states that directors are personally liable to pay the compensation to the company if any company suffered any operations. Court pass pecuniary order under section 1317G[9] of the Act if director fails to compile with this section, and this order states the amount of penalty imposed on directors up to $200000. Court can pass disqualification order under section 206[10] of the Act and as per this order; directors of the company are disqualified to manage the company. If director fails to compile with section 588G because of any dishonest reason then directors of the company are penalized under criminal provisions, and court can order fine up to 2000 penalty units or imprisonment for the period of 5 years (Corporation Act, 2001). Alternative ways- if directors have sufficient reasons to believe that company face the risk related to insolvency then directors can opt for these alternative ways also: Directors can take advice from professionals and experts. Directors can request secured creditors for appoint the receiver. Directors must cease the trading of the company. Directors must restrict the company for taking any other debt. Board can appoint administrator under section 436A of the Act[11]. Difference between voluntary and involuntary: If company opts for voluntary administration then company can choose reorganization. This intervention is initiated by the directors of the company if directors have sufficient reason to believe that company face risk of insolvency or becomes insolvent. In this director of the company has power to exercise same level of control. This administration provides the hope of business reorganization. Under voluntary administration, external administrator is appointed by the company directors and secured creditors. It must be noted that person who is appointed as administrator under this method is known as voluntary administrator. Investigation is conducted by the voluntary administrator, and in this investigation administrator investigates the company affairs. Investigator sends report to the creditors of the company. In this report investigator state clear views related to the conditions of the company and alternative option available to creditors. On the other hand, involuntary administration of the company occurred when administrator is appointed by the charge holder, liquidator, and provincial liquidator. Under these method directors of the company has power to exercise similar control. It must be noted that involuntary administration is considered as that stage under which hope off business restructuring is almost nil[12]. Members winding up- If directors of the company does not opt for creditors winding up, then also have one more option that is members winding up. Under this option, members of the company pass special resolution for appointing the liquidator. This liquidator is appointed under section 495 of Act[13], which states that liquidator is appointed by passing special resolution in the general meeting. Liquidator is appointed under this section for the purpose of wound up all he operations of the company, and to discharge all the liabilities of the company. Directors of the company can also opt for voluntary administration of the company, and under this method directors appoint voluntary administrator for the purpose of investigating the matters of the company. Statistics related to insolvency: ASIC quarterly statistics related to insolvency shows the result of the last quarter of 2016/17. Result shows an increase of 28% in companies which opt for external administration. Total appointments were 2198 as compared to 1717 in the previous quarter. This can be understood through below stated table[14]: Companies opt for EXAD: Month 2016 2017 %change April 793 590 -25.6% May 735 792 7.8% June 755 816 8.1% Total 2283 2198 -3.7%[15] Issue related to insolvency: Australian insolvency law does not state any measures or steps through which directors of the company can reorganize or restructure the business of the company. However, it also fails in recognizing the long term gains of the company such as value of assets, goodwill, reasons of closure at premature level, and liquidation. Law related to insolvency does not provide any options which deals with the business restructuring or help in making the company profitable. It also fails in providing the measures which protect the interest of directors as well. Making the directors personally liable, while incurring further debt will reduce the capacity of directors to conduct any step for restructuring the business of the company. Following are some issues related to insolvency law in Australia: It will make the directors personally liable which reduce the capacity of directors to incur any further debt. Talented people restrict themselves from holding the position of directors because of the personal liability. Some recommendations related to these issues are sated below: While taking the decision of premature liquidation, expert advice must be compulsory. Reduce the personal liability of the directors if they act in good faith[16]. ASIC Role: ASIC play very important role in the insolvency of the company, and ASIC has power to deregister the company if ASIC has reason to believe that company ceased its trading and fees and penalties due to ASIC and other authorities are not paid by the company. However, if following reasons are present then ASIC can deregister the company: Company fails to submit its annual fee within the 12 months from the date on which fee becomes due. ASIC issued compliance notice to the company and company does not submit any response related to that notice within the period of 18 months from the date of issue of notice. Processing related to the winding of the company is started and company fails to appoint liquidator[17]. Observation: There are number of legislations and case laws which clarify that director of the company are personally liable if they breach their fiduciary duty. However, corporation Act fails to recognize the interest of minority shareholders at the time of insolvency. In case law Kinsela v Russell Kinsela Pty Ltd (in liq) (1986) 10 ACLR 395[18], court held that if directors of the company breach their fiduciary duty then members can rectify the action of the director in general meeting. In case such rectification defrauding the minority then such rectification was considered as invalid. Therefore it is necessary to consider the interest of the minority while making any decision; otherwise such decision will be considered as invalid decision. Conclusion: In this essay, various terms related to insolvency are discussed and this discussion clearly states that role of directors of the company is very important at the time of insolvency. As stated, directors are personal responsible to ensure the interest of creditors and stakeholders. References ASIC. Types of Insolvency. https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/insolvency/types-of-insolvency/, Accessed on 15th September 2017. Australian Debt Solvers, Company Insolvency Survival Booklet, https://australiandebtsolvers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/CompanyInsolvencySurvivalBooklet.pdf, Accessed on 15th September 2017. AICD. Insolvent trading, https://aicd.companydirectors.com.au/~/media/cd2/resources/director-resources/director-tools/pdf/05446-6-3-duties-directors_insolvent-trading_a4-web.ashx, Accessed on 15th September 2017. Quinlan, M. (2005). Formal Reorganization in business. https://www.allens.com.au/pubs/pdf/insol/pap15mar05.pdf, Accessed on 15th September 2017 ASIC, Corporate insolvencies: June quarter 2017, https://download.asic.gov.au/media/4410590/201706-june-qtr-2017-summary-analysis.pdf, Accessed on 15th September 2017. ASIC, ( 2010). Duty to prevent insolvent trading: Guide for directors, https://download.asic.gov.au/media/1241384/rg217-29july2010.pdf, Accessed on 15th August 2017. ASIC. ASIC initiated deregistration of company. https://www.asic.gov.au/for-business/closing-your-company/deregistration/asic-initiated-deregistration-of-company/#ReasonsforDereg, Accessed on 15th September 2017. [1] Corporation Act 2001- Section 95A. [2] ASIC. Types of Insolvency. https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/insolvency/types-of-insolvency/, Accessed on 15th September 2017 [3] Bell Group Ltd (in liquidation) v Westpac Banking Corporation Others. [4] Australian Debt Solvers, Company Insolvency Survival marketing, https://australiandebtsolvers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/CompanyInsolvencySurvivalBooklet.pdf, Accessed on 15th September 2017. [5] Corporation Act 2001- Section 588G. [6] Kenna Brown Pty Ltd v Kenna. [7] AICD. Insolvent trading, https://aicd.companydirectors.com.au/~/media/cd2/resources/director-resources/director-tools/pdf/05446-6-3-duties-directors_insolvent-trading_a4-web.ashx, Accessed on 15th September 2017. [8] Corporation Act 2001- Section 1317E. [9] Corporation Act 2001- Section 1317G. [10] Corporation Act 2001- Section 206. [11] Corporation Act 2001- Section 436A. [12] Quinlan, M. (2005). Formal Reorganization in Australia. https://www.allens.com.au/pubs/pdf/insol/pap15mar05.pdf, Accessed on 15th September 2017. [13] Corporation Act 2001- Section 495. [15] ASIC, Corporate insolvencies: June quarter 2017, https://download.asic.gov.au/media/4410590/201706-june-qtr-2017-summary-analysis.pdf, Accessed on 15th September 2017. [16] ASIC, ( 2010). Duty to prevent insolvent trading: Guide for directors, https://download.asic.gov.au/media/1241384/rg217-29july2010.pdf, Accessed on 15th August 2017. [17] ASIC. ASIC initiated deregistration of company. https://www.asic.gov.au/for-business/closing-your-company/deregistration/asic-initiated-deregistration-of-company/#ReasonsforDereg, Accessed on 15th September 2017. [18] Kinsela v Russell Kinsela Pty Ltd (in liq) (1986) 10 ACLR 395.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Narrative and Group free essay sample

Objectives: R6 Authorial perspective, R13 Evaluate own reading, R18 Prose text, SL10 Group organisation 2 3 4 5 *Ask questions *Speculate *Relate to prior reading *Inference and deduction *Visualisation *Empathy *Reread *Relate to time and place *Interpret patterns *Summarise *Interpret patterns *Interpret patterns *Ask questions *Establish relationship with author *Interpret patterns *Ask questions Group reading: pages 7–22 Group activity: narrative hooks – group card SC2 What makes an effective narrative hook? Each group shares one example of inference Narrative hooks sheet Character, inference and deduction Group reading: pages 23–38 Group activity: explicit/inferred development of character – group card SC3 Group reading: pages 39–49 Group activity: in-depth exploration of character – group card SC4 Teacher with guided group – guided card SC1 Group reading: pages 50–63 Group activity: mind-mapping of plot and links between characters – group card SC5 Group reading: pages 64–77 Group activity: in pairs, author interrogation – group card SC6 Strategy checkcard Prompts sheet Photocopies of pp. 9–44 Structure: mind-mapping, seeing patterns Identifying and tracking themes Author’s viewpoint and intentions Two pupils to give feedback on what reading strategy helped most this lesson Refer to SC5 None 6 Select one group to demonstrate. We will write a custom essay sample on Narrative and Group or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page What new insights has this given into the book? Refer to SC7. Each group reports on one language feature and its effect Read pages 70–86 Access to the Internet 7 Narrative style at word, sentence and text level 8 9 10 11 *Hear a voice as Authorial voice. How is read author ‘heard’ in novel? Ask questions *Interpret patterns *Reread/reinterpret Endings and how they link Group reading: pages 94–100 *Summarise back to the beginning Group activity: endings and resolutions – *Pass judgements group card SC9 Outline expectations for group presentations. Preparation of presentations Group presentations: 10 minutes per text Group reading: rereading pages 64–70 Group activity: groups choose one plot event and explore how the language features work within this – group card SC7 Teacher with guided group – guided card SC2 Group reading: pages 87–94 Group activity: find examples of author’s voice – group card SC8 Photocopies of pp. 64–70 Each group to give an None example of a) authorial and b) narrative voice Each group to consider None what is effective about ending in their book Homework: Preparation/rehearsal Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 1 Robert Swindells Group card SC1 Objectives: R4 Versatile reading R12 Independent reading Resources: Strategy check-card As a whole group we have: †¢ established the ground rules for group and guided reading; †¢ looked at effective strategies for reading (starter activity and Strategy check-card). Now you are going to: †¢ read up to page 7. Group task 1. Discuss how you think the author ‘hooks’ or interests the reader, making them want to read on. 2. Be prepared to share your findings in the plenary. Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 2 Robert Swindells Group card SC2 Objectives: R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: Narrative hooks sheet As a whole group we have: †¢ revised the range of reading strategies you have available to you. Now you are going to: †¢ look at the narrative hooks used by the author. Whilst you are reading: †¢ think about the strategies you are using (look at the Strategy check-card); †¢ think about the evidence you may use to support your ideas. Group reading Read together pages 7–22 (see group task first! ). Group task 1. One pupil recaps on pages 1–6. 2. Divide yourselves into two groups of three and label yourselves Group A and Group B. Group A – using the Guide to guided reading prompts sheet, what have you discovered about the main character in your book? Prepare to share your findings with Group B. Group B – using the Narrative hooks sheet, which narrative hooks has the writer used to entice the reader? Prepare to share your findings with Group A. 3. Share your findings with the whole group, using supporting evidence. Why does this make an effective opening to Stone Cold? Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 3 Robert Swindells Group card SC3 Objectives: R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: Strategy check-card, Prompts sheet As a whole group we have: †¢ revised the range of reading strategies you have available to you; †¢ explored narrative hooks. Now we will: †¢ explore how the characters are developing. Group reading Read pages 23–38 together. Whilst you are reading: †¢ think about the strategies you are using, especially those of inference and deduction (look at the Strategy check-card); †¢ think about the evidence you may use to support your ideas. Group task In pairs, using the Prompts sheet on Character, what have you discovered about the main character(s) in the book? What is explicitly stated and what is inferred? Be prepared to give evidence and jot down notes in your reading journal. Link’s character Evidence Explicit/Inferred Shelter’s character Evidence Explicit/Inferred Share your findings around the group and add examples that you did not have. How effective is Robert Swindells’ development of his main characters? What techniques does he use? Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 4 Robert Swindells Group card SC4 Objectives: R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: Photocopies of pp. 9–44, highlighter pens As a whole group we have: †¢ revised the range of reading strategies you have available to you; †¢ explored narrative hooks; †¢ explored the developing relationships between character and place. Now you are going to: †¢ explore the characterisation in more depth. Group reading Read pages 39–49 together. Group task 1. In discussion, recap on what we have learned about Link so far. 2. Give out photocopies of pp. 39–44 a nd highlighting pens. Working in pairs, agree responsibility for highlighting one of the following areas. What is learned about: i. unters and predators (how people perceive the homeless)? ii. pain and problems (physical pain and mental strain)? iii. partnership and poverty (what Link is learning from Ginger, proof that things are getting worse and worse)? 3. Share findings with the others in the group – what can we infer and deduce about: i. how Link seems to feel about his new life? ii. whether he will be tough enough to survive? iii. what the future might hold for him? Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 5 Robert Swindells Group card SC5 Objectives: R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: None As a whole group we have: †¢ revised the range of reading strategies you have available to you; †¢ explored narrative hooks; †¢ explored the developing relationships between character and place; †¢ begun to explore themes and how the characters contribute towards them. Now you are going to: †¢ continue to trace developments, including themes. Group reading Read pages 50–63 (see instructions 3 and 6 below first! ). Group task 1. One pupil to recap on the story so far, key characters and situation. 2. As a group discuss the central themes you have identified in Stone Cold so far. Make a map of them. ) 3. Up until page 56 the narrator is still heavily reliant upon Ginger to show him all the tricks he will need in order to survive. He seems surprised by people’s attitudes towards the homeless. In pairs discuss and make another mind-map in your journals on what you think Link really learns from: i. his encounter with Captain Hook and time on the boat; ii. his walk through Camden Lock market and feelings when Ginger meets his friends; iii. hearing about Doggy Bag’s way of life and thinking about his disappearance. You should try to point towards textual evidence to support your ideas. . Share findings as a whole group. Discuss the following comment from the author: ‘I am dedicated to the idea that we are all responsible for one another, and that we ought to conduct ourselves accordingly, doing no harm to any being. ’ (Robert Swindells – Introduction to Stone Cold). For discussion: i. Is it possible to live such a life in our modern times? ii. Do we have a duty to care for our poorest, weakest and most needy? Captain Hook sees such people as targets to be exploited. Is he wrong? iii. Is the treatment Link receives unfair? iv. Should he have toughed it out at home? Should he join the army? . How do you think we should solve the problems of homelessness and begging on the streets of Britain? Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 6 Robert Swindells Group card SC6 Objectives: R6 Authorial perspective R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: Access to the Internet As a whole group we have: †¢ revised the range of reading strategies you have available to you; †¢ explored narrative hooks; †¢ explored the developing relationships between character and place; †¢ explored themes and how the characters contribute towards them. Now you are going to: †¢ explore the role of the author. Group reading Read pages 64–77 together. Group task The characters are not the only ones that have a voice in a story. Readers are often given a strong impression of the author, the teller of the tale, and this can influence your experience of the story. 1. In pairs, write down five questions that you would like to ask Robert Swindells about Stone Cold and his ideas in the book. One member of the group should take on the role of the author and be interviewed as the author. 2. When you have done this read the interview given by Robert Swindells about his reasons for writing at www. mystworld. com (a more detailed one can be found at www. achuka. co. uk). List the similarities and differences in your ideas about Robert Swindells with those presented in the interview. How close was your group’s impression of the author given in Stone Cold to that given in the interview? Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 7 Robert Swindells Group card SC7 Objectives: R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: Photocopies of pp. 64–70 As a whole group we have: †¢ revised the range of reading strategies you have available to you; †¢ explored narrative hooks, character, setting and mood, relationships between character and place, and emerging themes. Now we will: †¢ explore the author’s narrative style. Group reading Paired rereading of pages 64–70. Group task 1. Recap on the story so far. How has Link’s situation altered? How has his character developed since arriving in London? 2. The pages you have just read could be summarised in flow chart form as follows: A) B) C) Link’s initial desperationmeeting paper sellerLink can’t sleep The all-night caffmeeting ToyaLink’s resolution (the New Me) Arrival of new girlforgetting GingerLink’s new partner. You are going to discuss together the following questions. What techniques does the author use in these pages to: i. build up tension? ii. make us feel closer to Link? iii. show the vulnerability of those on the streets? Split yourselves into three pairs, A, B and C. Each pair will focus on its given line in the flow chart above and try to answer the questions. Focus on textual evidence to support your ideas. 3. Share your findings with the group in discussion. Homework Read pages 70–86. Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 8 Robert Swindells Group card SC8 Objectives: R6 Authorial perspective R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: None As a whole group we have: †¢ revised the range of reading strategies you have available to you; †¢ explored narrative hooks, character, setting and mood, relationships between character and place, emerging themes. Now we will look at: †¢ authorial voice – ‘I am dedicated to the idea that we are all responsible for one another, and that we ought to conduct ourselves accordingly, doing no harm to any being. ’ (Robert Swindells – Introduction to Stone Cold) Group reading Read together pages 87–94. Group task Sometimes adults tell children scary stories in order to stop them doing something, i. e. the more frightened the children are, the less likely they are to go into the woods, or play by the river. In Stone Cold, Robert Swindells shows us the brutal reality of life on the streets. To make things worse, his homeless youngsters are being stalked by a serial killer. If the book is to succeed, his villain must be realistic and disturbing. 1. Do you think the author wants to scare us? Does he succeed? If so, how and why? If not, why not? 2. Discuss your ideas with a partner and then make notes on the following: i. what we learn about Link and his fears in these pages; ii. how the tension slowly builds; iii. how successful Robert Swindells is in creating a frightening villain. 3. Share your findings on these questions with others in the group. 4. Write 50 words about the character of Shelter and how you feel about him. Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 9 Robert Swindells Group card SC9 Objectives: R6 Authorial perspective R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: None As a whole group we have: †¢ revised the range of reading strategies you have available to you; †¢ explored narrative hooks, character, setting and mood, relationships between character and place, emerging themes and narrative style. Now we will look at: †¢ the resolution. Group reading 1. In pairs, discuss the questions left unanswered by the story so far. Compile a list of three things you’d like to know and three things you’d like to happen by the end of the story. Record them in your books. Share your findings with the others in the group. 2. Read pages 94–100 (see task 3). Group task 1. Discuss how your ideas matched up with those of the author, Robert Swindells. 2. As a group discuss why the author chose to let Gail go off with Gavin at the end and leave Link all alone. Would a ‘happy ending’ have been more suitable? 3. Consider what the future might hold for Link. . Will he ever get off the streets? Has he got a future of any kind? ii. Was the author making a point when writing Stone Cold? iii. What might it have been? Did you enjoy the story? Why or why not? Homework Write a detailed reflection on the ending of the story and the points you made in response to question 3 in the group task. Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 4 Teaching objective(s): Robert Swindells Guided card SC1 R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: Strategy check-card Photocopies pp. 9–44 Highlighter pens Stone Cold by Robert Swindells, pages 39–44: developing relationships between character and place Teacher distributes Strategy check-card, clarifies the objectives and identifies the reading strategies to be used in this session, i. e. scanning for, identifying and summarising specific points made by the author. Model these strategies based on the first full page of the novel, with a focus on the problems at home that are described by the narrator. Give pupils photocopies of pp. 39–44 and highlighting pens. Explain that they will be asked to text-mark for certain features. Pupils read pp. 9–44 independently. Individual pupils are asked to highlight what is learned about each of the following: †¢ Punters – begging and how it makes you feel; †¢ Pain – the physical damage sleeping rough can do; †¢ Predators – the dangers faced by the homeless; †¢ Problems – the mind games played at night; †¢ Partnership – Link’s gratitude towards his pal; †¢ Poverty – proof that Link is plunging lower and lower. Ask each pupil to share their findings with the rest of the group and then ask the group to comment on the skilful way the writer uses the voice of Link to alert us to the reality of life on the streets in modern Britain. What are we meant to infer and deduce about the future Link now faces? I. e. is he tough enough to survive the life he describes so vividly? Review reading strategies used in this session and, if they are keeping them, ask pupils to make brief notes in journals to record key points brought out in reading and discussion today. Homework: Read pages 44–49. Text focus: Teaching sequence: Introduction to text: Strategy check: Independent reading and related task: Return to text: developing response Review (reading target and next steps): Evaluation: Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3 Stone Cold Lesson 7 Teaching objective(s): Robert Swindells Guided card SC2 R6 Authorial perspective R13 Evaluate own reading R18 Prose text Resources: Strategy check-card Photocopies pp. 64–70 Text focus: Stone Cold by Robert Swindells, pages 64–70: narrative style and authorial attitudes, with a focus on word, sentence and text level features Teacher clarifies objectives and asks a pupil to recap on the story so far – how has Link’s situation altered? How has his character developed since arriving in London? Distribute Strategy check-card and outline expectations for developing the specific active reading skills targeted in this session. Model aloud the skills of inference and deduction on a section of the Daily Routine Orders chapters, showing how the writer implies a sense of menace. Stress that these strategies are essential skills for engaging with, and enjoying, texts and improving as a reader. Ask pupils to explain/illustrate when they have used these strategies recently. Give pupils photocopies of pages 64–70 and ask them in pairs to consider the techniques the author has used in order to imply: †¢ a growing tension; †¢ that Link deserves the reader’s sympathy; †¢ the vulnerability of those on the streets. Ask pupils to share their initial thoughts on key features at word, sentence and text level and then text-mark onto the sheets the evidence supporting their ideas. Teaching sequence: Introduction to text: Strategy check: Independent reading and related task: Return to text – developing response Whole-group discussion (teacher leads at first and then hands over questioning to pupils). Ask pupils to focus on textual evidence to support their findings. Why has the author chosen to remove a major character from Link’s environment and bring in another at this point in the story? What will this add or take away? Focus on inference and deduction and where the story may move next. Ask pupils to update their journals, if they are keeping them, listing their discoveries and speculations resulting from today’s session. Homework: Read pages 78–86. Review (reading target and next steps): Evaluation: Key Stage 3 National Stratagy NATE  © Crown copyright 2003 Group reading at Key Stage 3

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Patient Priority and the Cost Effectiveness

Patient Priority and the Cost Effectiveness Introduction Provision of good health services remains a major task for most governments in the world today. As a result, there are strategies, which have been adopted over time to ensure that this task is achieved effectively through improvement of the entire healthcare sector.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Patient Priority and the Cost Effectiveness specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Whilst this is the case, many governments find it difficult to offer quality services to patients especially in cases where the cost exceeds the financial ability of individual patients. As such, health providers find it hard to decide on how to offer quality services at a lower cost, in order to consider the economic status of patients (Plans-Rubià ³, 2012). These cases are common in most parts of the world including but not limited to Saudi Arabia, Africa and Asia. This report will discuss the high cost of medical treatment, in rel ation to giving patients the priority to receive medical services. In order to achieve this task, the report mainly focuses on the situation in Saudi, where a good number of its people experience immense difficulties in sourcing quality medical services. The report is further divided into concise segments, expounding the problem being discussed, causes and possible solutions that have to be adopted to facilitate accessibility to good medical treatment in the region. High cost of medical treatment Due to the high cost of living and the current economic crisis, many countries find it difficult to offer cost-effective and quality medical treatment to most of their citizens. Like other countries in the world, Saudi Arabia has had its share in handling the high cost of medical services to its inhabitants (Almalki, Fitzgerald Clark, 2011). In explaining this trend, it is equally important to underscore how the health sector is financed in the country.Advertising Looking for repor t on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Financing of medical treatment in Saudi Arabia is mainly public, with free services being offered in all public facilities. While the government has continued to support this sector to offer quality services, the truth of the matter is that, the amount allocated per capita has significantly dropped. This is mainly attributed to the fast-growing population coupled with decreasing revenue from the government. Additionally, some analysts believe that duplication of services and unnecessary demand for these services greatly contributes to waste of resources. Due to increasing healthcare cost and compromised quality, the government has adopted measures to tame the situation mainly through privatization of hospitals and introduction of health insurance cover for both citizens and foreigners living in the country (Plans-Rubià ³, 2012). Low income-earners vs. treatments cost As mentioned above, the cost of healthcare has been rising in recent years, a trend that has affected majority of Saudi Arabians. As a result, most people in the country are unable to afford these services, which are considered to be essential to human beings. In addition, service providers find it hard in making the decision between saving the lives of people and compromising the quality of services due to their high cost (Almalki, Fitzgerald Clark, 2011). According to recent survey, the high cost of medical treatment in Saudi Arabia mainly affects low income-earners. This class of people comprises of millions of people, including the country’s citizens and foreigners. Cancer and the costs of chemo therapy Even though all medical procedures and services are costly, it is doubtless that critical cases of illnesses are always demanding. Treatment of cancer therefore falls under this category of health complications that are posing a major challenge to treat due to high cost ass ociated with it.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Patient Priority and the Cost Effectiveness specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In particular, many people are unable to meet the cost for chemotherapy, a procedure that is widely known in cancer treatment (Oxford Business Group, 2008). When applied correctly, the procedure eliminates cancerous cells in a patient’s body. Due to this, cancer treatment is becoming a burden to public hospitals since most patients cannot afford the treatment cost. Cancer drugs cost approximately $100,000 per year in Saudi Arabia and yet not all patients get treated. Since treatment of most illnesses is free in Saudi Arabia, non-Saudis experience a wide range of challenges when looking for treatment. This is because the free medical program in the country excludes treatment of foreigners. Statistics Affordability of healthcare services remains a major challenge to most people in the w orld. This is due to a number of issues including the current economic crisis, poor planning strategies and increasing population against limited resources. Consequently, many countries experience several challenges, including the inability of some people to afford medical treatment (Oxford Business Group, 2008). For instance, the carrying capacity for most hospitals and the low number of doctors, nurses and pharmacists negatively impact the health sector in most countries. Due to low wages and inflation, the number of people who do not have medical insurance cover continues to increase in most parts of the world today. With most governments struggling to subsidize healthcare cost, low salaries and unemployment hamper these efforts since employers are required to pay a section of the total cost.Advertising Looking for report on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For example, only 84% of Americans have medical insurance, which requires their employers to cater for approximately 60% of the insurance cost. Others are insured by the government, military, Medicare or Medicaid. In Saudi Arabia, the country has over 1.5 million doctors with the almost every citizen being able to access sanitation while more than 95% of the population has access to healthy water. Immunization rate has also gone up in the country, to an approximated value of 94% (Oxford Business Group, 2008). Effects of Healthcare on the Economy Despite the fact that there are significant strides that have been made by the ministry of health in Saudi Arabia, there are several challenges that have emerged. Most of these challenges negatively affect the country’s economy (Almalki, Fitzgerald Clark, 2011). Major obstacles revolve around health workforce, changing patterns of some diseases, accessibility of healthcare services, financing and expenditure and changing technology a mong other factors. Due to the increasing population and the above listed challenges, the government is forced to invest heavily in the sector through hiring of more doctors and other health workers together with the expansion of existing health facilities. Poor medical treatment quality As a result of existing limitations in the ministry of health, the quality of services being offered has largely been compromised. This has led to serious and fatal results, where patients are prone to wrong procedures offered in various medical facilities. Poor systems and deaths It is obvious that accidents require urgent attention from medical experts. This is crucial in saving the life of patients who may be in critical conditions. However, there is divided attention among doctors due to the overwhelming number of patients to be attended to (Mansour, 2008). The end result of this is low quality services, which may result into other complications. This situation is also worsened by poor systems a pplied in treatment of critical medical conditions. Among all the associated effects, careless deaths are common in hospitals, resulting from poor services, poor systems and inadequate health attendants in hospitals. Causes This section of the report explores some of the causal factors associated with the above mentioned problems and challenges facing the ministry of health in Saudi Arabia. Lack of governmental supervision Governmental supervision of medical services in Saudi Arabia has immensely affected the quality of services being offered. It is highly limited by the fact that the ministry of health takes charge of all health services in the country. As a result, some regions and public hospitals end up giving services, which have not been verified by government inspectors (Mansour, 2008). This is likely to result into accidents, errors and careless deaths of patients. This management system of the ministry of health does not meet the needs of the ever-growing population of the nation. Price variation Another cause of the above described problem is variation in prices charged by different public hospitals. While people would expect standard charges for medical services in hospitals, it is amazing that most health centers have different prices. This affects service delivery and planning as the government cannot project its expenditure, stemming from inconsistency. In cases where low prices are charged, such hospitals may end up receiving low funding, thus compromising the quality of services being offered. Low standards of treatment Although Saudi Arabia prides on offering free medical services to its people, research reveals that some of the services given in public hospitals are of low standards. This puts majority of patients at the risk of being poorly served. Poor treatment further emanates from the fact that the population of the country is ever-growing against limited resources (Wynbrandt, 2010). This causes straining of resources including healthcar e workers who have to work extra hours in order to serve all the patients. Moreover, the existence of too many non-value adding costs in the ministry of health contributes to poor service delivery. In other words, the government spends on services that do not generate revenue for the state and does not support patient recovery. Poor technology The last cause of most of the challenges being experienced by Saudis ministry of health is lack of technology to handle many health complications in public hospitals. This results into several issues, which threaten the survival of patients, their ease to recover and the efficiency of doctors and other health workers. For instance, lack of technology undermines diagnosis of diseases, resulting into poor medical procedures and prescription of drugs. Low level of technology further hampers handling of emergency cases especially when patients require intensive or specialized care. Solutions There are several strategies, which can be adopted and i mplemented in order to reverse the current healthcare system in Saudi Arabia. This is quite necessary in controlling unnecessary deaths of patients and in improving the overall delivery of medical treatment services. These remedies are broadly divided into two categories: Minimizing costs As mentioned above, the ministry of health heavily spends on treatment services and expenses that largely contribute to the high cost of healthcare, which becomes unaffordable to most people (Walker, 2009). This unnecessary expenditure further affects the quality of services offered, due to lack of priority within the management. These costs should therefore be eliminated to allow more resource allocation towards the improvement of healthcare services. Of great significance is also the reengineering of the healthcare system to meet current demand in the market. This can be achieved through optimum staffing, acquisition of relevant equipment and medicine and improvement of medical procedures. This e nsures that the needs of hospitals and patients are met based on existing situations (Plans-Rubià ³, 2012). Alternative medication Availability of alternative medication is also essential in meeting the needs of different patients depending on their source of income and the ability to meet related costs. As such, low income-earners are given a chance to go for medical treatment without straining their resources (Walston, Al-Harbi Al-Omar, 2008). Additionally, an appropriate bill is supposed to be enacted and implemented in order to address existing challenges and expected future trends in the healthcare system. Governmental solutions Insurance companies In reforming the healthcare system of Saudi Arabia, the government has a role to play in ensuring that quality services are delivered affordably. Firstly, insurance companies should be encouraged to offer medical cover to citizens through payment of premiums by individuals. This would lessen the burden of national medical coverage. Technology Besides insurance, the government ought to appreciate changing technology through the adoption of emerging trends like the use of nanotechnology in the treatment of cancer and other diseases (Walston, Al-Harbi Al-Omar, 2008). Setting of standards in hospitals is equally important especially in regulation of treatment price and the quality of services being offered. This can be well implemented through hiring of enough government supervisors and quality assurers. Lastly, the adoption of Affordable Care Act (ACA) is important to streamline the sector. Recommendations and Conclusion From the above report, it is obvious that the quality and cost effectiveness remain major factors affecting several healthcare systems in the world. Due to high cost of living and inflation, most people are unable to afford quality medical treatment. Additionally, governments are not capable of providing affordable and good medical services to customers due to limited resources and increased po pulation among other factors. Nevertheless, thorough reforms are necessary in Saudis healthcare system in order to provide quality services to its people. References Almalki, M., Fitzgerald, G., Clark, M. (2011). Health care system in Saudi Arabia: an overview. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 17(10), 784-793. Mansour, A. (2008). Factors affecting locational decisions of Saudi health care professionals. Michigan: ProQuest. Oxford Business Group. (2008). The Report: Saudi Arabia 2008. London: The Report: Saudi Arabia 2008. Plans-Rubià ³, P. (2012). Frameworks to Set Priorities for Treatments Based on Cost-Effectiveness and Equity. The Open Pharmaco-economics Health Economics Journal, 4, 1-7. Walker, L. (2009). The right to health in Saudi Arabia. University of Aberdeen. Retrieved from https://www.abdn.ac.uk/ Walston, S., Al-Harbi, Y., Al-Omar, B. (2008). The changing face of healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Ann Saudi Med, 28 (4), 243-250. Wynbrandt, J. (2010). A Brief History of Saudi Arabia. New York City: Facts On File.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Gandhis Salt March of 1930

Gandhi's Salt March of 1930 What Was Gandhis Salt March? The much-publicized, 24-day, 240-mile Salt March began on March 12, 1930, when 61-year-old Mohandas Gandhi led an ever-growing group of followers from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to the Arabian Sea at Dandi, India. Upon arriving at the beach in Dandi on the morning of April 6, 1930, loincloth-clad Gandhi reached down and scooped up a lump of salt and held it high. This was the beginning of a country-wide boycott of the salt tax, imposed upon the people of India by the British Empire. The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March or Salt Satyagraha, became a prime example of the power of Gadhis  satyagraha, passive resistance, which ultimately led to India’s independence 17 years later. Why a Salt March? The manufacture of salt in India was a government monopoly established in 1882. Though salt could be obtained from the sea, it was a crime for any Indian to possess salt without having purchased it from the government. This ensured that the government could collect a salt tax. Gandhi proposed that every Indian refuse to pay the tax by making or purchasing illicit salt. Not paying the salt tax would be a form of passive resistance without increasing hardship for the people. Salt, sodium chloride (NaCl), was an important staple in India. Vegetarians, as many Hindus were, needed to add salt to food for their health since they did not get much salt naturally from their food. Salt was often needed for religious ceremonies. Salt also was used for its power to heal, preserve food, disinfect, and embalm. All of this made salt a powerful emblem of resistance. Since everyone needed salt, this would be a cause that Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians could all jointly participate in. Landless peasants as well as merchants and landowners would benefit if the tax were lifted.   The salt tax was something that every Indian could oppose. British Rule For 250 years, the British had dominated the Indian sub-continent. At first it was the British East India Company that forced its will on the native population, but in 1858, the Company turned over its role to the British Crown. Until independence was granted to India in 1947, Great Britain exploited India’s resources and imposed an often brutal rule. The British Raj (rule) improved infrastructure to the land, including the introduction of railroads, roads, canals, and bridges, but these were to aid in the export of Indias raw materials, carrying India’s wealth to the mother country. The influx of British goods into India prevented the establishment of small industries within India. In addition, the British levied heavy taxes on various goods. Overall, England imposed a brutal rule in order to protect its own trade interests. Mohandas Gandhi and the INC wanted to end British rule and bring about India’s independence. Indian National Congress (INC) The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, was a body made up of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsi, and other minorities. As the largest and most prominent Indian public organization, it was central to the movement for independence. Gandhi served as president in the early 1920s. Under his leadership, the organization expanded, becoming more democratic and eliminating distinctions based on caste, ethnicity, religion, or sex. In December of 1928, the Indian National Congress passed a resolution asking for self-rule within the year. Otherwise, they would demand complete independence and would fight for it with satyagraha, non-violent non-cooperation.   By December 31, 1929, the British government had not responded, so action was needed. Gandhi proposed opposing the salt tax. In a Salt March, he and his followers would walk to the sea and make some illegal salt for themselves. This would begin a country-wide boycott, with hundreds of thousands breaking the salt laws by making, gathering, selling, or buying salt without British permission. The key to the struggle was non-violence. Gandhi declared that his followers must not be violent or he would halt the march. A Warning Letter to the Viceroy On March 2, 1930, Gandhi wrote a letter to Viceroy Lord Irwin. Beginning with â€Å"Dear Friend,† Gandhi went on to explain why he viewed British rule as a â€Å"curse† and outlined some of the more flagrant abuses of the administration. These included obscenely high salaries for British officials, taxes on alcohol and salt, the outlandish land revenue system, and the importation of foreign cloth. Gandhi warned that unless the viceroy was willing to make changes, he was going to begin a massive program of civil disobedience. He added that he wished to convert the British people to nonviolence and thus make them see the wrong they have done to India. The viceroy responded to Gandhi’s letter, but offered no concessions. It was time to prepare for the Salt March. Preparing for the Salt March The first thing needed for the Salt March was a route, so several of Gandhi’s trusted followers planned both their path and their destination. They wanted the Salt March to go through villages where Gandhi could promote sanitation, personal hygiene, abstention from alcohol, as well as the end of child marriages and untouchability. Since hundreds of followers would be marching with Gandhi, he sent an advance team of satyagrahis (followers of satyagraha) to help the villages along the path prepare, making sure that food, sleeping space, and latrines were ready. Reporters from around the world were keeping tabs on the preparations and the walk. When Lord Irwin and his British advisers learned the specifics of the plan, they found the idea ridiculous. They hoped that the movement would die out if it was ignored. They began arresting Gandhis lieutenants, but not Gandhi himself. On the Salt March At 6:30 a.m. on March 12, 1930, Mohandas Gandhi, 61 years old, and 78 dedicated followers began their trek from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. They resolved not to return until India was free of the oppression the British Empire imposed on the people. They wore sandals and clothes made of khadi, cloth woven in India. Each carried a woven bag containing a bedroll, a change of clothes, a journal, a takli for spinning, and a drinking mug. Gandhi had a bamboo staff. Progressing between 10 to 15 miles a day, they walked along dusty roads, through fields and villages, where they were greeted with flowers and cheers. Throngs joined the march until thousands were with him when he reached the Arabian Sea at Dandi. Although Gandhi had prepared for subordinates to continue if he were arrested, his arrest never came.   International press was reporting the progress, and had Gandhi been arrested along the way it would have increased the outcry against the Raj. When Gandhi feared the inaction of the government might dim the impact of the Salt March, he urged students to suspend their study and join him. He urged village headsmen and local officials to resign their posts. Some marchers broke down from fatigue, but, despite his age, Mahatma Gandhi stayed strong. Daily on the trek, Gandhi required each marcher to pray, spin, and keep a diary. He continued to write letters and news articles for his papers. At each village, Gandhi collected information about the population, educational opportunities, and land revenue. This gave him facts to report to his readers and to the British about the conditions he witnessed. Gandhi was determined to include untouchables, even washing and eating in their quarters rather than in the places where the high-caste reception committee expected him to stay. In a few villages this caused upset, but in others it was accepted, if somewhat reluctantly. On April 5, Gandhi reached Dandi. Early the following morning Gandhi marched to the sea in the presence of thousands of admirers. He walked down the beach and picked up a lump of natural salt from the mud. The people cheered and shouted Victory! Gandhi called on his companions to start collecting and making salt in an act of civil disobedience. The boycott of the salt tax had begun. The Boycott The boycott of the salt tax swept across the country. Salt was soon made, bought, and sold in hundreds of places across India. People along the coast gathered salt or evaporated sea water to obtain it. People away from the coast bought salt from illegal vendors. The boycott expanded when women, with Gandhis blessing, began picketing foreign cloth distributors and liquor shops. Violence broke out in a number of places, including Calcutta and Karachi, when police tried to stop the lawbreakers. Thousands of arrests were made but, surprisingly, Gandhi remained free. On May 4, 1930, Gandhi wrote another letter to Viceroy Irwin describing his plan for followers to seize the salt at the Salt Works in Dharasana.   However, before the letter could be posted, Gandhi was arrested early the next morning. Despite Gandhi’s arrest, the action was to continue with an alternate leader. At Dharasana on May 21, 1930, approximately 2,500 satyagrahis peacefully approached the Salt Works, but were brutally attacked by the British. Without even raising a hand in their defense, wave after wave of protesters were clubbed over the head, kicked in the groin, and beaten. Headlines around the world reported the bloodbath. An even larger mass action took place near Bombay on June 1, 1930, at the salt pans in Wadala. An estimated 15,000 people, including women and children, raided the salt pans, collecting handfuls and sackfuls of salt, only to be beaten and arrested.   Ã‚   In all, about 90,000 Indians were arrested between April and December 1930. Thousands more were beaten and killed. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact Gandhi remained in jail until January 26, 1931. Viceroy Irwin wanted to end the salt-tax boycott and thus began talks with Gandhi. Ultimately, the two men agreed to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. In exchange for an end to the boycott, Viceroy Irwin agreed that the Raj would release all the prisoners taken during the salt upheaval, allow residents of coastal areas to make their own salt, and allow non-aggressive picketing of shops selling liquor or foreign cloth. Since the Gandhi-Irwin Pact did not actually end the salt tax, many have questioned the efficacy of the Salt March. Others realize that the Salt March galvanized all Indians into wanting and working for independence and brought worldwide attention to their cause.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Human Resource Management and Business Strategy Case Study

Human Resource Management and Business Strategy - Case Study Example Herb Kelleher and Rollin King, Southwest's founders, wanted to provide frequent, low-cost service in busy markets of less than 500 miles. Instead of considering other airlines such as United and Continental as competition, Southwest considered the automobile and bus service as major competition. Southwest's flights were typically point-to-point - nonstop from originating airport to destination airport, although connections were available for customers who wanted them. By the late 1990s, Southwest was the world's richest and most profitable major airline, while other players like United, Continental suffered heavy losses in an industry that had grown mature and highly saturated. Southwest's growth was driven by growing demand for the product that Southwest delivered so well: reliable low cost travel. Consumer behavior shifted towards greater price sensitivity in the early 1990s, motivated by a downturn in the business cycle and made possible by increasing corporate control over business travel. The shift appeared to affect business travelers as well as leisure travels, partly through corporate directives to cut down travel costs. While other airlines were wondering what to do, Southwest Airlines was well positioned to benefit from the increasingly price-savvy customer that it had helped to create. The purpose of this case study is to study how this competitive advantage was created by Southwest Airlines by leveraging its human resources. The structure that the report will follow will comprise of answers to two questions which deal with identifying how human resources can become a source of sustainable competitive advantage and how to deal with problems as the company becomes bigger and older. Question No. 1 How did Southwest use Human Resource Management practices to ensure the success of their business model Business Model According to Langdon (2003), the "business model," is a comprehensive description of business as an integrated system functioning in an intimate relationship with the broader market. In this concept, the individual components of an organization do not matter as much as the way they work together to enable the organization to create value and deliver it to customers. A business model is therefore a description of a whole system, a combination of products and services delivered to the market in a particular way, or ways, supported by an organization, positioned according to a particular branding that, most importantly, yields a particular set of strong relationships with present and future customers. Further, a business model describes how the experiences of creating and delivering value may evolve along with the changing needs and preferences of customers. The Business model of Southwest is simply: "If you get your passengers to their destinations when they want to get there, on time, at the lowest possible fares, and make darn sure they have a good time doing it, people will fly your airline." The main elements of Southwest's business model as stated above are: 1) Customers -who are they a) Short haul business travelers who want to get there when

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Relationship Marketing of services-perspectives Essay

Relationship Marketing of services-perspectives - Essay Example As Evert Gummesson (1999) advocates total relationship marketing as " Marketing based on relationships, networks and interaction, recognizing that marketing is embedded in the total management of the networks of the selling organization, the market and society". It is directed to long term, win-win relationships with individual customers, the value is jointly created between the parties involved". In the above context if we look at affinity cards networks of relationship we can easily see three parties which are involved in the relationship network are; affinity credit card issuing bank, charity or political parties or universities or other types of such organizations and the customer who held and actually using the affinity credit cards and also members of above mentioned organizations. Basically affinity cardholders are members of a particular organization or somewhat related to organizations in the form of any relationship. It may be direct or indirect like supporters of any club or political parties. Basic relationship exists between actual affinity card users and the organization to which they belongs or affiliate directly or indirectly. On the basis of such relationships organizations develop or forge a networked relationship with the bank. The second type of relationship exists between organization and the affinity card issuing branch/bank. The relationship between bank and organization depend on mutual benefits. Bank gets the loyal customers from the memberships of the organization who use their affinity credit cards and in exchange, organization gets some monetary benefits as agreed upon by the organization and the bank. This type of business-to-business relationship depends on mutual benefits for both the parties. Bank gets the whole memberships of the organization as their customer without much of investment in customer enhancement activities and the organization benefited by getting some initial signup fee and recurring money for every buying throug h credit cards. Finally the relationship between customer and organization depends on some intangible aspects such as loyalty, pride, brand using status etc. and a distinct identity. 2. As Cardweb.com (www.cardweb.com) estimated that 250 million affinity credit cards were in circulation worldwide and it is almost one-third of all credit cards. So affinity credit cards have larger share in the credit card market. If we see the reason behind the growth of affinity card market up to such level, the main reason behind this type of business is mutual benefits and trust. As we have discussed the three parties or stake holders involved in business get mutually benefited. The banks, which issue credit card, get a larger number of customers at one go. Services involving discrete transactions can be transformed into membership relationships by providing services in bulk. The advantage for the banks to provide services to the organizations of having membership relationships is that it knows who its current customers are and, usually, what use they make of the services offered. This customer information can be valuable for segmentation purposes if good records are kept and t he data are readily accessible for analysis. Banks after knowing the identities and addresses of

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Should Defendants with Traumatic Brain Injuries Be Held Accountable for Their Actions Essay Example for Free

Should Defendants with Traumatic Brain Injuries Be Held Accountable for Their Actions Essay â€Å"Six weeks after getting his driver’s license, Christopher Tiegreen was in a car collision near his home in Gainesville, Ga. Tiegreen’s Isuzu Trooper flipped several times, causing severe head injuries. A month later, Tiegreen emerged from a coma a different person. The impact of the crash caused damage to the frontal lobe of his brain and sheared his brain stem. During his recovery and rehabilitation, the usually gentle Tiegreen became violent toward his mother, as well as with other family members and rehab staff. On Sept. 1, 2009, Tiegreen walked out of a duplex apartment where he was supposed to be under 24-hour supervision. In a yard nearby he attacked a young woman holding her 20-month-old son. He was charged with aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit a felony, false imprisonment, battery, sexual battery and cruelty to a child in the third degree. † (Davis, 2012). Is Christopher Tiegreen a different person now, with a severely impaired mental capacity, because of his traumatic brain injury, or is he just an angry, violent person who has simply committed his first crime? More succinctly; do Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) cause violent behavior in previously â€Å"normal† people, or is the TBI personality change simply a smoke screen being used to defend people with dangerous personality traits who happen to have a brain injury? To begin with, a definition of Traumatic Brain Injury, especially as opposed to a head injury, as most people do confuse the two. The Mayo Clinic defines Traumatic Brain Injury as â€Å"Traumatic brain injury occurs when an external mechanical force causes brain dysfunction. The Mayo Clinic, 2012). Traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object penetrating the skull, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury. â€Å"(The Mayo Clinic, 2012). A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is not a â€Å"head injury†, it is not a concussion nor an injury to the skull or spine; it is exclusively an injury the brain (and/or brain stem). With the definition clear, we see that the statistics regarding TBIs are shocking; Dr. William Winslade provides the following information from 2003, â€Å"Traumatic brain injury for decades has been, and continues to be, a major public health problem in the United States. Car crashes, gunshot wounds, falls and sports injuries account for two million brain injuries a year, nearly 400,000 hospital admissions, and at least 60,000 deaths. Approximately 90,000 people suffer a severe brain injury and survive but require extended, expensive rehabilitation. Some 2,000 people a year lapse into permanent unconsciousness lasting for months or years before they die. † (Winslade, 2003). Some survivors of traumatic brain injury fully recover, but many others experience a multitude of cognitive, emotional and behavioral disabilities. † (Winslade, 2003). As a survivor of a traumatic Brain Injury, the patient faces a myriad of recovery issues, not simply medical issues such as headaches, lethargy, pain in the distal limbs, speech issues, attention deficit and memory loss may affect cognitive functioning. Per Dr. William Winslade, an expert on Traumatic Brain Injuries; the changes in an individual with a TBI are profound and noticeable â€Å"Personality changes are common. Those who were calm and controlled may become quick-tempered and impulsive. In some people anger erupts into aggressive attacks on others. Many with severe brain injuries lack the ability to control their thoughts, emotions, impulses and their conduct. They may become uninhibited, promiscuous, anxious, paranoid or violent. † (Winslade, 2003). It is precisely these personality changes that makes Traumatic Brain Injuries so different from â€Å"head injuries† such as concussions, which do not present any marked changes is personality. Courts in the United States have increasingly been faced with the question as to whether or not the profound changes that are associated with TBIs should be considered a mitigating factor in trying defendants with the injury, or in determining what their sentences should be and where they should serve their time, if any; in a prison or in a mental health facility. â€Å"According to Duke University researcher Nita Farahany, the number of cases in which judges have mentioned neuroscience evidence in their opinion increased from 112 in 2007 to more than 1,500 in 2011. † (Koebler, 2012). The use of neuroscience in the courtroom is definitely increasing, Nita Farahany has been tracking criminal cases in which â€Å"lawyers have introduced neuroscientific evidence since 2004. By combing legal opinions, she’s found about 2,000 examples, with 600 of those cases in 2011 alone. † (Davis, 2012). â€Å"While attorneys have tried to win cases based on the lack of control over impulses based on the defendant having a TBI, † The biggest way in which neuroscience is being used in the courtroom is to mitigate punishment in one way or another, Farahany says, adding that its almost exclusively used in death penalty cases. They say they have a history of brain injury and trauma to say I have a different brain than the average person. Because of that difference, I have less control over myself. (Koebler, 2012). While medical scan, such as CAT scans and MRIs can show a difference in the appearance of the brain itself, there is scant evidence that these damaged brains are actually the cause of crimes committed by defendants suffering from a personality change brought on by a Traumatic Brain Injury. The science behind these brain scans is still in its infancy, but neuroscientists point to anecdotal evidence that traumatic brain injury or brain abnormalities can cause criminal behavior. † (Koebler, 2012). There is a case that many legal professionals point to when arguing the point for special consideration when trying or sentencing a defendant with a TBI. â€Å"In 2002, a 40-year-old Virginia teacher was caught viewing child pornography and making advances on his stepdaughter. He was convicted of child molestation, but the night before he went to jail, he went to the doctor with a crippling headache and confessed he might commit rape. Doctors found something they didnt expect: A brain tumor. The cancerous tumor was putting pressure on his orbifrontal cortex, which controls impulse and judgment. The tumor was removed, and the man no longer exhibited pedophilic tendencies. † (Koebler, 2012). The fact that is most persuasive with this case is the fact that once the tumor, and the pressure it was exerting on the orbifrontal cortex, were removed the patient no longer exhibited any pedophilic tendencies. Could this be the answer to whether or not TBIs do so adversely affect individuals that the personality changes they exhibit should not be held against them in the legal forum? Not necessarily. â€Å"Daniel Martell, a forensic neuropsychologist who examined Weinstein and testified for the prosecution, says the brain images were nothing more than fancy pictures meant to stir a jury. â€Å"It was the Christmas tree effect,† Martell says. â€Å"Lots of people ooh and aah at the pictures. It doesn’t tell you anything about a person’s behavior. † (Davis, 2012). Martell makes the point that many attorneys take when faced with opposing counsel who is presenting the TBI defense, stating that the profound changes in persons with TBIs should be a mitigating factor in trials and during sentencing. That hasn’t stopped defense attorneys from trying to introduce evidence of damaged brains into the courtroom, including brain scans. One such case, frequently cited in law and neuroscience journals, is that of New York advertising executive Herbert Weinstein, 65, who was arrested on charges that he strangled his second wife, Barbara, and t hrew her out the window of their 12th-floor Manhattan apartment in 1991 during an argument about their children. Weinstein never denied killing his wife. His lawyer, Diarmuid White, argued that Weinstein was not himself due to an arachnoid cyst on his brain. White contended that the cyst caused pressure on part of Weinstein’s temporal lobe, compromising his self-control and emotional regulation. Zachary Weiss, the New York City district attorney who prosecuted the case, thought it was simply a matter of a man getting angry at his wife and killing her. That was until White sent him the brain scan during discovery. â€Å"I got this picture in the mail and thought you’ve got to be joking,† Weiss recalls. It got complicated. I called this the rich man’s defense. † Whether Weinstein’s brain made him do it or not, Weiss believes the case was important. â€Å"It opened up a debate academically about responsibility and free will, and how we evaluate scientific evidence,† says Weiss, twenty years after the case; Martell still believes brain scans don’t explain specific behaviors. â€Å"The problem is that the science has not come along to support what the scan means,† says Martell, now a Newport Beach, Calif. based consultant for criminal as well as civil cases. â€Å"Since the ’90s, we’ve been much better at generating the cool pictures than we are at explaining what they mean. † (Davis, 2012). The opinion that Martell expresses about TBIs is not rare; many in the legal profession see the whole TBI debate as another â€Å"smoke and mirror† defense on par with the famous â€Å"Twinkie† defense; interesting and impressive in the courtroom, but lacking in any real legal merit. There is a group of individuals whose TBIs are taken into special onsideration; combat veterans. â€Å"Am ong the growing number of cases involving neuroscientific evidence are those that involve combat veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq as defendants. † (Davis, 2012). â€Å"Dr. Chrisanne Gordon, a Columbus, Ohio, rehabilitation medicine specialist who works with brain-injured vets, is one of three authors who wrote a chapter about traumatic brain injury. â€Å"They’re not insane, they’re not retarded, but they frequently have issues with impulse control and fall through the cracks of the legal system,† she says. (Davis, 2012). Combat veterans pose a desperate problem for the court systems judging them as defendants; because their injuries are usually combat related most people view them with a particular amount of sympathy because they received their injury in a â€Å"heroic† manner; serving the country. Agreeing that veteran’s legal situations are difficult to handle, at best, it has been suggested that courts need to view veteran’s with an air of compassion. There are courts who are taking definitive steps when dealing with combat veteran’s with TBIs who have ended up as defendants. â€Å"One of veterans’ biggest allies in Ohio is state Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Stratton, who plans to work full time with veterans’ justice issues after she retires later this year. She supports the development of more veterans’ treatment courts and hopes to change sentencing guidelines to ensure judges in all courts look at a defendant’s military service record. We want them to look at war experience as mitigation,† she says. â€Å"And we want them at least to look at the causes of what happened. † (Davis, 2012). Traumatic Brain Injuries are not simple to define and apply to a law principle; they allow that a defendant can be found not guilty of a crime because of their mental health issues, saying, in essence, that the defendant is not responsible for their crime because they had no real understanding of their actions or the consequences thereof. It will take many more years of research, to produce empirical evidence to supplement the anecdotal evidence that does exist, to determine if the dramatic personality changes that patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries exhibit, has the brain been so physically damaged that the victims of TBIs are no longer able to control themselves, or is the Traumatic Brain Injury defense simply a criminal defense â€Å"flavor of the week. †

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The Industrial Revolution Essay -- History, Machinery, Factory Workers

The Industrial Revolution was an important time period in American history. It greatly affected the economy, industry, and standard of living for people in the United States. It still has everlasting effects to this day. Most of the products we use today are made quickly by the process of mass production. Today, people work on assembly lines using power-driven machines. People of ancient and medieval times had no such products. They had to spend many hours of hand labor to create very simple objects. The energy came from their muscles. Eventually some advancement occurred when people began using animals to help with the work they used to do alone. The Industrial Revolution was the movement in which machinery changed the methods of manufacturing goods and ultimately changed everyday life for workers (Remini). There were many things that helped ignite the Industrial Revolution. The most important change was the invention of machinery to do the work of hand tools, and the factory system. Before the creation of machinery children and adults did most of the work in order to have the products needed for civilized life. The Industrial Revolution was a gradual movement but it was still a radical change from the old way of producing goods. The Industrial Revolution became more powerful each year as new inventions were added into factories. The efficiency of production increased as these machines increased the speed of production. The Industrial Revolution started early in the 1800s in Europe but began late in the middle of the 1800s in America (Daniels & Hyslop pg 271). England was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The English merchants were ahead in the development of commerce, which increased the demand for more goods. With... ...p us complete our work started with the Industrial Revolution and shows no signs of slowing down (Remini). The Industrial Revolution led to other revolutions, which further advanced our technology. The Transportation Revolution, Communications Revolution, and the Information Revolution can all be traced back to the Industrial Revolution. These revolutions had added to the prosperity of humankind, and each of them had their effects on society. The Industrial Revolution had far more of an impact on us than any other political revolutions of the era, mainly because the effects of the Industrial Revolution last much longer. For example, today we have automobiles, televisions, and computers, which were all made possible because of the effects of the Industrial Revolution. Without the Industrial Revolution, we probably would not have all the luxuries we have today. The Industrial Revolution Essay -- History, Machinery, Factory Workers The Industrial Revolution was an important time period in American history. It greatly affected the economy, industry, and standard of living for people in the United States. It still has everlasting effects to this day. Most of the products we use today are made quickly by the process of mass production. Today, people work on assembly lines using power-driven machines. People of ancient and medieval times had no such products. They had to spend many hours of hand labor to create very simple objects. The energy came from their muscles. Eventually some advancement occurred when people began using animals to help with the work they used to do alone. The Industrial Revolution was the movement in which machinery changed the methods of manufacturing goods and ultimately changed everyday life for workers (Remini). There were many things that helped ignite the Industrial Revolution. The most important change was the invention of machinery to do the work of hand tools, and the factory system. Before the creation of machinery children and adults did most of the work in order to have the products needed for civilized life. The Industrial Revolution was a gradual movement but it was still a radical change from the old way of producing goods. The Industrial Revolution became more powerful each year as new inventions were added into factories. The efficiency of production increased as these machines increased the speed of production. The Industrial Revolution started early in the 1800s in Europe but began late in the middle of the 1800s in America (Daniels & Hyslop pg 271). England was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The English merchants were ahead in the development of commerce, which increased the demand for more goods. With... ...p us complete our work started with the Industrial Revolution and shows no signs of slowing down (Remini). The Industrial Revolution led to other revolutions, which further advanced our technology. The Transportation Revolution, Communications Revolution, and the Information Revolution can all be traced back to the Industrial Revolution. These revolutions had added to the prosperity of humankind, and each of them had their effects on society. The Industrial Revolution had far more of an impact on us than any other political revolutions of the era, mainly because the effects of the Industrial Revolution last much longer. For example, today we have automobiles, televisions, and computers, which were all made possible because of the effects of the Industrial Revolution. Without the Industrial Revolution, we probably would not have all the luxuries we have today.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines is a British-American owned cruise line based in the Doral suburb of Miami, Florida (Carnival Cruise Lines, n. d. ). The company offers vacations that appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Carnival was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison. The cruise line company became known as the world’s most popular cruise line and in 1987 it made an initial public offering of 20 percent of its common stock. The public offering provided the company with an influx of capital that allowed the company to begin expanding through acquisitions.The company formed Carnival Corporation & plc in 1994 and Carnival Cruise Lines became its flagship brand (Mission & History, 2010). Carnival Corporation has acquired representation in virtually every market segment of the cruise industry. In April 2003, agreements were finalized to combine Carnival Corporation with P&O Princess Cruises plc, creating the world’s first global cruise operator. Carni val Corporation & plc encompass 12 highly recognizable brands and the company became one of the largest and most profitable leisure travel companies in the world.The company is now one of the 11 individual worldwide cruise ship brands owned and operated by Carnival Corporation & plc. The corporation operates 97 ships and Carnival Cruise Lines is its largest and leading brand in North America, based on passengers carried under the Carnival Corporation. Carnival is also the corporation’s most profitable cruise line in the world. The cruise line has 22 ships in operation and two future ships in development. Carnival has 3,800 shore side and 33,500 shipboard employees. *Carnival pioneered the concept of shorter, less expensive cruises.Howard Frank, the chief operating officer of Carnival Cruise Lines, says their ships are called the fun ships because unlike its competitors, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival offers a wide range of activities on boar d instead of just delicious cuisine (Beesley, 2010). Frank said their innovative new ships feature popular amenities that meet the increasingly sophisticated desires of all guests yet provide a fun and exciting environment for all ages. Carnival hit record-breaking business so far this year.The bookings for the company were the highest they have ever been because of its new booking system. The earlier in advance a passenger’s cruise is booked the more economical the price. A cruise can cost as low as $175-$200 per person in advance. The cruise line also offers last minute bookings at discount prices. Carnival can be cheaper than airfare without the fear of terrorist attacks, excessive baggage fees, delays and extreme boarding procedures or hassles. In 2009, the corporation revenued $13. 2 billion with a net income of $1. billion, and are projected to make their highest profit ever this year. The company carries a record of 3. 9 million passengers and the up-to-date record is the most in the cruise industry. *Executive control of Carnival Cruise Lines is provided by the North American division of Carnival Corporation in Doral, Florida. Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc, the cruise line, function as a single economic entity. They also function through contractual agreements between separate legal entities (Investor Relations, 2010). Carnival Corporation common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.Carnival plc is traded on the London Stock Exchange and has an ADS on the New York Stock Exchange. Carnival is the only company in the world to be included in both the STP 500 index in the US and the FTSE 100 index in the UK. Carnival Cruise Lines has a hybrid structure divided under Carnival North America, Carnival Australia and Carnival UK. The hybrid structure is under Carnival Cruise Lines which is only one of the brands under Carnival Corporation & plc. The corporation doesn’t have a long hierarchy of authority instead it has a few layer s of corporate officers and board of directors (Officers, 2010).There are six corporate officers that consist of executive, operating and financial officers, as well as vice presidents of shared services for the multiple brands, general counsel and controller for the corporation. The cruise line only has one executive officer. Gerald R. Cahill is Carnival Cruise Lines’ only president and chief executive officer except for the executives over the Australia and UK divisions. Majority of the company’s employees are shipboard. There is a one-to-three ratio of staff to passenger on every carnival ship, ensuring excellent customer service.Carnival has a horizontal communication amongst the six corporate officers and board of directors. Corporate governance extends from the ship, through the operating lines and senior corporate management to the board of directors. *Carnival is a profitable company and is now the leader in the contemporary cruise sector. The line has launched a $250 million enhancement program on its eight fantasy-class ships. The enhancement will include installation of a water park on board, an adult-only retreat, tropical-themed mid-ship pool area, and other innovative features.Carnival’s former image was a party ship reputation for younger travelers. The cruise line is now known as large, modern and extremely elegant, yet still a profitable and fun line. Historically, Carnival Corporation’s growth has been driven by the expansion of their portfolio of core brands through an aggressive ship building program. Now the brand, Carnival Cruise Lines, competes globally because they invest time, money and effort into product development and wide varieties of amenities on board. The company enhances the excursions offered in port destinations, as well as programs, activities and attractions on the ship.Carnival children programs provide the same level of variety, fun and attraction for their age, as the amenities available to a dults. No matter the age, lifestyle or budget the goal is consistent. The cruise line’s goal is to provide everyone with a safe and healthy place to live, work and have fun. Carnival strives to provide an innovative and exceptional vacation experience on land and or at sea (Phillips, 2009). *Last week I sailed on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship to Nassau, Bahamas for a four days and three nights weekend cruise.The Cruise was inexpensive to book for a typical vacation. We were a party of four people and we each only paid around $200 a person in advance. If we would have booked the vacation at the last minute it could have cost each person $300-$400, which is still inexpensive for an all-inclusive cruise. At first you don’t understand how the cruise line makes a profit because almost everything is free except alcohol, soda and excursions. Unlimited food all day and night, shows, the gym, and activities are free. It didn’t take long to realize the company’s str ategy on making money.Once Carnival booked the customer at a low price, they up sell the customer with backend products and services that passengers feel are definitely worth spending money on during a vacation. There were additional products and services like an onboard casino, excursions, internet services, and photographers everywhere ready to take memorable pictures to sell. As well as, massages facials, hair treatment, wholesale liquor prices and onboard shops and stores. Carnival provided relaxing services and duty or tax free products.The cruise made lots of money and the marketing cost went down because their exceptional services built loyal customers. The company probably spends more money capturing a customer, maybe even lost money initially on the booking transaction because of the specials and low rates but created lifetime customers in the end. The more products and services a company can offer or sell to a customer, the more valuable they become and the more you can sp end on acquiring a customer. Wants you acquire a customer and satisfy their needs, you can gain more from a buying impulse that is pleased and devoted to the company and its brands.