Enager Industries

Enager Industries, Inc. Accounting Consultant’s Report  · Introduction Enager Industries, Inc. was a relatively young company that consisted of three divisions with distinct services and products. At the urging of CFO Henry Hubbard, Enager’s president, Carl Randall, had decided to begin treating each division as an investment center, so as to be able to relate each division’s profit to the assets the division used to generate it profits.  · Analysis However, several issues arose regarding this performance evaluation method and other management control choices. First of all, profitable new project at Consumer Products Division, whose return was 13% calculated from Exhibit 3, could not get approved from upper management because it could not reach the pre-determined universal target return of at least 15 percent, even if all the divisions had completely different line of business. This could potentially discourage product development managers’ incentive to engage in new projects. More importantly, the company could miss out the opportunity on new products in the long-run, although it might not have a large return right away in the short-run. Secondly, the president of the company, Carl Randall, was both puzzled and disappointed at the discrepancies among the performance evaluation parameters of the company in 1993. Both ROA and gross return dropped from 1992, while return on sales and return on owners’ equity increased. There were also discrepancies across different divisions, as Professional Service easily exceeded the 12% gross return target; while other two divisions, especially the Industrial Product division had a ROA that was only 6. 9%. These discrepancies could increase the difficulties for the top management to understand the performance, thus hindered manager’s ability to make good decisions. Last but not least, general manager of Industrial Product Division was put much pressure by Randall, the president, because the division â€Å"fell behind† compared to the other two in terms of ROA. The divisional general manager argued that they could have achieved a higher ROA if they had older assets as Consumer Products Division did, but Randall could not understand the relevance of the argument. This is not only a communication problem, but also an evaluation problem caused by the inappropriate treatment of the assets value that is used in calculating ROA. By analyzing the management problems mentioned above, in can be concluded that these problems are the consequences of several management control mistakes, including unreasonable target setting, inefficient method of performance evaluation, and problematic treatment of assets value. Top management of Enager should not set an identical goal for all the divisions since all the divisions engaged in distinct service or production. The nature of those distinct businesses certainly required different amount of assets to operate, and they would face different levels of competition, and they would surely have different profit margins. Therefore, it was unreasonable only using one single target return to evaluation all the new projects from all three divisions to determine if the projects were profitable. In the case, McNeil’s proposal was rejected because it did not meet the 15% target return. However, the new project did have a favorable residual income and demonstrated the a return of 13%, which can increase the EPS for the company. If any benchmark were to be set to evaluate the profitability of new projects, it should be carefully engineered according to specific situation that can be applied to specific division, with the comparison to other competitors in the industry or to past performance. For example, Enager can establish a standard costing system based on historical and external information (including financial information, market information, etc) that can allows management to create a standard profit level. A standard costing system can further allows cost and profit variance analysis, which can be a very powerful tool for management control later on. There were also too many confounding factors in calculating ROA in Enager’s case. Firstly, using net book value of assets (as shown in Exhibit2) in calculating the ROA would surely put those divisions with newer assets in disadvantage. With less depreciation, divisions with newer assets will have lower ROA due to a larger denominator of assets value. The more reasonable way in this case is to use the fair market value, which can better represent the assets’ value in producing profit. Secondly, it is unreasonable to allocate corporate expenses and assets to certain divisions based on divisional revenue. Since each division had different services and products, revenue could not be the basis of allocating those corporate expenses and assets that did not reflect performance of each division. These confounding factors may be able to explain those discrepancies Randall was confused about. As such, the use of ROA in this case is an ineffective method of performance evaluation.  · Recommendation Based on the previous analysis, the solution to this case is to implement a new method of performance evaluation since ROA is such an ineffective method of performance evaluation. One alternative worth perusing is to use the Balanced Scorecard method to evaluate division performance. Instead of measuring the performance only using financial data, Balanced Scorecard methods requires business units to be assigned goals and then measured form the perspectives of financial, customer, internal business and innovation and learning. For example, Enager can evaluate the divisions based on the quality of the products, level of innovation, employees’ contribution to the whole company, etc. Balanced Scorecard can be a very critical supplement to financial data because it is part of strategy planning. The Industrial Products group may no longer be under evaluated because of less-than-perfect financial data. Essentially, a Balanced Scorecard method allows the manger to see the big picture on the strategic level. A Balanced Scorecard method can also promote balances among different strategies in an effort to achieve goal congruence, thus encouraging employees to act in the organization’s best interest. Profitable new projects, like the one that McNeil had proposed, would have a chance of getting approved because it would benefit the company as a whole since it could increase Enager’s EPS. Another advantage of implementing Balanced Score card is that it promotes comparability among different divisions with distinct line of business. Unlike ROA, Balanced Scorecard taken in to accounts of different perspective of the business into account, since the comprehensive value of the division is reflected in the Balanced Score card design. By implementing Balanced Score card method, the upper management of Enager can obtain a broad-base view of the company in terms of goals and strategy. Although it requires additional work for executives to choose a mix of measurement that accurately reflect the critical factors that will determine the success of the company, it is a better alternative here than ROA as a performance evaluation method.

Why Companies Engage in Corporate Social Responsibility

Buss. Ethics Why do companies engage in corporate social responsibility? ~ Companies engage in CSR in order to maintain a business on track to do the right thing. However, there's three reasons that keeps a business engage with CSR. Pragmatic, where the term â€Å"use power or loose it† is used , this mean that if businesses are not responsible certain advantages could be taken away. Ethical reason, is when businesses have a responsability to behave ethically, this mean that executives' duty is to care about multiple stakeholders. The last reason is the strategic one, which is based identifying activities that can harm the business. . Do you believe that employees are more attracted and committed to socially responsible companies? Why or why not? Are you? Why or why not? ~Yes i truly believe so because they will be certain that the company stays on task and ethically manages situations. However, they will have in mind that they are working in an ethical environment and that th ey must work hard to keep it up that way. I know i will certainly be attracted more attracted to these companies because first of all, The social responsible environment will motivates me to do a good job. 3.A number of organizations have robust sustainability sections on their internet sites. Pick two and highlight what they are doing regarding sustainability, as well as compare and contrast. Interface Global: http://www. interfaceglobal. com/Sustainability ~ This organization has considerable resolutions on 3 key areas; They are, +reducing footprint +designing and manufacturing innovative products with less enviromental and social impacts. +creating a culture with engaged employees with a share vision of sustainable businesses. †¢ Wal-Mart: http://walmartstores. om/Sustainability/ ~ This organization is trying to make customers save money and help ensure a better world for generations to come. In order to do so they've set three aspirational sustainability goals: +To be suppl ied 100% by renewable energy+To create zero waste +To sell products that sustain people and the environment Overall, both organization have something in common, which is trying to maintain a sustainable business and a good environment. 4. Read the Merck and River Blindness case. What is River Blindness and who are the stakeholders in the Merck case. The River Blindness case is a disease that is cause by parasitic worms that live in the small black flies that breed in the rivver of the countries if middle east, Africa, and LAtin America. When a person is bitten by one of these blaack flies, the larvae of the worm can entern the person's body, reproduce and spread out causin the person itchiness and blindness. ~ The stackeholders for Merck are individual with disease, horses, Merck, and Merck scientists 5. Explain why socially responsible business is good business.Social Responsible business is good business because Being socially responsible creates goodwill and a positive image for the business. Trust and a good reputation are some of the company’s most valuable assets. In fact, without these, a business can't function. These important assets can be encourage by being socially responsible. However, it is crucial the right socially responsible program is plan for the business. When used properly, it will open up a countless of new relationships and opportunities. It will grow success and the company’s culture. It will become a culture that the company's staff and the whole community will believe in.

Advertisement Budget

Introduction Budget is quantitative expression of future plan  of activities. It is  a future plan  of activities expressed in  terms of  currency/rupees. It is prepared for a fixed period of time. Advertising budget is a financial document that’s hows the total amount to be spent on advertising and lists the way this amount is to be allocated. It is a translation of advertising plan into money to be spent on advertising. It is an estimation of total amount to be spent on advertising during a given period of time for achieving marketing objectives.It involves allocation of a portion of total marketing resources to advertising functions of a firm. An advertising budget shows how much amount is to be spent on advertising and how this amount will be allocated among different media, sales territories, products, selling-activities, etc. It states the proposed advertising expenditure and serves as a decision-making tool for the management while allocating available funds t o the various advertising functions and related activities of the company.Advertising budget and its process is similar with the Sales Promotion budget And Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) budget . All three terms can be used interchangeably also due to close similarity. Advertising  budget  is  prepared  by  Advertising  Manager  in  consultation  with  Marketing  Manager  of  thecompany. But  in  small  business  organizations,  which  do  not  have  separate  advertising  department  theresponsibility of preparing ad-budget lies on top  management or Marketing Manager.According to the Institute of Cost and work Accountant London â€Å"A budget is a financial or quantitativestatement prepare prior to a definite period of time; of the policy to be persuade during that period for the  purpose of achieving a given  objective†. Features of Advertising  Budget The features of advertising budget are as follows: 1) Advertising budget is a financial  statement expressed in monetary terms, 2) It is for a specific future period. It is prepared prior to the budget period during which it will  operate, 3) It is prepared by Advertising Manager.It is approved by top management for its implementation, 4) It shows the plan of allocation of available funds to various advertising activities, 5) It affects the selection of media, selection of advertising agency and selection of message source (model for  advertisement), 6) Its size depends on various internal  and external factors, and 7) It is a limiting factor which determines the size of advertising campaign. Advertising Budget as a Concept of Investment Advertising budget is assigned to build the image and reputation of the organization.The achievement of the  budget is observed over a long period. Some of the expenditure on advertising attracts customers immediately;they buy the product when they listen to or view the advertising message. T his expenditure is known as revenueexpenditure. Some expenditure is incurred on building the image and reputation. The effects of advertising arerealized gradually over a long period. This expenditure is capital expenditure or  investment. The expenditure onadvertising  is  accepted  as  revenue  expenditure  by  the  income-tax  authorities.The  marketing  manager  isauthorized to control and spend  the money assigned to him  for advertising purpose. Advertising expenditure is a capital investment when it is incurred to build the image, goodwill and reputationof product and company; and this results in a gradual increase in the sales, although the expenditure isconsidered as revenue expenditure in the accounting entry. It is an outlay or expenditure made today to achieve  benefits in future. This expenditure is known as capital investment although it is assigned under the revenue  budget but it is not accepted as a capital budget.Factors Influencin g the Size of the Advertising Budget 1) Objectives to be Attained: How much the company is going to spend is  determined by the objectives to beattained. Objectives act as the sheet anchor and the standards for advertising performance. These objectivesare – bringing about increase in sales, introduction of new products, supporting sales force, reachinginaccessible consumers, entering a new market, improving dealer relations, expanding industry’s sales,  building  up  goodwill,  building  a  brand  preference,  counter  acting  competition,  dispelling  the  likelymisunderstandings and so on.It is a particular sales objective or the set of objectives that shapes theadvertising budget. 2) Coverage Expectations: Advertising coverage implies the number of persons to be reached. It is thequestion of reaching a target audience through different media and media vehicles. The extent of coverageis influenced very much by the nature of the market enjo yed by the products. 3) Product Class: Talking of only consumer goods, these have been classified into three categories, namely, convenience, shopping   and   specialty.In case  of  convenience  goods,  they  require  a  large  advertising expenditure because of their intensive distribution and heavy dependence on mass advertising to sell inadvance to the prospects before they shop. On the other hand, the fashion goods require less advertising asthe buyers can judge the qualities of these products themselves in person while they hop from shop to shop. Services goods such as automobiles, fridges, washing machines, T. V sets, cooking ranges, kitchen-waresand the like warrant heavy doses of advertising and personal selling efforts. ) Stage in the Product-life Cycle: Every product has its life-cycle consisting of four phases, namely,introduction, growth, maturity and decline. When a new product is  introduced, it calls for the heaviest dosesof advertising, and ther efore, the budget gets blown-up. During the growth stage, the funds spend are reallysubstantial. However, when the product reaches the stage of maturity or saturation and the stage of decline,it is the price appeal that works than the advertising strategy. Hence, the advertising spending gets reducedconsiderably. 5) Prevailing Economic Conditions: The economic activities are not always the same.The economic systemfaces brisk and slack phases which are referred to as boom and slump phases of business cycle. During thesour economic conditions, majority of the companies cut back the advertising budget and during the periodof boom conditions, they fatter their budgets beyond limits. This has been because, the business communitythinks advertising as recurring expenditure than an  investment. 6) Age of the Company: A company which is seasoned and is known to the consumers will have certainly anadvantage in introducing a new product or a service. People readily accept

Timid President-Futile War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Timid President-Futile War - Essay Example The wars are considered futile because of the many expectations the Bush administration intended to achieve that did not come to pass, the reason why President Obama decided to withdraw the U.S troops from Iraq after almost a decade of occupation. President George Bush’s decision to attack Iraq was based on unfounded beliefs in the presence of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The Saddam Hussein administration granted the UN and the Americans permission to inspect their weapons artillery to ascertain if they were indeed developing weapons of WMD and even though nothing was found, Bush and his administration believed Iraq did not reveal everything and that formed the basis of American’s invasion of Iraq and the subsequent execution of Saddam Hussein. George Bush’s decision to convince congress to allow America attack Iraq was based on fear that terrorists were likely to attack America again and not necessarily because of WMD that were never found after they subdu ed Iraq. Another factor that led to American invasion of Iraq was interest in the Middle East oil resulting from the fear of uncertainty in the future of American energy security. For this, he saw Saddam Hussein as a major impediment to the benefit they would receive from Middle East oil. They had prevailed upon the United Nations to put economic sanctions on Iraq with the food-for-oil arrangement but this did not deter Iraq, so he believed the best way to achieve their objective was by deposing Saddam Hussein from power. It was therefore an embarrassment to the bush administration when the WMD were never found and nothing could justify the military expenditure on the war (McClellan & McClellan, 2008). President Bush’s fear just before and after the invasion of Iraq began showed up immediately. The United Nations, led by Kofi Annan, opposed the war and proposed a peaceful way of resolving the American suspicion but the administration disobeyed because their fears. It is this very fear that led to interference in the war by civilian commanders based in Washington, which left soldiers on the ground very indisposed. There was also the misconception by the administration that Iraqi soldiers could provide reinforcement and military support. Some Iraqi soldiers did not support the war and posed a great risk to Americans as they ganged up with insurgents to cause trouble to the American troops. In fact, many American soldiers died and had injuries more than the administration had anticipated. As a result of fear, the Bush administration overlooked the process of reconstruction; they did not foresee the magnitude of destruction that resulted from this war. The destruction was so vast that it needed the participation of European bloc, the UN and other international bodies to help in the reconstruction exercise. Although the three segments were interested in participating in the reconstruction, American stubbornness in its interest to lead the reconstruction exer cise after causing destruction made them develop cold feet and some eventually withdrawn. President Bush then made it appear like no country or organization was willing to participate in the restoration exercise. Toward the end of the Bush administration, there was panic both in Washington and Baghdad when it became apparent that there was a political and military vacuum in Iraq. The Iraqi government apparatus collapsed and the institutions that provided basic services like water and electricity could no longer coordinate because staff could not come to work. The Bush administration in its panic started doing things in haste to fill in the vacuum.

Samsung Galaxy XCover Snowfield Advert Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Samsung Galaxy XCover Snowfield Advert - Essay Example It is, arguably, the leading Smartphone manufacturer in the contemporary society. Cheil, a Chinese advertising company based in Beijing, China prepared the Samsung Galaxy X Cover Snowfield advert and published it in October 2011. The advertisement is a creative play of the idea that the Samsung X Cover device is so high-tech, that it will be the ultimate guide to the user even in destinations that they have never visited. In their words, ‘Just like you have been there.’ The mobile advert generally portrays a relatable mood of adventure and curiosity. The advert is rich in color from the subject matter to the general serene surrounding. On the Samsung Galaxy X Cover: Snowfield advert the setting is on the top cap of a mountain. The background is beautiful, bright and oozes an undeniable sense of natural tranquility. This is the ideal destination for explorers and tourists. For the free-spirited individuals, it is the epitome of a good time. The authors of this mobile adve rt clearly envisioned the young, fun-loving and free-spirited people as their target audience when they set out to create this advert. The subject in this advert is a young male who is set out to have the best skiing ride of his life (Hope 79). The angle focus is perfect for it clearly implies how the skiing will take place. The target audience for this advert relates to the setting since almost everyone has or strives for a dream destination or an adventurous quest. The appeal of pathos in this mobile advert is achieved by connecting.

Impacts of The European Economic Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Impacts of The European Economic Crisis - Essay Example Additionally, the EU recession caused an increase in the cost of doing business, since firms do not have access to credit from financial institutions. Because of this, firms will have to cut cost of investments such as research on investments. This will have a long term effect on firms and the countries involved because there is a loss in research which would have led to inventions of new technologies. Political crises have also been reported in countries affected by financial crisis, for example Greece. There have been cases of demonstrations, rioting and other social effects on the population. This is mainly attributed to the high rate of unemployed persons, high inflation and high prices of goods. This can be a long term effect because if the case of EU financial crisis is not dealt with, political and social instability will continue (Aghion & Howitt, 2006). The rate of depression among the residents of EU is also increasing because of the high rate of unemployment. This is becau se the population has lost hope for future income based on the crisis which hit their countries. This is mainly attached to the results of the crisis such as the increase in the number of poor people. This would be a long term effect because it is a continuous trend. Furthermore, other long term consequences are impacts on the populations’ health due to loss of jobs and lack of insurance cover. Research done by the Red Cross in some EU countries has shown that the EU crisis has made the governments too weak to provide important services to its citizens. This is because there is a high growth in the number of citizens demanding social services from the government. The gap between the poor and the rich is also increasing because more people...This essay is one of the best examples of comprehensive analysis of the impacts of the economic crisis on the economies of the EU countries. The EU crisis increased the rate of unemployment in most European countries. High number of workers outside the job lose their job skills because they are not practicing. The EU recession caused an increase in the cost of doing business, since firms do not have access to credit from financial institutions. Firms had to cut cost of investments such as research on investments. There is a loss in research which would have led to inventions of new technologies. Political crises have also been reported in countries affected by financial crisis, for example Greece. There have been cases of demonstrations, rioting and other social effects on the population. This is mainly attributed to the high rate of unemployed persons, high inflation and high prices of goods. This can be a long term effect because if the case of EU financial crisis is not dealt with, political and social instability will continue To solve the case of unemployment which has contributed to political instability, the EU should consider unemployment insurance. Unemployment insurance has been implemented in the United States and has done well. This act can be implemented in such a way that those who had been employed before losing their jobs qualify for unemployment insurance. The study also mentioned the loss of hope by firms and cuts on their investments due to loss of credit from financial institutions.

Deviance and social controls Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Deviance and social controls - Essay Example The goal of sociologists is to identify the common characteristics of deviance. This approach is not concerned with the classification of deviant behavior. This research paper will seek to analyze and assess the phenomenon of social deviance. Deviance is considered to be aberrant behaviors that are contrary to established cultural norms and values. However defining the term is more complex given the sheer assortment of actions that are categorized as aberrant by society. The goal of sociology is to identify the common characteristics of various forms of deviance. The normative definition argues that any behavioral pattern that infringes upon the established rules of society is tantamount to deviance (Ben Yahuda, 1990). This definition is perhaps the oldest one regarding the phenomenon of deviance. Contemporary sociologists have attempted to formulate a relativistic definition in order to ensure computability with modern sociological theories. Thus the relativistic definition considers deviance as actions which are perceived to be aberrant according to social agents. Deviance helps to establish social morals and standards that provide guidance to society. The function of society is to create parameters that divide behaviors on the basis of acceptability. Any action that is outside such parameters will be categorized as deviant by society. Human beings are able to make decisions based upon the classification of deviant behaviors (Downes, 2003). These decisions are implemented within the moral boundaries in order to ensure acceptability from fellow human beings. An important function of deviance is to rally and mobilize the social classes against the outcasts of society. This helps to develop a consensus among the general public that deviant acts will not be tolerated in society. For instance there is a universal stance against pedophilia which is deemed to be a

Building Performance Management through Employee Participation Essay - 3

Building Performance Management through Employee Participation - Essay Example Workers should be granted the chance to give their views and amendments be made as fast as possible to avoid poor job performance. According to JM experience, employees play a major role in company management. This is because they are the ones to be governed and must choose the management system suitable for them and the company (Grote, 23). There are certain parts of the performance management system that cannot be changed by employees no matter the claims. These unchangeable sections of the system also govern the employer and company activities. According to JM company, employees are part of the company management system and should be involved in any decision-making. In any organization, the management committee or board members must always consider the employee view or feedback before establishing performance management system. This should be done to protect employee rights and freedom. Actually, an employee should always have a conducive environment to attend to his or her job positively. The kind of performance management systems to be established should be employee friendly. Another way of making improvements in this type of system is employee motivation. This should be present in the system to enhance quality in employee performance. In most cases, the motivation is done through rewards . In the process of employee assessment, the hardworking should get a reward as tokens of their hard work while those who are found average should be advised accordingly (Rao, 16). Through rewards, employees will be dedicated to their work with the aim of being a reward winner. Companies that come up with a new performance management may face a lot of challenges linked to employee job performance. When they are forced into the rules and regulations of the new management system, they may find it very difficult to adapt hence have negative attitudes towards their jobs. This can in turn

Variations of the Approaches to VET Systems Essay

Variations of the Approaches to VET Systems - Essay Example The form of the given skills is determined both by the market mechanism and decisions taken by individuals in order to enhance their careers or income. In the second model, the VET is incorporated into an educational system or a school system that is comprehensively made up to develop professionals. Clearly, the systems Ashton (2004) has in mind in relation to the first type is the systems in the UK and US, while he allocates the second type to the dual system of VET in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark. It is useful to place these two models on two ends of a continuum from a system based on outcomes to one based on inputs. England lies on employability whilst Germany mostly on â€Å"vocational training†. In Germany, the VET systems are put more emphasis on employability with occupations becoming less rather than more delineated and less, rather than more specialised, in line with requirements of the knowledge economy, but also, with a central focus on the occupational mobility of the individual. In England, the opposite is true where there has been a narrowing down of skills. A strong led-demand system ensures the production of narrow sets of skills suited to a low –skilled labour market. ... This contrasts sharply with the VET in England which has been criticised for neglecting general education (Harrison 2002). In addition, these systems are characterised by three important differences between them in terms of the balance between classroom and work place learning. It is only in Germany where a dual system that relies on integration of hypothetical knowledge with significant workplace experience can be found. On the other hand, there have been more advancement aimed at making Vocational Educational and training systems more practice-oriented. However, this contradicts with the English model which in the recent years has moved towards a ‘narrowing’ of skills dispensed with knowledge deemed unnecessary. The fact that it is difficult in the English language to differentiate types of knowing may reflect the suspicion with which abstract underpinning knowledge in VET has been treated in this country (Keep 2006). German distinguishes ‘knowing that’ or theoretical knowledge from ‘knowing how’ practical knowledge or know-how. In addition, the German language further distinguishes between systematic propositional knowledge and systematic propositional knowledge. Also, while in Germany, VET involves different types of knowledge to underpin practice in a rather broad occupational field, VET in England is aimed at acquiring task-specific skills with no or little underpinning knowledge. These types of knowledge are occupational, task-specific and industrial. Importantly, while skills in Germany are integral elements of holistic union, in England they are bundles of specific skills defined as learning outcomes of fragmented qualifications. The education system in

Globalization & world Essay Example for Free

Globalization world Essay In general terms, globalization refers to the economical, cultural and societal changes, which are experienced in the whole world as a result of integrated and common trade, transport and communication network systems. The whole issue of globalization is complex with potential debates on its causes and effects ranging from technological to social- cultural and political factors. Although globalization has been associated with many positive impacts to the society and the world at large, the negative consequences cannot be ignored because of their far reaching effects to the people in the world. This paper seeks to discuss the health problems caused by globalization. It also gives some of the solutions to this problem. As the whole world is increasingly becoming interconnected, human health is becoming more complex. For instance, globalization has changed the lifestyle of people. It can be appreciated that modern behavioral changes such as the smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activities and increasingly high use of illegal drugs, which are factors attributed to globalization, are risking human health and hence increasing the chances of low lifespan (Guindon, Pang, 2004). Globalization has also resulted to the outbreak and spread of infectious diseases. This is evidenced in the recent out break of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and its rapid spread in the modern world hence imposing a risk of global pandemic (Guindon, Pang, 2004). Further to this, the enhanced global movements of goods and people have contributed amicably to the spread of diseases. For example, the advancement of canned food production, trade and increasingly high consumption has facilitated the spread of food born diseases. Behavioral changes associated with global worming such as sexual immoralities (increased sex tourism) in the modern society have contributed to the spread of HIV and AIDS which has been declared as a global epidemic (Huynen, et al 2005). In addition to this, modern society is experiencing high teenage pregnancies which results to health complications. One of the solutions to the negative impacts of globalization to health is by promoting health education in the society. Education will empower people to understand the effects of different lifestyles, which include foods consumed. (Wamala Kawachi 2007). Further to this, the society should discourage unhealthy behaviors through appropriate legislation and public awareness. In conclusion therefore, globalization has far reaching effects to health which should be addressed at international levels for the common good of all people in the world. ? Bibliography Guindon, E, Pang, T 2004, Globalization and risks to health, viewed 21 August 2010, http://www. nature. com/embor/journal/v5/n1s/full/7400226. html Huynen, et al, 2005, Globalization and Health, viewed 21 August 2010, http://www. biomedcentral. com/content/pdf/1744-8603-1-14. pdf Wamala, S, Kawachi, I 2007, Globalization and Health, Oxford University Press, New York.

Experiences of Pediatric Cancer Survivors

Experiences of Pediatric Cancer Survivors Exploring the experiences of pediatric cancer survivors in Karachi, Pakistan. Muhammad Tahir Saleem This chapter presents the study design, its setting, the sampling technique, the data collection process and the details of data analysis. In addition, the ethical considerations and study limitations are also discussed in the chapter. Methodology Qualitative methods are utilized to generate knowledge about a new area of interest. Qualitative research methods are mostly descriptive in nature to bring out the subjective meaning of behaviors and attitudes (Polit Beck, 2008). As there is no documented evidence for the issues encountered by cancer survivors in Pakistan, the researcher felt that the question about the experiences of cancer patients and their needs for care could be best upraised by following a naturalistic inquiry using a qualitative methodology. Study Design The descriptive explorative qualitative design was used in this study to explore the experiences of survivors of pediatric malignancies. In the process of developing new knowledge one or more characteristics of a specific population can be examined by utilizing descriptive designs whereas, exploratory designs are used when an in-depth exploration of a single process, variable or concept is required (Wood and Ross-Kerr, 2011). Hence, in order to delineate the characteristics and conduct an in-depth exploration of the phenomenon of survivorship, the descriptive exploratory design was employed for the study. This design offers flexibility to generate knowledge by ensuring less control of the researcher over the variable and allowing the manifestation of subjective experience of the cancer survivors. Study Setting There is substantial amount of evidence that over the past decade the incidence of lymphoma is on the increase in Karachi, (Bhurgri, 2004), and this is equally applicable to all pediatric cancers. Karachi is a metropolitan city with a population, representative of diverse cultural, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds from all over Pakistan. The study site, the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is located in Karachi and it receives patients from diverse financial and geographical backgrounds from all over Pakistan. These characteristics make AKUH suitable as the study setting. Study population The pediatric oncology follow-up clinics of AKUH were identified as suitable places to study a variety of individuals who had survived pediatric cancers. All pediatric patients registered with the department of pediatric oncology AKUH were the study population. The study participants were the follow-up patients in the remission period who survived pediatric cancer and were discharged from the oncology clinic after completion of their anti-cancer treatment. Sampling Technique The purposive sampling technique is used in the present study. Despite the fact that a non-probability sample is less likely to be a representative of each individual of the population, in order to develop a rich and holistic understanding of survivorship, the sampling decision would be based on the informational and theoretical needs of the phenomenon of interest (Polit Beck, 2008). Therefore, based on the researcher’s prior knowledge about the population, participants who were particularly knowledgeable about the issue under study were chosen purposefully. Purposive sampling that deliberately reduces variation and permits a more focused inquiry for typical cases (Polit Beck, 2008), such as previously treated pediatric cancer patients (in remission), would bring qualitative information enriched with their lived experiences about cancer and its treatment. Sample Size Recruitment of the participants continued until theoretical saturation became apparent. Theoretical saturation is a point in time achieved in data collection process when no new relevant concepts are recognized in comparison with the data already produced; and researcher may only find repetition of previously collected data (Burns Grove, 2009; Gerrish Lacey, 2010). Male and female participants were randomly chosen at the pediatric oncology follow up clinics. Eight participants, four male and four female were interviewed after taking informed consent at pediatric oncology follow-up clinics. Ages of the patients ranged between 08-25 years. The length of time since completion of chemotherapy and radiation therapy was one year. The selected patients were in remission after having completed anticancer treatment for at least one year so that research would reveal the rich experience of the individuals who were treated and were disease free after the treatment regimen. Patients were cogni zant about their diagnosis and the treatment and subsequent after the treatment. Inclusion Criteria: Both male and females cancer survivors Children Age 08-16 years Diagnosed as having had Pediatric Cancer Have had completed anti-cancer treatment regimen In remission for at least one year after treatment Exclusion Criteria: Children who are on active treatment or relapsed after completion of treatment Children who did not sign voluntary informed consent Data Collection In-depth interviews are used when the researcher has a list of topics that are needed to be explored. Interview Guides are the list of areas or questions to be covered with each participant. These guides may be pilot tested before embarking upon the actual data collection (Polit Beck, 2008). For the study under discussion, the researcher has prepared a written interview guide with Urdu translations that are attached as Appendix A. While preparing the interview guides a previously developed questionnaire for oncology was referred to (FACIT, 2010). The prepared interview guides were sent to the committee members for their opinion. The interviews allowed the researcher to explore the research topic in a broader way. The venue for the interview was an allocated room at pediatric oncology clinic at AKUH. In addition, the technique of interview permitted the researcher to probe on the issues which needed further exploration and clarification more in detail at the same time of interaction with the participant. Immerging ideas were also incorporated in the future session of data collection to enhance the richness of the data. It allowed the respondents to recall their memories and bring out the rich experiences in detail. The respondents expressed their feelings and perceptions in the context of the topic under discussion. These first hand reports of the participants, probing of the researcher during interview and researchers own reflections for nonverbal clues helped in collecting enriched data from the survivors of pediatric cancers. Each interview took about 30 to 45 minutes. A female moderator conducted the interviews for female pediatric cancer survivors. Interviews were recorded on an audio recorder with pseudo names. The pseudo names were used at transcription process to certify confidentiality. Demographic information e.g. age, gender, native area, history of ailment like diagnosis and treatment, length of treatment and treatment modalities used during the treatment process were also recorded at the beginning of the interview. The interviews were transcribed verbatim in Udru Language and translated by the researcher in such a way that no meaning was sacrificed. Data Analysis The audio-taped interviews in Urdu were transcribed word by word and analyzed manually. The interview generated codes, categories and/or sub categories and then themes, which in qualitative research are said to be broad units of information that consist of several codes aggregated to form a common idea (Creswell, 2013).The researcher listened to the recordings several times in order to assimilate the data to generate accurate transcription. To analyze the collected material during data collection, the recorded interviews were transcribed in the form of a formatted document for manual thematic analysis. The researcher then reverberated in the data to take similarities and differences of ideas. By doing this various specific ideas were identified which were labeled as codes. The codes were put under the sub categories and categories. The ideas or codes were marked very carefully in a way that prevented the researchers own frame of mind from affecting the interpretation of the collected data to reduce bias and ensure bracketing (Tufford Newman, 2012). Careful reflections were made to keep researchers own thoughts and understandings from affecting the analysis (internal validity). Various identified ideas were then grouped together by axial coding in order to make tentative categories of themes. As the process of analysis proceeded, these tentative codes or categories were merged to form common themes under the guidance of the research supervisor to avoid gaps in qualitative inference of the data. The valuable input of the research supervisor also shielded the analyses process form the personal reflexivity (biases in analysis due to personal assumptions, values and beliefs) of the novice researcher. To ensure the credibility and consistency of the analysis, constant input from the external supervisors (committee members) were also incorporated. A chronological record of all the activities of the study was made by the investigator in order to ensure the dependabili ty/audibility of the study. To safeguard the transferability of the research, the study settings, context of the study and demographics of the patients with their diagnosis and treatment modalities were noted to enable the future investigators to replicate the study (Polit and Beck, 2008). Ensuring trustworthiness and quality of the study Rigour in the qualitative researches is defined as the means by which the researcher shows integrity and competence (Aroni et al., as cited in Holloway Wheeler, 2010). Trustworthiness to maintain rigour in the study was maintained ensuring credibility, dependability, conformability and transferability (Lincon Guba, 1985). Credibility Credibility is the extent to which the data and interpretation of the research are grounded in the events rather than the inquirers personal construct (Lincoln Guba, as cited in Polit Beck, 2008). In other words credibility of a study is ensured when it presents such faithful interpretations of participants’ experiences that they are able to recognize them as their own (Hall Stevens as cited in Long, Johnson, 2000). A conscious attempt was made by the researcher to maintain credibility during the study. The researcher tried his best to remain involved with the participants during interviews rather than being with them only to ask questions and record the answers. It was done by helping participants to elaborate their lived experiences and allowing them to recall the events that occurred during the diagnosis and treatment. Triangulation was done by taking notes during the interview, recording of the demographics and cross checking of the data by the research supervisor. Dependability Dependability refers to the reliability of the collected data over time and over conditions in which the research is done (Lincoln Guba as cited in Polit Beck, 2008). It determines whether the process of study was consistent and reasonably stable over time. The researcher attained this by working on the research plan with the research supervisors and committee members, by taking approval from the ethical review committee of the institute and by submitting the updates of the research process to the supervisor and the committee members. The researchers’ personal record, notes during the interview and transcription records were kept chronologically so that the process of the study can be traceable. Conformability Conformability refers to objectivity to verify the quality and adequacy of the results and interpretation. The accuracy, relevance and meaning of the data are appraised by two or more independent people for congruence (Polit Beck, 2008). Conformability is achieved by having the input of the supervisor and the committee members at every step of the research. All the interviews and their transcript were cross checked by the supervisor. The thematic analysis by the researcher was cross checked by the supervisor for congruency and objectivity of the outcome. The researcher also maintained the records of unrefined data, transcriptions of the interviews, and also the records for synthesis and analysis of data. Transferability Transferability refers to the generalizability of the data and the results that came out as a result of subsequent analysis ((Polit Beck, 2008). In order to make the result applicable to other settings, the researcher interviewed male and female cancer survivors at the follow up clinic of the pediatric oncology. The demographics of the participants, who had different socio-economic status showed that they were from different backgrounds as they belonged to the provinces of Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa, Sindh, Baluchistan and lower Punjab. To maintain homogeneity, four male and female were interviewed. Therefore, the consumers of this research can use the results at different places in similar context. Ethical Consideration World Medical Association has put forward a statement of ethical principal as Declaration of Helsinki to guide medical research involving human subjects (World Medical Association, 2014). To fulfil the requirement of the article 22 and 23 of recently revised document of Declaration of Helsinki, a research proposal was made and submitted to the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of AKUH. Approval from the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) and also from the Medical Director (MD) of AKUH was taken to conduct the study and was submitted to the ERC with the research proposal. Approvals from the DNS and the MD are attached as Appendix C and Appendix D respectively. The participants’ right of autonomy was maintained by having a consent form signed by the participant and the parent of each participant after giving complete information about the study and its significance. Ascent form with Urdu translations is attached as Appendix B and Appendix D respectively. A confidential ID number fo r further identification was assigned to each participant and to the corresponding data. As research thesis is one of the requirements of MScN program for Aga Khan School of Nursing and Midwifery the fund for the study was already allocated in the Master’s program budget. The thesis budget is attached as Appendix G. A formal approval was granted to conduct the study by ERC of Aga Khan University. Summary of the chapter This chapter presented the methodology for the study, giving a brief description of the study design, study setting, and sampling technique. The chapter also included the data collection and data analysis plan. Ethical considerations for conducting the study are discussed in the end. Reference Bhurgri, Y. (2004). Karachi Cancer Registry Dataimplications for the National Cancer Control Program of Pakistan. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 5(1), 77-82. Burns, N., Grove, S. K. (2010). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications, Incorporated. FACIT (2010). Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (constitutes the core of all subscales; the FACT-G can be used with patients of any tumor type), 2007. Retrieved on 11-11-2013Retrieved from http://www.facit.org/FACITOrg/Questionnaires Gerrish, K., Lacey, A. (2010). The research process in nursing. John Wiley Sons Holloway, I. S, Wheeler (2010). Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare. Wiley Blackwel. com. Tufford, L., Newman, P. (2012). Bracketing in qualitative research.Qualitative Social Work,11(1), 80-96. Long, T., Johnson, M. (2000). Rigour, reliability and validity in qualitative research.Clinical effectiveness in nursing,4(1), 30-37. Polit, D. F., Beck, C. T. (2008). Essentials of nursing research: Appraising evidence for nursing practice. Wolters Kluwer Health World Medical Association (2014). Declaration of Helsinki. Retrieved June 30, 2014, from http://www.wma.net/en/30publications/10policies/b3/ Wood, M. J., Ross-Kerr, J. (2010).Basic steps in planning nursing research: From question to proposal. Jones Bartlett Publishers.

Types of Waste

Types of Waste Waste is known as a matter which current users have no purpose of, or it is known as a matter which can be harmful to humans, animals or the environment. Waste can be divided into two categories, general and hazardous waste. General waste is waste that does not harm humans, animals or the environment. For example household waste, garden waste, building rubble, dry industrial and commercial waste. Hazardous waste is more likely to cause danger to humans, animals and the environment. This waste is based on the chemical reactivity, explosives, corrosive and radioactive. Waste Found In the Community of Edenvale There is many different waste found in the community which affect the community. The types of waste found in my community are agricultural waste which comes from animal products and the production of crops. This waste can be recycled. Biodegradable waste is a type of waste that will go back into the soil and nature. This may include garden waste, animal waste, fruit and vegetable leftovers. This waste can be composted. Garden waste is known as grass clippings, weeds, tree branches and this can all be composted. Bulk waste is large waste, such as broken appliances, furniture and outer parts. Almost all of this waste can be reused or recycled. Trade waste is waste is generated by shops, offices, or commercial places. Construction waste is found on residential premises. This waste includes batteries, empty paint and pesticide containers. Some of the household waste is recyclable. Industrial waste is waste that comes from industrial and manufacturing processes. Some of this waste is haza rdous. Intuitional waste is found in schools, hospitals, research institutions and public buildings. Medical waste is known as any solid or liquid waste which is generated in treatments. The Waste plan in my Community In my community the waste management plan for households is that waste is collected once a week. Businesses are different and get waste removed twice a week depending on how much waste is generated. Industrial waste is also collected once a week. It has been working effectively because the municipality has had no complaints and customers are happy with the system. The community also stays clean by means of the council collecting waste around bins so that the community will stay clean. Hazardous waste containers are also being provided and specialized companies deal with this waste. People that dump illegally get high fines. Public roads are being taken care of by litter being picked up by services five times a week. In the CBD litter gets picked up seven days a week. Free standing pole bins get emptied daily. Informal Settlements around my Community Some informal settlements where waste is not managed well is in the CBD, Hillbrow, New Town, Alexandra Township, and Jeppestown. The pollution comes in the form of dust from gravel roads, lack of clean running water, lack of regular refuse removal, broken and non-maintained sewerage pipes, absence of toilet facilities and ignorant littering. Due to the overcrowding of the informal settlements with migrants who are unemployed, and are not able to pay housing rent leads to a decay of flats and houses. In Alexandra some people still use the bucket system which increases the contamination from sewerage in the environment, and some people can get a wide range of illnesses. The organic waste attracts rodents and insects infestations. Poverty and lack of knowledge in these areas lead to littering, overflow of broken sewerage systems and unmanaged waste. A waste management plan for the informal settlements is that refuse is removed twice a week by means of bulk containers and street hawkers are issued with refuse bags weekly. â€Å"The metropolitan council wants a waste disposal strategy; identification of waste disposal sites, establishments, operation and control of waste disposal sites.† The community water supply and sanitation programs aims to ensure all South Africans have access to clean water. The metropolitan also wants to prevent invasion of industrial sites. Some solutions that can help reduce waste are: Waste Avoidance, Prevention and Minimization: system to ensure the appropriate design promotion, optimizing operating procedures and good house keeping for all waste generating processes. Forecasting potential situations in which accidents and spills can cause unscheduled waste emissions. Recovering, Recycling and Reuse: Reduction in the waste stream. Recycle materials such as taxes on waste or subsides for waste cycling, and also extraction and utilization of landfill gas. Treatment and handling: Ensuring that waste is appropriately treated and processed to their disposal in accordance with laws, regulations and guidelines. Storage and Final Disposal: Timely identification investigation and construction of environmentally and socially acceptable waste disposal facilities. New innovative ways of managing waste in disadvantaged communities are required. We can move towards collection by paying people to collect litter and involve the community in programs. We can improve the awareness to the public with regard to waste. Allow people living in informal settlements to regain their dignity by providing sustainable, affordable sanitation. Polokwane Declaration The aim of the Polokwane Declaration is to reduce waste by 50 % respectively by 2012 and have a plan for zero waste by 2022. In order to achieve their goals they must engage more closely in a realistic and practical manner. Conclusion In Gauteng waste management is lacking it appears there has been an increase in waste per year between 1998 and 2003. It also appears that Polokwane Declaration of zero waste remains optimistic. Hazardous waste has decreased as a result of improvement in industrial activities. Recycling initiatives are being adopted and are successful. The importance of the public awareness of waste and recycling should be made aware and action plans formulated.

Liquid Diets Essay -- Dieting Obesity Papers

Liquid Diets Obesity is one of the most common problems faced by people today. Since thirty-four million Americans are estimated to be obese, one out of every three Americans must live with this disorder. Obesity is defined as a body weight consisting of 20% or more above the standard ideal weight (http://www-med.stanford.edu/school/DGIM/Teaching/Modules/obesity.html#RTFToC12). In order to reduce obesity, most invest in diet and exercise programs. Recently, liquid diets have been positively modified, thus rising in popularity since their fall out during the late 1970’s. Out of the twenty million dieters, about one billion dollars will be spent this year on either medically sponsored liquid diets or over-the-counter liquid diet products (http://www.thriveonline.com/@@uwUQ@wQAMB†¦ve/health/Library/CAD/abstract13110.html). Even though many companies claim their diet produces safe and effective weight loss, many medical researches express their concern for various health risk conseq uences. PURPOSE OF TREATMENT The main purpose of liquid diets is weight loss. Many people have a low self-esteem concerning their looks and feel that weight loss would improve their outer appearance. Losing weight tends to boost self confidence by giving a feeling of accomplishment which is an incentive to lose more. Most of the over the counter liquid diets are invested by people who are not necessarily obese, but interested in taking off the excess weight. Liquid diets are also widely used to improve health conditions. Dieting results in weight loss which indirectly can decrease health risks. "If all Americans were to achieve a normal body weight, it has been estimated that there would be a 3 year increase in life expectancy... ...Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 60(2):249-54, 1994 Aug. Kretsch, MJ., MW Green, AK Fong, NA Elliman, and HL Johnson. "Cognitive effects of a long-term weight reducing diet." International Journal of Obesity & Related Metabolic Disorders. 21(1):14-21, 1997 Jan. Seim, HC., JE. Mitchell, C. Pomeroy, and M. de Zwaan. "Electrocardiographic findings associated with very low calorie dieting." International Journal of Obesity & Related Metabolic Disorders. 19(11):817-9, 1995 Nov. Shovic, Anne Caprio, PhD, Susan Adams, Jane Dubitzky, and Melody Anacker. "Effectiveness and dropout rate of a very low calorie diet program." Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 93(5):583-4, 1993 May. Walsh, MF and TJ Flynn. "A 54-month evaluation of a popular very low calorie diet program." Journal of Family Practice. 41(3):231-6, 1995 Sep.

Great Expectations: Lessons on Life and Love :: Great Expectations Essays

Great Expectations: Lessons on Life and Love Great Expectations is merely timeless. It is about all the things that life is about: how relatives can be loving, or abusive, how people can choose their own families; how a woman might be driven to destroy her child, or give her child away; how people may be corrupt, may be redeemed; how your upbringing defines your character, and how you may rise above or embrace that definition; and how, finally, love is a choice. Great Expectations, written by Charles Dickens, is a moral book, without any clear moral directives. Its language is beautiful, its plot compelling, its characters complex and complete. People, Dickens tells us, are not always what they seem. Not simply because they've disguised or hidden or renamed themselves, like Magwitch; not only because those who seem most beautiful may be, in fact, most terrible, like Estella. People are not always what they seem because people are never only one thing. The wretched Mrs. Joe becomes nearly lovable after her injury; Mrs. Havisham melts (before she burns); Magwitch in trouble terrorizes Pip, but in prosperity is his benefactor; Wemmick's character is dependent on his location; there is a hint that even Estella, at last, is not as brightly cold as her name and nature suggests; and, of course, Pip is at first good, and then snobbish and profligate, and then, finally, good. Money changes everything except human nature. Human beings chan ge: not for the better, and not for the worse, and not permanently. People change, then change back. Their changes do not necessarily make them happy. That is the human condition. "That was a memorable day for me," says Pip, after first visiting Satis House, "for it made great changes in me. But it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause, you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day." "Great Expectations" is no less instructive for not being morally definite. That first link will change you, as the circumstances of your childhood will. It is your own duty (I believe Dickens says) to change yourself inwardly as you are changed outwardly.

What Parent Characteristics Are Related To the Physical Abuse of the Children?

IntroductionAimThe intent of this paper seeks to cognize whether the features shown by some of the parents are straight or indirectly related to the physical maltreatment of the kids. And the recognition is traveling to be made establishing it at the decision arrived.Justification of Proposed ResearchWhat have prompted this survey are the rampant instances of physical kid maltreatment which have been intensifying by the twenty-four hours.This frailty his broad spread across the United State of America. The perpetuators of the physical kid maltreatment have been found in most instances to be the parents who gave birth to these kids. This phenomena is really non limited to any subset or any subdivision of the population as it has been shown to impact across the societal divide, where households irrespective of their societal economic position or cultural.The kids besides undergo physical maltreatment irrespective of their age or sex.Demographic and societal factors have been identified with the cause of physical kid maltreatment. The increased degrees of physical maltreatment of kids are associated with emphasis the parents undergo exceptional individual parents who have to beguile everything including their callings and their duties as exclusive suppliers. Sadly these maltreatments thrive under secretiveness where the victims hide their sorrows because they fear their parents and besides holds the believe that they must hold been on the incorrect while others still have gotten used to these sort of rough intervention. Physical a buse can be easy noticed because of the physical marks like contusions or hurts inflicted on the victims. This glowering hazard demands to be studied thoroughly and therefore this research comes in manus as it points out correlativity between the traits the parents bear and the physical maltreatment of the kids.Null HypothesisThe parent ‘s features have no relationship with the physical maltreatment of the kids.Definition of Key Fo otingsPhysical maltreatment is largely a sort of mistreatment and is a broad class of idiosyncrasy that can include floging, emotional maltreatment, sexual maltreatment and disregard. As a normal regulation physical maltreatment can be defined as the imposition of physical injury by caretaker or apparent on a kid. It is non a must for the injury to be wittingly inflicted, and in most of state of affairss physical maltreatment is ne'er intended and may be as a consequence of intense disciplinary actions or bodily penalty that are excessively much ensuing in physical hurt or the hazard of bring downing physical hurt. Physical maltreatment normally occurs at the same clip with other signifiers of child ill-treatment. A crude and common illustration of this is when a male parent hits his male child with a closed fist and at the same clip being intimidated or belittled through verbal maltreatments.Such instances are considered to be both physical and at the same clip emotional maltreatme nt because both of them have occurred at the same time. Coming up with the best definition of physical maltreatment is difficult because of different criterions that can be applied to it. For illustration, finding the point at which normal kid up conveying behaviours can turn out to be an act of kid maltreatment? In the United States, definitions vary harmonizing to different provinces nevertheless ; there are two types of definitions criterions that are used to stipulate and clear up what physical maltreatment mean. The first is the harm criterion, which considers behaviour as opprobrious merely if it consequences in incontrovertible injury or hurts. This injury could be in signifier of scalds, contusions, bites, Burnss, scratchs, cuts, breaks, or any of a figure of other hurts. For this criterion, physical injury or assault by either a birth parent or health professional that pose a significant hazard of physical hurt is taken to intend maltreatment. Examples of actions and behaviours that would be classified opprobrious when it comes t o this standard definition, is among others, pluging a kid, subjugation to heat, submerging, , blistering, poisoning, smothering, biting, agitating, choking, and stabbing. However these actions and behaviours might non ensue in incontrovertible hurts like cuts or contusions, they are still classified as opprobrious when it comes to endangerment criterion. Making comparings between the two criterions, it can ever be seen that hurt to the child is equal to definitions of injury while action towards injury behaviour is centre of endangerment definitions. More so, harm definitions criterions are more precise and more nonsubjective as compared to criterions of hazard. The difference between bodily penalty and physical maltreatment is ne'er precise.RestrictionsThe major restrictions of this research is that so many physical maltreatment go un reported hence acquiring exact statistics is so hard and this might take to doing incorrect decision. A besides geting at concrete definition of physical kid maltreatment will be a job because toeing the line between normal child adherent and physical kid maltreatment is hard.Less research has been thoroughly done estab lishing on this subject and so acquiring adequate stuff will turn out as a challenge since there is scarceness of mention. The chosen subject besides is so sensitive and while roll uping informations it will be so difficult because people will be so leery particularly the victims themselves because this peculiar behaviour happens in most homesteads but the victims are normally quiet about the issue.Review of Related LiteratureMost of the recent research has focused chiefly on kid maltreatment in households undergoing divorce as compared to the population in general. In one of the surveies of households preferred for kid guidance for detention or ratings, for illustration, there were so many allegations of kid maltreatment leveled against one parent or health professional in at least three quarters of the households, and out of this, about half of the allegations were mentioned irrespective of the societal position or gender of the birth parent involved. The overall rate of confirmat ion for all types of kid maltreatment was the same as for old surveies of the general population, beliing the thought that parents are more likely to do baseless allegations of maltreatment during detention differences. The thought that most child maltreatment instances reported are stemming from households which are falling apart is so true because of the force per unit area and emphasis related to this. In add-on, American households are undergoing a batch of alterations and divorce is taking a toll order on. The statistics has it that about a million people normally undergo divorce and matrimony nullification annually. It is estimated that 40 % to 50 % of grownups will finally disassociate ( Bee, 1992 ) . Including this has a direct consequence, friends and more so kids who bear the whole consequence of kid particularly where kids are subjected to mistreat as a consequence of psychological anguish inflicted on the divorcing parents. This has besides had rippling effects non merely within household members but besides on the society as a whole. Parental disaffection syndrome, nevertheless, is much more serious. It involves the systematic smear by one parent of the other parent and brainwashing of the kid, with the purpose of estranging the kid from the other parent. The parental disaffection syndrome which occurs due to this unfortunate incident will impact the kids adversely. The parent undergoing divorce is mourning a awful loss due to tonss of societal values wish friendly relationships every bit good as economic value loss. This is frequently compounded by the depressions and isolations. The sum of force per unit area may ensue in weakness which can change over to aggression, choler and loss of moral values. The parents manipulate the feelings of a kid hence taking to disaffection of the other parent and this can take to defeats due to depression which increases on the side of a parent hence taking to increased feeling of weakness. This may be manifested by choler and rough intervention towards the other parent and this already is a signifier of kid maltreatment where the psychological science of the kid has been manipulated with the intent of sick motivations of seeking to do the kid hatred another parent. So it is likely a suggestion that this might take to some features in parents that are linked to what kids may be subjected to child maltreatment. Review of culprit features has examined this literature carefully. Some certain traits or features are discussed thoroughly this is because they are really critical to the intervention and care of opprobrious interaction which are in signifier forms. Many of these suggested parent features raises degrees of emphasis and psychological perturbations for illustration depression, mental upsets and physical symptoms or bad parenting schemes.Some grounds vividly high spots parental function which trigger specific illustrations of psychiatric upsets. These features have been found out to hold triggered the parent ‘s attitude towards a kid alteration as they try to concentrate on the jobs which seem to hold inflicted hurting in their lives. So stress will alter the traits which the parent normally portray and may ensue in aggression or choler and in the procedure of spreadi ng these feelings the parent will vent their defeats on the kids and may take to such things like abuse or physical maltreatment like whipping, combustion, pluging etc. This point of position nevertheless has non been so common from the past research and hence can non be relied upon wholly. In one of the rare empirical ratings of conceptual theoretical account of rearing tested a subject mediated theoretical account with a sample of striplings and their parents. It was ab initio hypothesized that rough subject actions would be generated by crude and unequal disciplinary actions or tactics and accomplishments. The findings did uncover that the birth parental subject triggered the relationship between mental emphasis and unequal parental patterns of disciplinary actions. Parental rough behaviour was non found to be major predicator, but indiscipline kids led to parental subject but ne'er to physical maltreatment parenting patterns. The connexion between emphasis and improper parenting was wholly taken over by parental subject. In add-on to measuring uneffective parenting behaviours, the writers encourage careful appraisal of the parent ‘s perceptual experience and effectual reaction to parent-child interactions in understanding opprobrious interactions. This positio n is so important because the society seems to be in full support of kid being subjected to train as a manner of rectifying or modeling them to be responsible grownups in the close hereafter nevertheless this has been misused by the parents largely who are rigorous or who seem to demo the trait of being so rigorous but they over discipline their kids taking to them being abused. So many instances have been reported where parents urgently try to convert other people that they were seeking merely to train their kids but resulted into ugly incidence. This position appears to be existent although it is normally difficult to distinguish the normal subject process and physical kid maltreatment or what standards to utilize while seeking to state the difference between the two. In relation to mistreat, this theoretical account is concerned with placing the assorted interactions among features related to household working, such as kids ‘s get bying attempts, parental attention giving and subject and other household features. Development ecological theoretical account emphasizes the development i.e. kid and parent-characteristics immediate interactive i.e. parenting, parent-child interactive procedures and broader contextual i.e. community, cultural and evolutionary features with child ill-treatment ( Belksy,1993 ) .Hence within this international sphere, child physical maltreatment seems to stand for the interplay among kid, parent and household factors and is some alone likely to be accounted for by some alone single or household features. The civilization seems to take toll in some of the instances where it is normal as per the cultural values to train kids by crushing or subjecting to penalties.These believes are likely to determine the features of the parents as they stick to their believes and therefore even if the subject is overdone, there will be no superciliums raised. In every society the civilization is so diverse and is governed by some sort of regulations and so is hard and complex to reason Culture has a cardinal in indicating it shapes the features of parents who in bend are associated to physical maltreatment of the kids. The findings did uncover that the birth parental subject triggered the relationship between mental emphasis and unequal parental patterns of disciplinary actions. Parental rough behaviour was non found to be major predicator, but indiscipline kids led to parental subject but ne'er to physical maltreatment parenting patterns. The connexion between emphasis and improper parenting was wholly taken over by parental subject. In add-on to measuring uneffective parenting behaviours, the writers encourage careful appraisal of the parent ‘s perceptual experience and effectual reaction to parent-chil d interactions in understanding opprobrious interactions. This position is so important because the society seems to be in full support of kid being subjected to train as a manner of rectifying or modeling them to be responsible grownups in the close hereafter nevertheless this has been misused by the parents largely who are rigorous or who seem to demo the trait of being so rigorous but they over discipline their kids taking to them being abused. So many instances have been reported where parents urgently try to convert other people that they were seeking merely to train their kids but resulted into ugly incidence. This position appears to be existent although it is normally difficult to distinguish the normal subject process and physical kid maltreatment or what standards to utilize while seeking to state the difference between the two.Application Previous Research in Current ProposalThe application of the mentioned old research to the current proposal is so suited because the old research seems to hold thoroughly covered their subjects and there are so many relationships between them for illustration linking civilization and the physical kid maltreatment has been antecedently covered and therefore we can associate the civilization and the parental features. Hence within this international sphere, child physical maltreatment seems to stand for the interplay among kid, parent and household factors and is some alone likely to be accounted for by some alone single or household features. The civilization seems to take toll in some of the instances where it is normal as per the cultural values to train kids by crushing or subjecting to penalties.These believes are likely to determine the features of the parents as they stick to their believes and therefore even if the subject is overdone, there will be no superciliums raised. In every society the civilization is so diverse and is governed by some sort of regulations and so is hard and complex to reason that civil ization has a cardinal in indicating it shapes the features of parents who in bend are associated to physical maltreatment of the kids. The association between emphasis and kid maltreatment has been antecedently covered besides and can be connected with the current research proposal where kid features are related to parental features Relationship between household bickers and kid maltreatment has been antecedently covered and this will be applied in this research proposal since Most of the recent research has focused chiefly on kid maltreatment in households undergoing divorce as compared to the population in general. In one of the surveies of households preferred for kid guidance for detention or ratings, for illustration, there were so many allegations of kid maltreatment leveled against one parent or health professional in at least three quarters of the households, and out of this, about half of the allegations were mentioned irrespective of the societal position or gender of the birth parent involved.How Articles Were FoundThe articles were found by extensively making research in the library on the old related subjects while others were sourced from the cyberspace.Methods and ProceduresResearch DesignResearch design is a beginning of gum that brings the research undertaking together. A design is fundamentally used to propagate the research. To prove the hypothesis, a information file will be created that combines instances from three different Surveys although the studies may differ in a figure of ways, all three will do usage of the Conflict Tactics step in order to acquire informations on features parents have in relation to physical kid maltreatment. All the three instances besides will randomly take health professional or either the male parent or the female parent for the intent of the interview. Hence, in each study instance it is expected that about half of the respondents would either be the male parent or the female parent for whom the referred kid belongs to.ProceduresThe Procedure of carry oning the research will get down by choosing the mark group of the and so the inquiries to be asked are besides formulated followed by the interview being conducted through phones and one on one so the inside informations of the mark group should be thoroughly done.The standards to used in population to pick out the kids to be interviewed on the issue of the physical maltreatment whereby at least one of the kid under 18 who has been populating at place for rather a piece will be selected. All the three studies will use random method of choice this will be followed by analysis of the informations and coming up with the consequences which are used to pull decisions and hence put in authorship.SamplesSampling is the act of taking units illustration communities, states or colleges from a population of involvement so as to be just in generalising the consequences and this is done by analyzing the sample. The samples will be picked establishing on cultural composing, socioeconomic position, and age.This will do the analysis orderly and easier to carry on. The sample will dwell of two parts which are: a composing of people who are of 18 old ages of age based on national chance sample and over who are lawfully married or live togethering with male and female and over-samples of married or live togethering Afro-american.InstrumentsThe instruments that are traveling to be employed in this survey would include the usage of pressmans, computing machines and secondary informations storage like brassy phonograph record. Other instruments would include the usage of phones, reckoners, calendars, tickers, topographic point visible radiations, Umbrellas, Vehicles and composing stuffs.Ethical ConsiderationsEthical issues must be considered while carry oning this survey whereby the sorts of inquiries to be asked should be carefully framed and linguistic communication to be used should non be vulgar. The inquiries to be asked besides should eschew a manner from being personal and the mode in which these inquiries are asked should be polite for the subject of this survey is really sensitive and if words are non right chosen so the survey might be hampered because the respondents will be leery and might keep back some critical information.Internal ValidityIt is ever o f import to bear in head that there are distinguishable respondents in each study, for This can non be like a panel survey in whereby reinter screening of the same respondents is done at three clip points. This is what is referred to as a tendency survey. In this survey, the mark for which Dynamism is being looked into will non be exclusive respondents, but a targeted group such as a small town, school like college, state or a part. Therefore, a valid tendency survey holds the fact that the sample at each given clip point is inclusive of the societal unit at that clip, the best illustration is the three nationally inclusive samples used in this instance for this survey. If for case, the cultural composing of a given society undergoes metabolism over clip, a panel survey following up portion 1 respondents would no longer be inclusive because portion 2 measurings would ne'er right reflect the cultural composing. This is what is called internal cogency i.e. for the survey to be viewed as internally valid it must stand for every composing of a targeted group so that the survey will clearly maneuver off from being reduced to a panel survey hence turning the survey as non valid.External CogencyExternal cogency is about the same as generalizing. Cogency can be defined as the about truth of illations, propositions, or decisions. So, external survey is the grade with which the decision devising is drawn upon in your survey and would appeal for other individuals in other topographic points and at different times. There are two rules on how grounds for a generalisation is provided. The first 1 is called trying theoretical account. In this sampling theoretical account, one starts by placing the population to be generalized. Then, a just sample is drawn from that population and research is conducted with the sample. Finally, since the sample is represents the population, generalisation of consequences can be done automatically back to the population. There are myriad of jo bs associated with this attack one major one is that may be one does non whom the generalisation would be done to. So in this survey external cogency should pull general decision of whether there is relationship between the features of the parents and physical kid maltreatment.MentionsBee, H.L. The journey of maturity. New York: Macmillan, 1992. Belksy, J. ( 1993 ) .Etiology of child mistreatment. A development ecological analysis, Psychological bulletin, vol.114, pp.413-434. Black, D.A. , Heyman, R.E. and Smith-Lap, A.M. ( 2001 ) . Hazard factors for child physical maltreatment. Aggression and violent behaviour, vol. 6, no.2, pp.121-188. Gardner, R.A. Family ratings in kid detention judicial proceeding. Creative Therapeutics. 1982 Straus, M. A. 1979. â€Å" Measuring Interfamily Conflict and Violence: The Conflict Tactics ( CT ) Scales. † Journal of Marriage and the Family 41:75-88 ( revised version in Straus and Gelles, 1990 ) . Wolfe, D. A. ( 1999 ) . Child Maltreatment: D eductions for Child Development and Psychopathology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

The Clouds and the History of Peloponnesian War

Breaking down traditions: The â€Å"Clouds† and the â€Å"History of Peloponnesian War† Undeniably, the ancient Greek society places a heavy emphasis on values and traditions. The two texts of the â€Å"Clouds† by Aristophanes and â€Å"History of the Peloponnesian war† by Thucydides, although contextually divergent, are actually conceptually convergent. Both texts are built around the central theme of the collapse of conventional values. While the breakdown of traditional values in the â€Å"History of the Peloponnesian war† is presented in a more metaphorical and symbolical manner, the downfall of conventional values in the â€Å"Clouds† is on a more direct basis.Although both texts essentially convey across the same solemn message that the relinquishment of traditional values leads to dire consequences, Aristophanes also implicitly challenges the authority of old values, and hopes to improve upon these traditions. The â€Å"Clouds† by Aristophanes is a satirical play primarily concerned with the idea of new and old education. A satire is a composition or prose used to lampoon individuals or society. They usually make use of ridicules and irony for the ostensible purpose of exposing and discouraging vice or folly.In the â€Å"Clouds†, viewers are presented with a breakdown of traditionally accepted moral and ethical values, especially those that are related to education. Aristophanes is a staunch defender of old values. Through the comedy, he wishes to show his support for logical reasoning that is well rounded and grounded in practical experience. Simultaneously, Aristophanes also wants to deliver a message to the theater audiences of fifth century that certain philosophers, particularly the sophists, undermine traditional values and thus pose as a threat to Greek society.However, by deliberately satirizing the traditional model of education with the new model throughout the comedy, Aristophanes subtly suggests his belief that if a traditional system were to be left unexamined, it might lose sight of the convictions and values upon which it was founded. This also shows that Aristophanes believes the importance of criticism in the Athenian society, and that with criticism, a society can be improved upon. In comparison to â€Å"The History of the Peloponnesian War,† there are distinctions between the ways in which traditional values are broken down.In the latter, the Mytilenian debate and the Melian dialogues are based on the war between Athens and its empire against the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta. It is more concerned with the ethics of war and punishments rather than education in â€Å"The Clouds†. Warring sparks are ignited in the light of self-interest, as the Spartans fear the growth of the Athenian power. Many moral judgments, as dire consequences of the wars, are debated upon. There are increasing political and ethical confusions in Athens as a result of the revolt of the Mytilenians and the neutral position take up by the Melians.In the 2nd Mytilenian debate, the Athenians argue over the unprecedented brutality of their actions and some become hesitant about the hurried decision to kill and enslave the citizens of Mytileans. Democracy is an important concept for the Greeks. In Cleon’s speech, however, he begins by questioning the worth of democracy and this instigates a breakdown in the traditional values. â€Å"Personally I have had occasions often enough already to observe that a democracy is incapable of governing others, and I am all the more convinced of this when I see how you are now changing your minds about the Mytilenians. (Thuy 3. 37) Cleon believes that it is part of human nature to revere the strong and take advantage of the weak, and hence he pushes for the punishment of the Mytilenians. In his speech, Cleon also employs the art of rhetoric. He stresses that the Mytilenian are more than guilty and consequentl y deserve the punishment since they are â€Å"calculated aggressors† (Thuy 36. 13). Hence, Cleon suggests that the Mytilenians are not worthy of the Athenian’s sympathy votes. Such a way of argument is a sure fire case of guilt or innocence.Making use of rhetoric devices and compromising the ideals of democracy breach the ideals of traditions in the Greek society. Unlike that in the â€Å"Clouds†, Thucydides does not show any sign of flaws of the traditional values. Although based on different circumstances, the breakdown of traditional values in â€Å"The History of the Peloponnesian war† parallels to that in the â€Å"Clouds†. The â€Å"Clouds† also utilizes extensive use of rhetoric devices. Strepsiades decides to submit to the sophist’s way of education, so that he would be able to defend himself against his creditors.The first sign of erosion of traditional value is exposed when Strepsiades decides to enroll himself in the Thinke ry under the guidance of Socrates. The ability to manipulate language and turn everything into relativism erodes the principles of traditional Athenian beliefs. Indisputably, the new philosophy wins. Sophistry is the type of linguistic device that, in the face of the weakness of traditional beliefs, undermines the value of anything. Strepsiades opines, â€Å"Holy Earth, what a voice! How divine, how awesome, how fantastic! † (363) In which Socrates responds, â€Å"Yes, you know, these are the only real divinities, all the rest is bunkum. (365) In the new system of beliefs as advocated by the sophists, there is a rejection of the traditional religion and a belief in the new â€Å"gods†. The comical way through which ideas are portrayed may be witty, but the core issue lies at the heart of the play's moral indignation at what is happening in Athens. There are possibilities for that life is being systematically corrupted by the seductive power of words, of language itsel f. Language is now a tool of human beings, modified to accommodate human beings' desires, rather than directing those desires.The underlying basis here in the â€Å"Clouds† is a direct correspondence to the ideas as presented in the Mytilenian debate, that traditionally held values are now being gradually eroded in the light of self interest. As we progress on to the rest of the texts, the tension in breaking traditional Greek values further intensifies. This is evident in the â€Å"History of the Peloponnesian War† as we advance to the Melian dialogue. The true colors of human nature are exposed under desperate conditions. The Athenians have now completed the transition from democracy and are fully embracing the epitomes of imperialism.The Athenians, in a frank and matter-of-fact manner, offer the Melians an ultimatum: to surrender and pay tribute to Athens, or be destroyed. The Melian dialogue also opens up morality issues based on destruction of the Melos. Tradition al democratic ideas are fragmented as imperialistic ideas are introduced. â€Å"Our opinion of the gods and our knowledge of men lead us to conclude that it is a general and necessary law of nature to rule whatever one can. † (Thuy 5. 105). Abuses of traditional values are reflected throughout the dialogue as both parties act in the light of their own self-interests.The Athenians make extensive use of rhetorical speeches in an attempt to exert their points and subjugate the Melians. I quote the Athenians, â€Å"You, by giving in, would save yourselves from disaster; we, by not destroying you, would be able to profit from you† (Thuy 5. 93). The use of rhetoric embodies the concept of ethical and moral relativism. It follows the core belief of the sophists that nothing is absolute and men are the measure of everything. The breakdown of traditional values is also intensified and heightened in the â€Å"Clouds†, as presented in the fiery debate between the Right and the Wrong Arguments.The debate is a direct, head on clash of traditional values versus the new ideas. Right's arguments are centered around traditional values such as respect, justice and diligence. On the opposing end, wrong proposes the idea of moral and ethical relativism. This also symbolizes a debate between nomos and physis. Justice is now no longer an inborn characteristic of humanity (physis), but rather a convention invented by the weaker party as a defense against the stronger (nomos) counterpart. Right and wrong are now merely matters of convention. Right: â€Å"Simply by presenting the case for justice†Wrong: â€Å"It’ll crumble as soon as I open my mouth. My position is that there isn’t any such thing as justice† Right: â€Å"No such thing?! † Wrong: â€Å"Well, if there is, where is it to be found? † (901) In the debate, even the Right argument, who is supposed to follow the ideals of tradition, makes use of rhetoric devices. The fundamentals of the traditional Greek society are disintegrated. Also, Pheidippides' final decision to choose the Wrong argument also represents the younger Athenian generation's inclination to modernity and discard of tradition.Although both Aristophanes and Thucydides suggest the idea of the breakdown of traditional values, Aristophanes takes it to a higher level in the â€Å"Clouds†. He acknowledges the faults with traditional values while simultaneously criticizing the use of sophistry. He depicts the Right argument and an embarrassment that utters vacuous statements such as â€Å"Be ashamed when you ought to be ashamed,† (1013). This shows that Aristophanes feels that satire and criticism are no less important than traditions, as they allow the society to morph and flourish.This is different from the â€Å"History of the Peloponnesian War† as Thucydides simply portrays the breakdown of traditional values in a negative light. Nonetheless, both texts end on a similar note. The two writers present to the viewers/readers the dire consequences as results of breaching traditional values. In the context of the â€Å"History of the Peloponnesian War†, the Melians are destroyed. Also, the very next line is history begins with the decline of the Athens and the justifications of the Melos. About the same time the Argives invaded Phliasia and were ambushed by the Phliasians and the exiles from Argos, losing about eighty men. † (Thuy 5. 115) Thucydides presumably wants to show the calamitous consequences of the actions of the Athenians, as a result of going against the traditions. The Athenians are also completely defeated with the Syracusan victory. On the other hand, in the â€Å"Clouds†, we are presented with the protagonists’ (Strepsiades) frustration that leads to destruction at the end of the play. Both texts do not move us beyond their final, unsettling acts.In the case of â€Å"Clouds†, such a paradoxi cal ending to a comedy can be interpreted as an ominous warning. Divergence away from the traditional values may seem ridiculously silly, especially when it is presented in the form of a comedy. However, the consequences are far from amusing. The very fact that there is no choral closure after the burning of the Thinkery suggests that this ending is ironically serious. Despite the genre differences of the texts, they are dissimilar presentations and interpretations of the same theme—the breakdown of traditional Greek values.Both texts show the dire consequences as a result of breaking off from the tradition, and hence suggest the writers’ sense of disapproval. However, as Woody Allen once alleged, â€Å"Tradition is the illusion of permanence† As a society progresses, old traditions are bound to be challenged. Unlike in the â€Å"History of Peloponnesian war†, Aristophanes recognizes the limits of traditional values in the â€Å"Clouds†. While both texts show the grim effects of the breakdown, Aristophanes brings it to a whole new level. Works Cited Aristophanes, and Alan Sommerstein. â€Å"The Clouds† Lysistrata And Other Plays. Penguin Classics, 2002. Print. * Thucydides, and Rex Warner. History of the Peloponnesian War. London, England:Penguin Group, 1972. Print. * Schironi, Francesca. â€Å"Thucydides’ Social Theory (Athenian Plague ; Corcyra); The Melian Dialogue. † Classical Civilization 101 Lecture. Ann Arbor, Michigan. November 8, 2011 * Schironi, Francesca. â€Å"Philosophy, Scientific Enquiry and the Greek Artistic Canon† Classical Civilization 101 Lecture. Ann Arbor, Michigan. November 29, 2011