Is Rosa Parks a True Hero

Rosa Parks-A True Hero A hero is a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Despite what some may argue, Rosa Parks is a perfect example of a Civil rights hero. This can be seen not only through the famous Montgomery Bus ride, but also through other examples where she showed courage, made achievements, or proved herself to have noble qualities. These include: Sparking the Montgomery bus boycott, helping the formation of the MIA, Being directly connected to the Browder versus Gayle lawsuit, Working with Martin Luther King, Featuring on International news, Writing her Autobiography and gaining honors and Awards. In the segregated Montgomery of Dec. 1, 1955, the first 10 rows of a bus where reserved for white riders. As the bus went along its route, more people got on, and the white section of the bus filled up. When another white man boarded, the driver ordered Parks and three blacks seated next to her to move. Park s refused and was arrested.This act of individual resistance, especially in a time where there was lynching for blacks who stepped out of line was rare, especially for a woman. Although it seems insignificant, Parks’ resistance on Dec. 1, 1955 changed the course of history and led to her other major accomplishments, eventually making her an American Hero. 2 Sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks on 1 December 1955, the Montgomery bus boycott was a 13-month mass protest that ended with the U. S. 3 Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses is unconstitutional. It started off, with a one day boycott, where people where asked to stay off the buses.However, On 5 December, 90 percent of Montgomery’s black citizens stayed off the buses. That afternoon, the city’s ministers and leaders met to discuss the possibility of extending the boycott into a long-term campaign. During this meeting the MIA was formed. 3 The Montgomery Improvement Association’s (MIA) role was to oversee the continuation and maintenance of the boycott. The organization’s overall mission, extended beyond the boycott campaign, as it sought to â€Å"improve the general status of Montgomery, to improve race relations, and to uplift the general tenor of the community. 1 King was elected president of the assosiation shortly after the formation. Parks recalled: ‘‘The advantage of having Dr. King as president was that he was so new to Montgomery and to civil rights work that he hadn’t been there long enough to make any strong friends or enemies’’ 4 The bus boycott demonstrated the potential for nonviolent mass protest to successfully challenge racial segregation and served as an example for other southern campaigns that followed.In Stride Toward Freedom, King’s 1958 memoir of the boycott, he declared the real meaning of the Montgomery bus boycott to be the power of a growing self-respect to animate the struggle for civil r ights. 4 That evening, at a mass meeting at Holt Street Baptist Church, the MIA voted to continue the boycott. King spoke to several thousand people at the meeting: ‘‘I want it to be known that we’re going to work with grim and bold determination to gain justice on the buses in this city. And we are not wrong. †¦ If we are wrong, the Supreme Court of this nation is wrong.If we are wrong, the Constitution of the United States is wrong. If we are wrong, God Almighty is wrong’’ 5On the 8th of December, After unsuccessful talks with city commissioners and bus company officials the MIA issued a formal list of demands: courteous treatment by bus operators; first-come, first-served seating for all, with blacks seating from the rear and whites from the front; and black bus operators on predominately black routes. The demands were not met, and Montgomery’s black residents stayed off the buses through 1956, despite efforts by city officials and whi te citizens to defeat the boycott. Although Rosa Parks was not the leader of the MIA, or the leader of the boycott, she was a huge influence on the entire revolt. Rosa was a role model to all of African Americans involved in the Boycott; She was subconsciously the leader of the group; whenever people had enough and wanted to quit, they would think of Rosa Parks who put her life on the line to fight for her rights and for the rights of all those around her. This shows her heroicness, and all of the African Americans of Montgomery saw the hero in Rosa, and it gave them the extra push to help pursue her dream. Shortly after beginning the Montgomery Bus Boycott in December 1955, black community leaders began to discuss filing a federal lawsuit to challenge the City of Montgomery and Alabama bus segregation laws. They sought a declaratory judgment that Alabama state statutes and ordinances of the city of Montgomery providing for and enforcing racial segregation on â€Å"privately† operated buses were in violation of Fourteenth Amendment protections for equal treatment. 2 On the 5th of June 1956, the federal district court ruled in Browder v.Gayle that bus segregation was unconstitutional, and in November 1956 the U. S. Supreme Court affirmed Browder v. Gayle and struck down laws which put an end to segregated seating on public buses. The order to desegregate the buses arrived the following month, it stated: 1. Black and white people could sit wherever they wanted to sit. 2. Bus drivers were to respect all riders. 3. Black people were now allowed to apply for driver positions. 2 On the 21st of December 1956 King officially called for the end of the boycott ; the community agreed.The next morning, he boarded an integrated bus with Ralph Abernathy, E. D. Nixon, anz d Glenn Smiley. King said of the bus boycott: ‘‘We came to see that, in the long run, it is more honorable to walk in dignity than ride in humiliation. So †¦ we decided to substitute tired feet for tired souls, and walk the streets of Montgomery’’ 5 King also stated, looking back upon the Boycott: ‘‘the Negro citizen in Montgomery is respected in a way that he never was before’’5 Although MLK emerged the hero, the credit is also merited by others, in particular Rosa Parks. King and Rosa became national ? ures during the boycott, and the MIA’s tactics became a model for the many civil rights protests to follow. Re? ecting on his the experience with MIA, King said: ‘‘I will never forget Montgomery, for how can one forget a group of people who took their passionate yearnings and deep aspirations and ? ltered them into their own souls and fashioned them into a creative protest, which gave meaning to people and gave inspiration to individuals all over the nation and all over the world’’ 3 The desegregation of the bus’s affected everyone’s life’s in Montgomery and gave them hope.Rosa was present throughout the boycott and spread her noble qualities, giving hope and courage, she worked hand in hand with MLK throughout the boycott, but was often in his shadows. Throughout the Boycott, Rosa often appeared on national news, this not only helped to spread her ideas, hope and wisdom to the rest of the world, but it also risked her life even more. National coverage of the boycott and King’s trial resulted in support from people outside Montgomery. In early 1956 veteran pacifists Bayard Rustin and Glenn E.Smiley visited Montgomery and offered King advice on the application of Gandhian techniques and nonviolence to American race relations. Rustin, Ella Baker, and Stanley Levison founded In Friendship to raise funds in the North for southern civil rights efforts, including the bus boycott. King absorbed ideas from these proponents of nonviolent direct action and crafted his own syntheses of Gandhian principles of nonviolence. He said: ‘‘Christ showed us the way, and Gandhi in India showed it could work’’ 7Other followers of Gandhian ideas such as Richard Gregg, William Stuart Nelson, and Homer Jack wrote the MIA offering support.Rosa made her image public which turned even more people against her. Risking her life for the benefit of other is truly heroic qualities hat you cannot find in many. Despite the previous facts proving Rosa Parks to be a hero, many still argue that she is not. It can be said that Rosa Parks had planned her act of Defiance to â€Å"spark† the Montgomery bus boycott. The evidence given to support this idea is: first, parks had long been a member of the local NAACP and had been involved in a case of the very same nature in an incident that happened on March 2, 1955, a full nine months before Mrs.Parks arrest. ; Secondly, she was not the first African American to refuse to give up her seat (there where in fact several examples dating from just a couple years earlier) 8 so why wou ld the NAACP suddenly act upon Rosa? And lastly, the speed in which the boycott was enacted and that the NAACP was ready for court is proof that it was a planned event. The historians who argue this case cause confusion and doubt: she the hero that she has been made out to be? Is the result of her actions any less important if it had been a planned action, instead of the spontaneous decision of one woman â€Å"tired of iving in†? The answer in No, Rosa is know for her spontaneous act of resistance, nevertheless, could this theory be one day proven true, it wouldn’t make any less a hero of her. Proof of her heroicness can be seen through her autobiography My Story was written and published in 1992 by Rosa Parks herself. The book told the story of Rosa's life leading up to the day she got on that bus and decided that she was not giving up her seat. Rosa later published another book called Quiet Strength, which described her faith and how it helped her on her journey thro ugh life.This allowed her to spread her ideas and feelings to people who look up to her. 4 In addition to her book, she has been recognized for many honors and awards:in the late 1900’s, the NAACP awarded Rosa Parks the Spingarn Medal, their highest honor and the Martin Luther King Jr. Award. In September of 1992, she was awarded the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience award for her years of community service and lifelong commitment to social change through non-violent means and civil rights. In 1996, Rosa Parks was presented, by President Bill Clinton, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian by the United States Government. In 1998, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center presented Rosa Parks with the International Freedom Conductor Award. In 1999, she was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal, later that year she was awarded the Detroit-Windsor International Freedom Festival Freedom Award. In 1999, T ime Magazine named Rosa Parks as one of the 20 most powerful and influential figures of the century.In 2000, the State of Alabama awarded her the Governor's Medal of Honor for Extraordinary Courage. She also received the Alabama Academy Award the same year. 7 During her lifetime, Rosa Parks was awarded more than two dozen honorary doctorates from universities worldwide. She was also inducted as an honorary member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Rosa Parks, along with Elaine Eason Steel, started the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development in February of 1987. The Institute was developed in honor of Rosa's husband, Raymond Parks who had died in 1977 of cancer. The Institute's main function is to run the â€Å"Pathways to Freedom† bus tours, which take young people around the country to visit historical sites along the Underground Railroad and to important locations of events in Civil Rights history. 7 Three days after her death in October of 2005, The House of Representative and the United States Senate approved a resolution to allow Rosa Parks' body to be viewed in the U. S. Capitol Rotunda. Rosa was the first woman, and the second black person to ever have the honor of lying in state in the Nations capitol.Lastly, On the first anniversary of her death, President George W. Bush ordered a statue of Parks to be placed in the National Statuary Hall in Washington, D. C. When signing this resolution, President Bush stated: â€Å"By placing her statue in the heart of the nation's Capitol, we commemorate her work for a more perfect union, and we commit ourselves to continue to struggle for justice for every American. â€Å"3 Her worldwide recognition for her tremendous impact on the world can be easily seen through just her awards ranging from the late 1900’s to far after her death.Although Rosa is no longer here, her legend will live on forever and since the rest of the civil rights movement stemmed from what became known as the Montg omery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks is known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Her act of individual resistance is one of seminal events in the civil rights movement. Parks' made her heroic stand in an atmosphere of lynchings for blacks who stepped out of line, putting her at great risk. Her actions changed the course of history and made her an American icon. ince the rest of the civil rights movement stemmed from what became known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks is known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Works Cted Page Adamson, Lynda G. Notable Women in American History: A Guide to Recommended Biographies and Autobiographies. Westport: Greenwood, 1999. Print. [ ]   Bennett, Lerone Jr. What Barbershop Didn't Tell You about Rosa Parks. Vol. 58. N. p. : Ebony, 2003. Print. [ ]   Chappell, Kevin. Remebering Rosa Parks: The Life and Legacy of ‘The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement' Vol. 61. N. p. : Ebony, 2006.Print. Small, Caroline M. â€Å"Rosa Pa rks. † Guide To Literary Masters ; Their Works (2007): 1. Literary Reference Center. Web. 9 Apr. 2013. [ ]   Ã¢â‚¬Å"The History Lesson from Rosa Parks; A Single Act of Responsibility Changes a Nation's Heart. † The Washington Times [Washington D. C] 31 Oct. 2005: n. pag. Print. â€Å"The Rebellious Life Of Mrs. Rosa Parks. † Booklist 109. 6 (2012): 4. Literary Reference Center. Web. 9 Apr. 2013. [ ]   Holmes, Tamara E. Mother of Civil Rights Hands Down Her Legacy: Rosa Parks Gave Birth to a Movement and Set the Bar for Future Generations. Vol. 36. N. p. Black Enterprise, 2006. Print. Huso, Deborah. Sitting Down to Take a Stand: Rosa Parks' Actions Advanced the Fight for Civil Rights. N. p. : Sucess, 2011. Print. ——————————————– [ 2 ]. 3 The History Lesson [ 4 ]. 1 Adamson, Lynda [ 5 ]. 4 Parks, Rosa [ 7 ]. 5 The Rebelious Life [ 8 ]. 3 The History Lesson [ 9 ]. 6 Huso,Deborah [ 11 ]. 2 Chappell, Kevin [ 12 ]. 5 The Rebellious Life [ 13 ]. 5 [ 14 ]. 3 The History Lesson [ 15 ]. 7 Tamara, Holmes [ 16 ]. 8 Lerone Bennett [ 17 ]. 4 Parks,Rosa [ 18 ]. 7 Tamara, Holmes [ 19 ]. 8 Lerone Bennett [ 21 ]. 3 The History Lesson

Corporate Strategy: British American Tobacco

British American tobacco is one of the world’s renowned multinational organizations that has managed to create a strong corporate brand name and has through various products across the many markets created strong product brands. The success of the company can be attributed to many individual factors though all of them condense to form the company’s strategic corporate policy.A corporate strategy can be said to be a culmination of all the other strategies such as marketing, expansion, etc integrated into one with the single goal of achieving the company’s mission, vision and objectives.The corporate strategy adopted by any organization thus gives a general direction of where the company is headed in the long term and in the near future. In this paper, we discuss the corporate strategy adopted by British American Tobacco since the year 2003. Specifically the paper discusses the initiatives adopted by the company in recent times and compares them to theoretical mode ls proposed by modern management experts and learned in class.In addition the paper looks the company’s environment in terms of competition and proposes additional models and theories that the company can adopt in the face of increasing awareness of corporate social responsibility and anti-smoking legislation.Company overview The parent company is located in the UK with 47 other factories operating outside the UK spread out globally in 40 countries. There are also associate companies with a global presence. Its tobacco products are sold in over 180 countries with varying market shares with the highest being over 50%.The company employs over 3. 5 million people globally. According to the 2007 financial year report, the company has other 16 associate factories in 10 countries. Globally, according to the company’s website, it enjoys over 17% dominance in the market and over 60% in the UK market through its various brands. The company has over 300 brands in its portfolio a nd among the major product brands in the global market are Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Kent, and Pall Mall.This paper discusses BAT’s corporate strategy and looks at how its strategy has positioned it in the market in reference to the prevailing business environment and competition. Vision statement: â€Å"Our vision is to lead the tobacco industry through growth, productivity and responsibility†. This is further expounded by the company’s goals generalized as â€Å"Our goals are to grow our brands and the value of the business, to improve productivity and to embed the principles of corporate responsibility around the Group†. Mission statement:Our goal is to create long term value for our shareholders by consistent achieving of superior quality returns from the manufacture and marketing of tobacco products and to remain the world’s leading tobacco company as measured by market share, by commitment to quality, and by our own ability to meet the needs and interests of our customers, our employees and the communities in which we operate in. The company’s growth strategy has four main pillars which were unveiled in 1995 as growth, productivity, responsibility and winning organization.In the path of growth the company has utilized several strategies that we can attributed to the success of the company in the journey towards achieving its goal. Over the past five years for example, the goal of increasing shareholder value was most exemplified with the increase in investment returns by 294% according to the current company CEO, Paul Adams. By combination these specific company values with the company’s goals, we get an idea of where the company is headed to. As of the company’s annual report of 2007 presented in November revenue was ?7,312m representing a 1% increase from the previous year’s and profit from operations was? 2,304m representing a 19% rise form the previous financial year. To achieve this and the company’s long-term objectives and other endeavors the company has visualized a growth path that will seemingly keep in on the way to achieving its vision. Again, the fact that there is empirical evidence of the success of the company as shown by the increase in investors returns in the last five years, there are specific strategies that this paper discusses as the drivers behind the implementation of the company’s strategy.According to the report from the Guardian newspaper the growth of the company’s stock market performance is as shown below (Obtained from http://www. guardian. co. uk/business/britishamericantobacco) Strategic fit of the company Drucker (2008) defines strategic fit as the matching of the mission strategies of an organization to its internal structure and external environment. In this context, we limit our study of the company to corporate social responsibility, strategic alliances and mergers and acquisitions and look at how they have played the role in achieving the company’s set goals mission and vision.Strategic alliances In the business world, alliances are either formed by competitors or complimentary industry in order for the involved companies to strengthen their position in the market or achieve some common objective such as fighting competition and reducing costs. As such, BAT has been using its international presence to forge alliances with a number of players in the tobacco industry in various markets. In the recent past BAT entered into an agreement with one of its competitors, Phillip Morris International to manufacture and distribute some of the company’s brands in specific markets.On another case, BAT has entered into agreement with Imperial Tobacco to manufacture and distribute some of Imperial’s brands in Africa such as Embassy brand. Such alliances have enabled the involved partners to concentrate their efforts in specific markets while at the same time having their bands represen ted. Though this idea may seemingly appear to be benefiting Imperial Tobacco only, it on the other hand helps BAT to fully employ its resources in such markets. Mergers and acquisitionsEarlier this year the company acquired Danish conglomerate Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni (ST) for? 2. 01bn. This is in addition to the taking over of another Turkish manufacturing company, Telkel for ? 860m. Now, such acquisitions are meant to expand the operations of the country and presence in the global tobacco market. Currently holding 15% of the total global market, the vision of becoming the global leader in the manufacture of tobacco products looks achievable.According to the company vision as to lead the tobacco industry through growth, productivity and responsibility, the idea of forming mergers and acquiring already existing companies in new markets not only indicates the financial strength of the company but the ability of the management to identify potential growth opportunities in making of such decisions.The acquisition of ST was according to the company’s CEO made in order to acquire a new market segment of the non smoking market as oral tobacco, Fielder & Lundgren owned by ST. This non-smoking tobacco is aimed to be introduced into markets where there are strict regulations.This comes in the wake of increased pressure from health organization bodies calling on the restriction or total banning of smoking in certain areas. Therefore, the company is strategically positioning itself in the non-smoking market by acquiring already established brands in the market with strong brand names and subsequent strong brand equity.Corporate responsibility In October this year, BAT was included among the top leaders in the field of corporate responsibility reporting by a leading corporate social responsibility consultancy firm, Salter Baxter, a move that has received a lot of criticism.The company still insists that its inclusion in the list is in recognition of its strong p olices in corporate social responsibility as spelt out in the company’s corporate ideals of operating responsibly. Michael Prideaux, the company’s director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs says that â€Å"If a business is managing products which pose health risks, it is all the more important that it does so responsibly†. BAT’s corporate responsibility agenda is articulated in three directions as environmental management, globalization and human rights and regulation and lobbying.Similarly, the company’s health and science department is involved in researching into the development of less harmful products. This is most necessary as health reports have continuously highlighted the dangers of smoking and the devastating effects it has on non smokers through second hand smoke. According to the World Health Organization report on global smoking released earlier this year, it showed that the number of smoke related deaths in the US alone for 2007 wer e in excess of half a million.When faced such glaring facts, the company has had to give its fair contribution in educating the public and more so warn their target market of the dangers of consuming their products. Through as ironical as may seem, BAT has gone ahead and introduced a science website http://www. bat. com/science that delves into research findings on the dangers of smoking and related issues. Again the company has complied with stringent regulatory measures put in place to protect the public from exploitation by players in this industry such as BAT. PEST analysisThis analysis seeks to identify the political, economic, socio-cultural and technological factors affecting a given company in this case BAT. Political This pertains to how the company is structured in order to comply with the government policy in the country of operation. Given that BAT is a multinational company with its brands in about 190 countries, it has had to comply with diverse government polices that have varying effect on the operations of the company. Its operations in Russia are at the moment facing a great threat after being targeted by the country's consumer rights agency, Rospotrebnadzor.Early September this year, Gennady Onishchenko, director of Rospotrebnadzor accused BAT of â€Å"misleading consumers† and infringing on their rights on the basis that the company was marketing its products as less harmful specifically targeting the light and super light brands. This is just one of the many political challenges that the company facing.Other instances that are worth highlighting the tough taxes imposed on tobacco and tobacco products in many countries. Economic factors The company operates generally in large scale to produced around 850 billion cigarettes a year among other tobacco products.Economics of scale have thus favored the company and contributed greatly in achieving the growth that the company desires. In addition to this, presence of the company in many ma rkets cushions the company from making losses in case of decreased sales in on market that may be caused by a variety of factors.Socio-cultural factors The culture of smoking as a fashion statement is the greatest driver in sales for tobacco companies in general. Unfortunately, the same idea is being used in campaigning against smoking which is greatly affecting sales for BAT and other tobacco based companies.On the other hand, there are some traditional believes and practices that profess the goodness in smoking of unprocessed tobacco leaves thereby denying the industry a huge chunk of the market. Technologic factors A lot of research is being directed towards analyzing the harm of tobacco and more so tobacco smoke.As such BAT and players in the tobacco industry are constantly faced with the challenge of improving their manufacturing and processing units in order to comply with the requirements of reducing the harmful content of tobacco. SWOT analysis This test seeks to analyze the external and internal environment of BAT.It is one of the methods that Drucker (2008) proposes for analyzing organizations.StrengthsStrong leadership and planning has enabled BAT to recognize threats and thereby partnering with other players for mutual benefit. This as aspect as a strength has been the driving force behind the strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions as discussed earlier.BAT recognizes that â€Å"customer is king† through market research and subsequent product innovation to identify the selling trend in the market.BAT as a group has interests covering different regions and categories thereby enabling it to have more stable cash flow prospects.It has a portfolio of brands meeting demands for upscale, mid-scale and economy tobacco consumers covering a wider market segment.International experience; diversified portfolio, great locations for major factories in tobacco producing regions and superior quality products also make count as some strengths of the c ompany.WeaknessesThe company has failed to alienate itself from the legal tussles pertaining to smokers suing the company for damages obtained from consumption of the company’s products. BAT has suffered a lot legal battles in courts where the company has been forced to compensate consumers for damages. As such the company has become an easy target for legal â€Å"bounty hunters†.Its presence in many markets presents a management challenge in that a lot of resources are utilized in the harmonization of organization’s policies and strategies.OpportunitiesWith BAT’s experience in operations, there are numerous opportunities in spreading operations over in new markets such as the most recent one targeting the Scandinavian market.As a dominant brand in the UK market, BAT has the opportunity of influencing the market to have benefit through strategic decisions such as being the price setter.The company’s experience in research and development of less ha rmful tobacco products presents the company with an opportunity to market her brands as the less harmful alternative to relatively harmful brands in the market.ThreatsThe tobacco industry is faced with strict environmental laws which increase costs of production and impact on the general productivity of the players.The increased awareness on the dangers of smoking may lead to contraction of the market for the industry.Increased deaths and illnesses from tobacco use are rapidly decreasing the market for the industry.A report by the Guardian says of BAT â€Å"it needs to recruit at least 750,000 new smokers each year to replace the ones who have died from their habit (smoking)†.Political uncertainties in foreign markets are forcing BAT to with draw operations such as in North Korea and Burma where the company has already withdrawn from the markets. Competitor analysis There are two main competitors for BAT in the UK market: Gallaher Group and Imperial Tobacco Gallaher Group It is the fourth largest manufacturer of tobacco products in the global market. It has its headquarters in Switzerland and it operates in 80 countries around the world.The company owns Benson & Hedges and Silk Cut Cigarettes brands among many others. The company reported a 5. 0% increase in net sales as of 2006 to stand at ? 2. 74 billion. In this market it faces competes with BAT and Imperial Tobacco. Due to stiff competition in the UK market, its share volume in the market has been on a decline while its international operations are on the rise. In 2006, it distributed over 18. 8 billion cigarettes in the UK market. Imperial Tobacco The company has its headquarters in Bristol and is second to BAT in the UK market and fourth in the global tobacco market.The company prides itself in top of the range brands and is has the best two selling brands in the UK as Lambert and Butler and Richmond. Other brands in the market are Embassy, Escort, Camel, Drum, Windsor Blue etc. It dominates the f ine cut market with a market share of about 63% as of last year. The company reported net revenue of ? 8. 69 billion for the 2007/08 financial year with increase in profits in excess of 30%. The company has adopted a corporate strategy very similar to BAT and thus poses the greatest threat in the market.It recognizes its core objectives as sales development, cost optimization and efficiency improvements and effective cash management. Success or failure of these strategies is further evaluated through key performance indicators which have been identified as earnings per share, total shareholder returns, cash conversion rate, cigarette market share, volumes, operating margin and productivity. The company’s shareholder returns have increased by 106% in the last three years surpassing FTSE expectations by 74%. Its growth path according to the company’s official website is as below.The growth in financial strength o the company and the ability to gain investor confidence sh ows that the company is set to offer even more competition to BAT. Comparing this growth path with that of BAT, then it will be probably a matter of time before BAT loses out its market position in the UK.The future of BAT The prevailing economic crisis is presenting financial and management problems to many businesses. The ability to survive the crisis and move on will be used greatly assess the strength of many businesses and indicate investor and consumer confidence levels. As it is, the current situation for BAT is not promising.The company is being accused of targeting the youth in their marketing efforts and thereby losing consumer confidence and criticism from various quarters. Negative reports such â€Å"as BAT's main product, cigarettes, is so deadly that just to maintain its 15% global market share, it needs to recruit at least 750,000 new smokers each year to replace the ones who have died from their habit† carried in the Guardian do not do any good to the company. This was in addition to being accused of targeting teenagers in international markets such as Nigeria and Brazil. Therefore, it would seem that the company has to reconsider its marketing strategies.Developing a new marketing strategy and adopting strategic means to â€Å"sanitize† the corporate brand name will prove essential in the way forward in markets where the company is losing ground and facing criticism. Again, the company has not been according to accusations very keen on following some of the rules and regulations governing the tobacco market in different markets. Other concerns for BAT affect the whole industry. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been spearheading the fight for tobacco use citing the numerous health problems and deaths emanating from the habit.In 2007, claimed that if the current smoking trend continues, the world will contend with 10 million deaths annually as a result of tobacco use. In addition WHO reports that smoking causes 61% of all TB illnesses globally (Hooper, 2004). Companies such as BAT again have been forced to limit their marketing strategies by regulation such as the banning of public advertisement of cigarettes or romanticizing or fashioning smoking in any manner.Works cited Drucker, P. , Management, Transaction Publishers, Birmingham, 2008, p. 286, 456 Elion, S., Management strategies: a critique of theories and practices, Kluwer Academic, London, 1999, pp. 212 Robinoof, M. , Ending the tobacco holocaust, Elite Books, London, 2007 Hooper, M. , Tobacco industry: Do ads and new products still target teens? Congressional Quarterly, CQ Press, London, 2004.The Guardian http://www. guardian. co. uk/commentisfree/2007/apr/26/smokeandmirrors Additional information on the above obtained from Official BAT website http://www. bat. com/ Official Gallaher Group website at, http://ir. gallaher-group. com/ Official Imperial Tobacco website at, http://www. imperial-tobacco. com/.

Why was Hitler able to dominate Germany by 1934?

The S. A. was, essentially, the private army of the NSDAP. During the years of endemic violence in Germany after its defeat in the First World War until 1925, and again after 1930, after the prosperity brought by the Young plan evaporated with the Wall Street Crash of October 1929, such private armies were commonplace, and indeed necessary. Many members of the S. A. had come out of the defeated German army, and were in effect mercenary thugs. The principal attraction of the S. A. to many of its members was not the political ideology of the party for which it worked (although a great many of them were probably Nazi sympathizers), but rather its pomp, regalia and display (the S. A. wore the uniform of the defeated German army, evoking patriotic spirit among both its members and the general public), which were used to great effect to boost party membership (indeed, this was one of the main aims of the S. A.) and to attract new sympathizers. The main job of the S. A. was to provide security for the Nazi party, particularly at its rallies, which could easily have been ruined with the presence of a few hardcore opposition supporters intent on causing damage to their political enemies; equally, the S. A. was designed to disrupt the meetings of opposition parties, and to attack (physically, rather than verbally) their politicians, and, particularly when the Nazis were in power, the Jews. The S. A. offered stability to its members, in a time at which unemployment was astronomically high; it also gave a sense of purpose to its more politically motivated members, who may well have felt that they were fighting for the good of the Fatherland. Indeed, the ideologies of members of the S. A. varied widely, from the nationalist conservatives in the army whose views verged on the fascist, to those with strong socialist sympathies, such as Rohm, the leader of the S. A. until the ‘Night of the Long Knives' in June 1934. b. Explain the reasons why the Wall Street Crash was important to the success of the Nazis after 1929. The main effect of the Wall Street Crash of October 1929 on the politics of Germany was the polarization of political opinion that it caused. The Crash caused the United States to recall the loans that it had made to Germany (and to other European powers, although they were less badly affected than Germany because they owed less money to the US, as Germany was being rebuilt almost entirely with US money after the war), thus causing economic chaos. A banking crisis led to a sharp drop in spending, causing businesses to go bankrupt, and thus causing mass unemployment. The people that lost out the most were the middle classes, as the very rich had enough money that they could get by easily, and the poor were mostly agricultural workers, who could survive by subsistence farming and selling their goods, which were essential to everyone. Almost all of the more enthusiastic supporters of the democratic Weimar republic also came from the middle classes, and with the collapse in their way of life caused by the Wall Street Crash and subsequent financial crisis in Germany, the government inevitably shouldered much of the blame. With most of the government's support having evaporated, people inevitably looked to alternative systems of rule – principally those at almost diametrically opposite ends of the spectrum: the nationalist ultra-conservative Nazi party, who promised to sort out the country, and the Communists and Socialists (Russia had been unaffected by the Wall Street Crash, owing to the fact that private ownership of land – and thus the mortgages upon which people in Germany had to default – was forbidden). It is worth remembering that the Nazi party was not the only party to which people turned in the times of hardship after the Wall Street Crash. While the support for Weimar universally collapsed, both the Communists and Nazis gained seats in the September 1930 Reichstag elections (although the Nazis did so in far greater quantity – their number of seats rose by 983% in the elections, as opposed to the Communists' relatively meagre forty-three percent rise). However, it is certain that this huge rise in popularity was caused, for the most part, by the middle classes deserting Weimar, and giving their support to the Nazi Party, which was, after all, far more respectable than the Communist Party. So convinced were many industrialists (notably the Thyssen and Schnitzler families) by Hitler's anti-communist promises that they gave large sums of money to the Nazi party, a fact which demonstrates the respect given to the Nazi Party by many people held in high regard. While the Wall Street Crash was a principal factor in the rise of the Nazi party, it was by no means the only one. The death in October 1929 of Gustav Stresemann, the extremely able Chancellor, struck another blow to the Weimar government, contributing to its loss of popular confidence. He was succeeded by Brunning, who imposed a rigorous economic policy of cuts, enforced by presidential decree from the aging von Hindenburg, which, although they may have been a possible solution to the economic problems of Germany, were deeply unpopular, and meant that still fewer middle class people supported the democratic system of government. His foreign policy, however, was remarkably similar to Hitler's – he talked of remilitarizing the Rhineland, and even of Anschluss with Austria. The blaming of the Communists and consequent elimination of opposition in the next elections after the Reichstag fire was also an extremely important factor in the NSDAP's gaining a majority in the Reichstag and thus eventual power, with Hitler as Chancellor. The Wall Street Crash was thus important to the rise of the Nazi party after 1929 because it resulted in an economic crisis in Germany, which precipitated a loss of confidence in the Weimar government from the middle classes. The hard times in Germany led to political polarization, and, while the Nazis were not the only beneficiaries of this, they certainly received a boost in their levels of support. However, it was not the only reason for their rise to power – the Reichstag fire and thus the elimination of opposition to the Nazi party, and before that, the death of Stresemann, both contributed to the NSDAP's rise to power.

Hantavirus: National Park Service and Popular Camping Site

Hantavirus It seems that the there has been an outbreak of a rare, deadly virus called the Hantavirus in Yosemite National Park. According to the article, there has been an outbreak of hantavirus infections in Curry Village, a popular camping site in Yosemite, and that two people have already died from it. However, this isn’t the first time the hantavirus has spread. In 1993, the virus had been first discovered when a terrifying outbreak unfolded in the Four Corners Area of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.The fatality rate was incredibly high—killing about half the people it infected. But, what exactly is the Hantavirus? The Hantavirus causes a disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can kill an infected within just 10 days. Researchers have learned that the hantavirus is spread by the wastes and saliva of deer mice, whose population in Yosemite is bigger than usual this year.Over the 20 years since the virus has been discovered, experts have been ab le to learn more about the disease thus making them better at saving lives, but not that much better. Currently, there is no official cure. With that being said, I believe that this article was published to alert people about the hantavirus. It’s obvious that the hantavirus is extremely fatal and sneaky, for its symptoms are similar to those of harmless illnesses. People need to be notified to be cautious of their health.It might be in Yosemite for now, but modern technology gives us humans the ability to travel great distances. Although there has been a recent outbreak, I do not think the hantavirus is or will ever be an epidemic. This is because I think that us humans are more than capable to stop the spread of this virus. I remember reading about the SARS outbreak that originated in China a couple of years ago. The CDC and the World Health Organization were immediately put into action as soon as it was found to have hit North America.Flights were grounded, travel within bo rders was locked, and only around 40 people died in the entire continent. Also, I believe that this is the way we can fix this problem, almost like how they fixed the SARS outbreak. We should restrict travel to and from Yosemite so that the spread radius is minimized. Then, we should thoroughly study the virus and develop a cure. Unlike SARS, the cause of hantavirus infections is no longer a mystery. I believe that experts can cure the virus in just a few weeks if this is process is followed.

Discuss the early life experiences of both Frankenstein Essay

   Shortly after returning from Ingolstadt, Elizabeth developed Scarlet fever. Victor’s mother cared for Elizabeth and nursed her back to health. But she also developed scarlet fever and died. The death of his mother affected Victor Frankenstein intensely, and it was one of the main reasons why Frankenstein started to develop a being â€Å"Invulnerable to none but a violent death. † â€Å"When his mother died he was devastated, his initial grief and disbelief gave way to a determination and an aim in life, which was to find out a new life form that would be stronger and smarter and would not die from disease. â€Å"- Andrew Prothero Victor Frankenstein had a particularly good upbringing. â€Å"No Human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. â€Å"The opposite is true about the creature. The early life experiences of the Creature The Creature was ‘born’ as a result of Victor Frankenstein’s quest to create a being that couldn’t die. Frankenstein had left the Creature, and had gone to bed, but the Creature came to visit Victor Frankenstein in the night. â€Å"I beheld the wretch, the miserable monster which I had created. † The creature was so large and physically revolting that when it was ‘born’ Frankenstein was terrified and fled. â€Å"Breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. † The Creature first has contact with Humans when He is thrown out of a town. â€Å"The whole village was roused; some fled, some attacked me, until, grievously bruised by stones and many other kinds of missile weapons, I escaped to the open country. † The Creature wanders the woods, freezing cold until He finds a fire. The Creature was intrigued by it’s warmth and â€Å"thrust [His] hand into the live embers. † The creature learns to talk by eavesdropping on the De Laceys and talks to De Lacey, who is Blind. â€Å"I knocked. â€Å"Who is there? † said the old man-â€Å"Come in† I entered; â€Å"Pardon this intrusion,† said I â€Å"I am a traveller in want of a little rest; you would greatly oblige me if you would allow to remain a few minutes before the fire. † ‘ â€Å"Enter,† said DeLacy; â€Å"And I will try in what manner I can relieve your wants, but, unfortunately, my children are from home, and, as I am blind, I am afraid I shall find it difficult to procure food for you. † ‘ â€Å"Do not trouble yourself, my kind host, I have food; it is warmth and rest only that I need. † The Creature also reads Paradise lost and Sorrows of Werter The Creator learns of his creator and the way in which he was created by reading Frankenstein’s journal. The Creature has no contact with the opposite sex, although Frankenstein starts to create a female partner for the Creature. â€Å"A turning point for both characters is when they meet and the creature requests for a companion. He goes to Frankenstein and demands a companion. ‘You must create a female for me, with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my beingi , this is a very reasonable statement in many ways, and one main argument would be that he is alone in the world with no one like him. † – Andrew Prothero. When Frankenstein changes his mind and smashes it, the Creature is deeply upset. The Creature has no friends, being â€Å"too horrible for human eyes† and learns to expect Ill- treatment. â€Å"I expected this reception,’ said the daemon. † The Creature lives in the forest and icy caves, a â€Å"hovel† and a â€Å"kennel. † â€Å"[I] fearfully took refuge in a low hovel, quite bare, and making a wretched appearance after the palaces that I had beheld in the village. This hovel, however joined a cottage of a neat and pleasant appearance; but, after my late dearly bought experience, I dared not enter it. My place of refuge was constructed of wood, but so low that could, with difficulty sit upright in it. † Conclusion Robert Winston has said, â€Å"Nurture counts more than nature. † I consider this to be true for the Creature, who is driven to commit His crimes through deprivation, neglect, and vicious persecution from Frankenstein and other townspeople, who in the 1700s would have treated the Creature as a freak. The Creature wasn’t educated in moral values, and so it didn’t know that it was wrong to commit the crimes that he committed. I believe that in Frankenstein’s case, He was nurtured in the very best way possible. His parents were â€Å"Possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. † But it was in his Nature to strive for knowledge and to experiment. When the Creature was ‘born’, Frankenstein was an extremely poor parent and had none of the skills required to be a good parent. I feel almost no sympathy for Frankenstein, as He was unable to face up to his responsibilities once he had become a ‘father’ to this creature. # â€Å"The character of Frankenstein is not portrayed as evil, he is selfish and single minded in his pursuit to create perfection. He does not consider the implications of his dangerous experiments or believe that anything could possibly go wrong, his intentions he believed were good. Horrified at his failure and unable to accept what has happened he runs away from the problem, he is too vain to admit that what he has done is wrong. â€Å"- Andrew Prothero. I definitely feel more sympathy for the Creature, who has a desolate, lonely life. His crimes are forgivable, for he wasn’t educated in moral values. His actions were the result of extreme poverty and deprivation and ill- parenting. â€Å"The creature does not show his evil side until he has won the sympathy of the reader from his constant rejection and desperate need for love, he is shown to be highly intelligent and extremely sensitive to the feelings of the people that he has observed. † – Andrew Prothero I think this is how Shelley wanted us to feel. The early life experiences of the Creature and Frankenstein couldn’t be more different. † The ‘perfect’ baby is not just the product of its genes. It’s more the result of good nutrition, education, healthcare – and love† – Robert Winston.

Introdcutory for protfolio Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Introdcutory for protfolio - Essay Example The most important tutor who had influenced my English skills a lot is the Dictionary. It helped me immensely in my first assignment. It is not only my tutor but also my best friend. Whenever I have trouble in reading, it is always there to help me in understanding word by word in the context and even translate these words to my first language. So, I can understand the meaning of the articles, which I read, more easily. Furthermore, the most significant work it has done to me is pointing out the correct words which I require in my writing. Because of it, I am able to express my viewpoints more clear and explicit with elegant sentences. When I got my second essay assignment, I was out of any idea and information to write. I had never touched the area of political cheating. I could see that the evil of despair waving to me and calling me to its dark world. Fortunately, my heroic tutor came out from its digital kingdom and slew this evil. It is called the Search Engine. It can quickly find the information I want because it had broad connections to many experts all over the world. Mr. Engine is also like a history teacher. It knows all news that happened in the past. Therefore, I was able to get the information about politicians’ cheat. In addition, when I had difficulty using the citation into my essay, it provided me with many different citation styles and taught me about how to use them. It is definitely a great tutor when I need a fast source and instant live teaching for my writing. The last tutor that facilitated me is the father of Search Engine and is called the Library. It was the one which made me competent enough to finish my myth essay. It is old and slow but it has more knowledge than its son. It can explain things in specific detail. Because of Library’s support, I learned a lot of information about myth of horoscopes. It told me about who the ancestor of horoscopes was and why it was not true. Library also has taught me that writing a

What causes regime change Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

What causes regime change - Research Paper Example South Korea and Taiwan are some of the East Asian countries that have faced many challenges towards their democratization. In fact, South Korea and Taiwan share a lot as far as their democratization and regime changes are concerned. The aim of this document is to conduct a comparative study of the democratization of South Korean and Taiwanese political regimes. South Korea and Taiwan are some of the East Asia countries that have come a long way in so far as establishing democratic systems are concerned. The two countries certainly share a lot in common as far as their democratic histories are concerned. For one, the two countries were once ruled by autocratic regimes that curtailed the development of democracy. Nevertheless, the two countries fought very hard by establishing democratic institutions that have made them some of the best examples of democracies in the world. Secondly, both countries achieved their democracies after successful industrialization. Both countries shared a lot in common with regards to the roles they played in post-war foreign relations. Kihl (2005) notes that both Taiwan and South Korea were once anticommunist military outposts. Additionally, both Taiwan and South Korea were once dominated by the Japanese colonialists in the pre-war era. Therefore, in the global perspective, the two countries represent the latest examples of Western European-type modernization because the social changes that resulted from industrialization finally promoted the establishment of democratic systems and institutions in them. Although Taiwan and South Korea share a lot in common with regards to the democratization process, the two countries also differ in some areas. One area where the two countries differ is in the state of political stability. In this regard, history shows that South Korea has experienced many political changes compared to Taiwan. Some of the changes

The Indispensability of Business Simulation Exercise Essay

The Indispensability of Business Simulation Exercise - Essay Example The team has not worked well as it was expected to. There has been a lack of cohesion, lack of a collective attitude and members have rarely communicated to share on individuals’ progress and challenges that have faced them in the simulation process. We have also lacked identifiable qualities of good teams that perform collectively. The group’s inability to merge its potentials eliminated positive effects of diversity, effects that promote collaborative work towards successful outputs. This means that our individual output levels have been less than the level of quality that we could have achieved had we incorporated ourselves into a single group and explored our knowledge for completing the simulation (Belbin 2012, n.p). The lack of teamwork also undermined interdependence for encouragements and motivation (A & amp; C Black 2009, 14- 15). The team’s weak collectiveness also identifies communication challenges as a barrier to cohesion. This is because the team me mbers have never communicated with each other. Only one member has been effective in communication. Lack of interest in each other’s contribution, poor attitudes, and cultural differences are possible causes of the realized poor communication into a less collective team (Means 2009, p. 12). The team did not illustrate significant signs of strength because even its existence was not felt in facilitating its objective. It however communicated diversified weaknesses that range from leadership, managerial and communication inefficiencies. Poor communication was a major factor because members, except one person, did not make efforts to consult with other team members on the simulation’s scope.

World Economy Since 1945 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

World Economy Since 1945 - Essay Example However, strong popular beliefs regarding the negative effects of this school of economic thoughts have remained. The fall of the global economy since the 2008 financial crisis has led to the development of substantial popular resistance against neo liberalism. The US has made continuing efforts to introduce neoliberal policies on the third world countries, which are in the period of economic transition. It has been successful in achieving this objective and has received the support of the international bodies, such as, the World Bank and the IMF. According to common belief, neo liberalism refers to an up-gradation on the classical liberal economics. This classical liberal economics dominated majority of the UK and the United States before the Great Depression hit the world in the 1930s (Overbeek, 2003). A new approach started to enter the thought of economists since the mid 1930s, after the world faced the perils of liberal economic relations among market agents. This approach was c onsidered interventionist and tended to strengthen by the 1970s, when it was termed as the neo liberal economic thought. Under this new economic theory, it was accepted that, significant state intervention is required in order to retain the strength and shine of capitalist form of production relations. Without state intervention, capitalist mode of production relation cannot be viable (Kotz, 2000). An overview: European Stagnation It has been argued that the euro zone crisis had occurred as a result of â€Å"a toxic neoliberal economic policy cocktail† (Palley, 2013). This cocktail was developed in 1980s when Europe had begun to put emphasis on the model of neoliberal economic theory. By embracing this theory, income generation reduced and demand creation was suppressed. This gave rise to wide income inequality. However, the problem of stagnation did not appear immediately with the changes in economic decagons making in the European countries. A number of initial economic dev elopments during the late 1900s postponed the occurrence of stagnation. Among them, the most important incidence was the creation of the Euro. The common currency of the Euro zone countries led to â€Å"interest rate convergence† (Palley, 2013), which swelled up the asset price and eased credit availability facilities. This brought superficial prosperity in these economies owing to the asset price bubble. But, the fictitious boom in the economy actually worsened the stagnation by delaying it and building up large heaps of debts. These economies had followed a flawed system of monetary policies that caused the debt crisis. The neo liberal economic model thus prompted flawed economic growth pattern in the developed countries that had accepted this model during the 1970s and 1980s (Palley, 2013). Shift from Keynesianism to neo liberalism in Europe Europe was developing during the mid 1900s. However, after the 1945 there has been a major change in the pattern of economic growth o f the countries in Europe. Towards the end of the twentieth century, average buying power of a European consumer increased by three times. The basic factors that stimulated economic growth were cohesive associations between employers and the employees, solidarity-centred trade unions and an overall growth oriented policies of the governments. These institutions were interconnected with one another and worked consistently towards mobilization of savings and stabilizing wages and improve the climate for financial investment (Parker, 2013). However, after 1973 Europe switched from Keynesian economic point of view to the neo liberal economic thought. According to Barry Eichengreen, it resembled a switch from economic developm

A Child at the Playground Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A Child at the Playground - Essay Example The researcher states that one day, while he was waiting at his bus-stop to catch his homeward bound bus, the author’s attention was arrested by a shrill ringing of a bell. The researcher looked around him and noticed a daycare center just behind his bus-stop. A noisy stream of children was released into the outdoors for their play time. The author saw at a glance that the playground was filled with equipment. They looked as if they were self-assembled items from Marston's book. The children lost no time in reaching for their favorite playthings. There was general pandemonium as they rushed to be the first to use their favorites. They looked as happy as larks, screaming and shouting in their excitement. Their teacher stood at attentive observation at her post just in front of the front gate. She was facing the children and had her back to the author. The researcher could stare as long as he liked without fear of any reprisals from the adult. The children did not mind me lookin g at them. They were too busy at play to notice a stranger at the bus-stop staring at them. One child particularly caught the author’s attention. She was a small, fair-haired girl. She stood patiently by the swing and was waiting her turn. However, the bigger boy who was using the sole swing gave no sign of indication that he was ready to share the swing and vacate his hold over it. The little girl grew tired of waiting and simply walked away. She did not proceed to the other playthings but had squatted down to the grassy ground and was plucking selected grass to gather in a bunch. She was as patient as an experienced gardener, seemingly intent on her task. Although she was alone, she did not look forlorn. She looked as if she was enjoying herself in her preoccupation. She did not interact nor play along with the crowd. The researcher was puzzled as to why she behaved as she did. Soon, the author’s doubts vaporized. The little girl walked over to the rabbit hutch and d eposited her offerings for the rabbit. She looked delighted, enjoying the sight of the fruits of her labor. Pretty soon, another girl joined her at the hutch. Then another child and yet another. It was evident that the children were now fascinated with the rabbit. The children made a commotion in their excitement to feed the rabbit. There was a frenzy of grass plucking. The researcher lost sight of the little girl as her friends crowded around her. The author saw a sea of excited children giving tribute to a new found leader. The author knew that she must be feeling pleased to have initiated such an interest in the rabbit.

The advantages and disavantages of being a military mother Research Paper

The advantages and disavantages of being a military mother - Research Paper Example Greater effort to gain the respect of her male colleagues D. Tendency not to forget the emotional trauma of war E. Limited freedom V. Conclusion VI. References The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Military Mother Which is worse – a male soldier urinating or a female soldier breastfeeding her two babies at the same time with her breasts fully exposed to her colleagues? Although everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, there is a good chance that most people would think that the latter scenario is worse. There is definitely nothing wrong with women breastfeeding nor with women becoming soldiers, but it is simply too uncomfortable to see these female soldiers breastfeeding. Military mothers, just like any ordinary soldier, have served their own countries well, with even around 30,000 of them in the U. S. Army sent to Iraq and Afghanistan (Scott, 2010). Nevertheless, despite the honor of fighting for their country, military mothers face a whole lot of disadvantages t hat would have to make them either become more steadfast in their military duties or return to a more peaceful life as a civilian mother. Basically, the advantages of being a military mother are simply the benefits that a soldier receives. Military mothers are not treated differently from male servicemen just because they are female. One of the advantages of being a military mother is that they can avail of the usual benefits conferred to all members of the military. This includes relocation assistance services, money management services, family advocacy services, legal assistance services, deployment services, and child and youth services. Just like any serviceman, a military mother avails of relocation assistance services like briefings on how to adapt to transfers. Money management services consist of programs for the education and counseling of soldiers including military mothers on how to handle their finances, how to eliminate debt and how to spend their money wisely, whether or not on active duty. Family advocacy services refer to parent support groups that hold abuse prevention classes and at the same time provide assistance to families of soldiers and military mothers as well as those families with special needs. Legal assistance services are those that offer walk-in services for soldiers and military mothers as well when they need advice on personal legal matters, filing of income tax, preparation of wills, contracts, correspondence and other legal documents. Deployment services refer to briefings on how to manage new household budgets while military mothers are away from their children, how to maintain communication with the family, and how to prepare wills in case death occurs while the military mother is on active duty. Lastly, child and youth services are all about child care programs for soldiers including military mothers. These programs include sports and fitness programs as well as trainings on leadership, arts and recreation, as well as ment oring and education of young children. School transition support and outreach programs are also provided to the children of all soldiers. Most of these services are available to soldiers and military mothers through the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program of the government, where recreation, sports, travel, leisure and entertainment

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 119

Discussion - Essay Example Moreover, along with different types of communication, visual graphics and designs are often used for effective communication. Also, communication needs participation of members within an organization so that they become a network connected globally. Moreover, in organizations it is very important that deadlines are met. Along with that, writing needs to convey a clear message so people with different point of views in the organization are able to comprehend the writer’s ideas. Also, a writer needs to be able to persuade its reader with his writing to get the clear message across. Communication should also be useful to its reader so it could help with its information. Lastly, while writing it is important that the writer keeps in mind their reader and their writing is easy to understand and for communication to be effective it is also important that the message of the writer is communicated ethically so that conflicts are

Consumer choices regarding food and other items related to their Essay

Consumer choices regarding food and other items related to their income and social status - Essay Example The main query behind all the research effort was to determine how social inequality dictates the consumption of products. To answer this question, the research questions posed were as follows: 1. How does the lower-income buyer view their consumption habits in relation to government, politics, or corporate employment? 2. What role, if any, does television usage (volume and content) dictate lower-income buyer preferences and consumption behaviours? 3. In relation specifically to food, how do food insecure individuals view the food products they purchase in relation to needs or environment? 4. What is most important to the lower-income buyer- peer opinion or price sensitivity and to which types of products does either/or apply? In other words, this sociological research project is expected not only to draw a relationship between income, consumption and lifestyle but also to determine how the lower class of society respond to the jobs provided to them in terms of daily living, purchasing and consumption activities. Obviously the highly relevant factors of media advertising and peer group recommendations had to be included as these factors cannot be ignored in the consideration of modern lifestyle choices- no matter what strata of society we are dealing with in a typical Western economy. The methodology involves first of all the creation of a Food Log, followed by a multi-purpose Survey covering the purchasing habits of the lower class families in selected areas. The multipurpose survey will have three distinct sections- one about general consumption behaviours, the second about the influence of television and peers on decision-making, and the third about any physiological restrictions that each participant maintains in their lifestyle. These surveys were distributed by the researcher in an environment where low-income shoppers frequented in the region, while guaranteeing anonymity to the participants. However the expected sample to be collected was 50-100 individuals of varying demographics and socio-cultural backgrounds to gain a broader perspective of what drives product consumption as it relates to their social inequality as compared to other more resourceful consumers. The data gathered from the study was then analysed and correlated

The Alibaba Group Business Ehincs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

The Alibaba Group Business Ehincs - Essay Example The English-based site known as alibaba.com focuses on business-to-business kind of trading, especially for many international buyers who strive to contact sellers in China. The Chinese-based website known as china.com concentrates on business-to-business transactions within China, and finally, there is www.taobao.com, a consumer-to-consumer business site for Chinese clients. The Japanese-based website called Japan.alibaba.com mainly focuses on Japanese customers. At the moment, the Alibaba Group comprises the following subordinate-companies: Taobao.com, an online auction website for clients; Alipay, an online payments site, processing majorly payments emanating from China; Alisoft, a web services provider to China’s Small and Medium-sized ventures; Alimama, which is an online marketing exchange forum, that allows web publishers and advertisers to trade via online promotion inventory; China Yahoo!, which is a search engine; as well as Koubei.com, the largest communities in Chi na for exchanging essential life information including as food, clothes, travel and housing (Bidwai 2010). Importance of business ethics and their impact on the organization Ethics means a collection of moral principles, a perception of right and wrong, goodness and badness of dealings as well as the motives and repercussions of these actions. When applied to business context, ethics refers to the study right and wrong, good and evil, and just and unjust dealings of businessmen. It refers to the study of business circumstances, decisions and activities where issues of what is right or otherwise are addressed. It addresses not only commercial enterprises, but also government entities, not-for-profit organizations (NGOs), charitable institutions among others (Crane & Matten 2010). At Alibaba.com, ethics is very important to the company in general and the HR department to be specific, for the following stated reasons: Ethics tally to essential human needs. All men naturally desire to be ethical; both in private life as well as in business where. By being a manager man knows that his judgment may influence a countless number of employees. Furthermore, most p eople desire to be part of a company that they can both respect and also be proud of, given that they perceive its purposed activities are honest and also beneficial to the whole society. The Group’s HR managers aspire to respond to the said needs of their employees. On the other hand, the managers feel an equal requirement to be proud of the company which they are directing. These basic ethical necessities force the organization to have an ethical orientation (Crane & Matten 2010). Values establish credibility with the larger public. A company that is perceived by the general public to be ethical as well as socially responsive gets to be honored as well as respected even by clients with no intimate acquaintance of its actual operations. There will always be automatic bias in favour of its services or products, given that people believe that the business offers value in exchange for their money. Its public concern will attract an instant response. Given Alibaba’s CSR ( corporate social responsibility) comprehensive program, together with the existing code of business ethics, the company has been able to craft credibility with the general public it serves. Values confer upon the management integrity with its employees. Values are meant to be a mutual language to bring the company’s leadership as well as its people together. Company ethics whenever perceived by the employees as genuine enable the building of common goals, language and values. At Alibaba.com, the HR department has realized standing with its employees because it has been able to register

Compare and Contrast___how technology is changing the way we live and Essay

Compare and Contrast___how technology is changing the way we live and the way we think - Essay Example Claudia Wallis in her article, â€Å"Gen M: The Multitasking Generation,† and Nicholas Carr’s â€Å"Is Google Making Us Stupid?† both argue against much of the way people interact and rely upon the technology both physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially in a few unpleasant ways. He focuses more on the intellectual laziness access to fast internet answers can breed and she focuses more on the social and interpersonal communicational perspective when people persistently interact and multitask with technology and how that can have a negative effects; both of these authors are absolutely right. Claudia Wallis discusses children are perpetually interacting with technology and that parents think there multitasking is a product and a credit to the presence of that technology and their minds, Unfortunately, that is little better than a â€Å"wives tale† that people may tells themselves to justify children’s excessive technological interactions. â€Å"Human beings have always had a capacity to attend to several things at once. Mothers have done it since the hunter-gatherer era--picking berries while suckling an infant, stirring the pot with one eye on the toddler† (Wallis p. 1). Many biologists and anthropologists would easily agree the things that defines us as human is our curiosity, ability to learn and adapt, and our ability to multitask and process multiple information at once; this did not evolve as a side effect of technological advancement. In truth, excessive interaction with technology leads to anti-social in face-to-face antisocial that belies th e communal and communicative nature of our species. The interactions online and the relationships we make are shallow and superficial, based on the shared likes and dislikes of other things posted on sites. There is also a misconception that the presence of all of this sophisticated

Tourism Master Essay Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Tourism Master Essay - Research Paper Example In Great Britain, and indeed all over the world, the spurt of the tourism industry has spear-headed economic activity. Tourism has helped create jobs and consequent earnings, in large as well as small communities; it is a major industry by itself in many places. The impact is hardly restricted to the economics of the Lake District area. Tourism often impacts broad areas beyond those commonly associated with tourism too. However, the impact of tourism on a community or a place is not always well understood (Kreag, 2001). The Ambleside residents' problems present a typical case in the study. Understanding the potential consequences of tourism and how they can integrate this industry into their community proactively, shall make way for the progress of the community as a whole, including its leaders and as well as residents. To have an in-depth understanding of the Ambleside scenario and the perceptions of its residents, it is imperative to study some salient features that govern the tou rism industry while first having a vivid picture of the background. This dissertation envisages to analyse the basis of Ambleside's perceptions of socio-cultural impacts of tourism under the posts of the Social Exchange Theory (Ap 1992), Irridex of Irritation (Doxey 1975), and the Tourist Product Life Cycle (Butler 1980) ; so as to develop suitable research methodology and instruments that will direct and inform the research process. Background: "For a tourism-based economy to sustain itself in local communities, the residents must be willing partners in the process. Their attitudes toward tourism and perceptions of its impact on community life must be continually assessed". (Allen et al. 1988) The truth of this statement is well understood while studying the plight of Ambleside residents for whom tourism is twin phenomenon, which while helping them sustain a living, has also contributed to the deterioration of its quality. The town of Ambleside, and the four smaller wards of Troutbeck, Rydal, Langdale, and Grasmere which lie separately from each other in the beautiful surrounding valleys. At the center of the problem is the inadequacy of the infrastructure which has been overwhelmed by the sudden spurt in tourism and various aspects in which it has impacted the hitherto rustic area of the Lakeside area. The foremost problem in the above is the Roadway system. The Ambleside Relief Road Council cites a national su rvey (1994) estimate which states that 17 million recreational visit days were spent in the Park. 89% of visitors arrive by car. The high amount of traffic flow almost 19,000 vehicles per day at peak season (ARRC 1996), requires near perfect road conditions.  Ã‚  

Consumer Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Consumer Law - Case Study Example Judges are confined to the law made by the parliament they are to interpret the law according to the context of the case and decide keeping the spirit of the statute Law intact. Since statue law is precise and fundamental it cannot see the roots of the case, therefore the judge made law makes these gaps in deciding the cases in the interest of justice. Consumer law in UK is of 30 years old. It developed as the years passed on. It is now having substantial number of Acts and Regulations to provide the justice to the consumers. Due to the electronic revolution and increased competition and improved marketing system the consumers face a lot of hardships and are subjected to cheating and undue inducements. To protect them from these hardships the consumer laws are expanded to meet requirements. These consumer laws are made so simple and so logical that there is no ambiguity in understanding these laws even by a common man. And the relief it provides is as that what a man of ordinary prudence think with regard to the trader and what he feels just and reasonable. If any trader gives a wrong goods than what you ordered a common man says the price of such goods need not be paid. This is exactly what consumer law also says. Still the knowledge of consumer law is important since it gives more than what customer thinks deserved to get from a trader. In the above example a person without any legal knowledge thinks he need not pay for the product but consumer law says more that he deserves an extra amount from the trader as compensation. Consumer law protects the customers from the negligence, irresponsibility and wrong doings by the traders and there by makes consumers suffer. When can we say that the trader is at fault We can say that they at fault when they do not follow the law relating to the trade and they do not pay adequate attention to the consumer's needs and when they follow the unfair trade practices to gain undue profits at the cost of consumers etc. There are statues and laws made to regulate the trade such laws are Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as am emended), Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. Other laws which are also known as consumer laws and which the consumer shall have a minimum and basic knowledge about them to safeguard themselves. These laws will be discussed later in this issue. These statues lay down principles that the traders should follow and all the traders are to abide by this law. Sale of goods Act prescribes certain conditions that good sold shall comply such as quality, quantity, tim e etc to the satisfaction of the consumers. Sale of goods act is also a contract which mutual agreement between the customer and the trader. The trader is bound to supply the agreed quality, quantity within the agreed period of time. Simultaneously the customer is also bound to pay the amount as agreed once the trader performs his part of agreement. If any defect in the product is made known to the customer and the customer agrees to buy with the defect then later he cannot take shelter of defect in the goods and pray for compensation or exempted from payment of the price. The burden of proof of the trader's failure or wrong is always lies on the customer except in specific condition such as where the trader gives guarantee of the goods of its life and the product does not lost for the guartee time in this condition it is the trader to prove that the product has fulfilled its guaranteed period etc. In every

Language and regions of the brain that contribute to language Essay

Language and regions of the brain that contribute to language - Essay Example This inability to speak is aphasia, while inability to produce speech is termed as Brocas aphasia or expressive aphasia. The individual displaying such damage also display problem in understanding speech and they have gross grammar misunderstandings. Individuals with Wernickes area defect can speak well but are not able to recognize and understand what others are saying. This is also known as receptive aphasia and such individuals respond with strange or meaningless words. This area is also related with speech comprehension. Individuals find it difficult to name things as they are poor in mental dictionaries. Brocas area is intimately connected with the Wernickes area by band of nerves known as arcuate fascilicus. Some individuals display damage in the arcuate fascilicus resulting in aphasia called conduction aphasia, such individuals can recognize the speech, also they are able to create coherent speech, but cannot replicate the words they

The Minister and his Gem Essay Example for Free

The Minister and his Gem Essay The father-daughter relationship has typically represented one of the strongest bonds of humanity. Generally, this familial bond is so strong that it can outlast even the most daunting of obstacles. However, sometimes strange circumstances can affect this relationship. Such is the case of Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale and his daughter Pearl in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter. Even though Dimmesdale refuses to acknowledge Pearl as his daughter, the pair is emotionally bound nonetheless. The first moment of bonding occurs as Hester is forced to stand on the scaffold and endure the public humiliation of bearing a child out of wedlock. Ironically, it is Dimmesdale to whom â€Å"the responsibility of this woman’s soul lies†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hawthorne, 1991, p. 66). After all, she is there because of him. When Pearl hears her father’s voices, she is immediately attracted to its sound. As Dimmesdale attempts to evoke a confession from her mother, the infant Pearl â€Å"directed it’s hitherto vacant gaze towards Mr. Dimmesdale, with a half-pleased, half-plaintive murmer† (p. 67). This movement indicates the instinctive recognition of the infant for her father. Dimmesdale clearly recognizes it, and this moment marks the beginning of his descent into guilt. His refusal seems to prompt the infant to â€Å"pierce the air with its wailings and screams† (p. 68) as she appears to react sadly or angrily to this denial. The second defining moment occurs years later. Dimmesdale must intervene to make sure that Pearl is not taken from Hester. Hester has implored him to do so, adding that it is his responsibility in more ways than one: â€Å"†¦thou knowest me better than these men can! Speak for me! † (p. 98) Understanding her undertones, Dimmesdale complies. After he has convinced the Governor that Pearl should remain with Hester, Pearl shows to him and uncharacteristic touch of tenderness. She â€Å"stole softly towards him, and, taking his hand in the grasp of her own, laid her cheek against it,†¦Ã¢â‚¬  which prompted him to lay ‘his hand on the child’s head† and then â€Å"kissed her brow† (pp. 99-100). Even Hester is amazed at the display of affection from her daughter, prompting her to ask â€Å"Is that my Pearl? † (p. 100). She is unused to this tenderness from her child, and in this unusual display, it becomes apparent to the reader that both Pearl and Dimmesdale are feeling more than the mere relationship between a minister and a parishioner. Later yet, Dimmesdale and his Pearl bring their relationship to words albeit under the cover of night. As he is silently atoning for his sin upon the scaffold, he invites Hester and Pearl to join him. Holding her hand, Dimmesdale is overcome with at â€Å"strange joy† (Hawthorne, 1991, p. 125). However, he is not yet able to agree to her demand to publicly acknowledge their relationship the next day at noon. Although Pearl is asking him to appear with them as a family, his guilt forces him to refuse. Even though she is too young to understand his denial then, when Pearl is seven, she is old enough to understand Dimmesdale’s refusals. At their forest meeting, her petulant and obstinate behavior underscores the hurt she feels because of this. She wipes off his kiss after he once again refuses to â€Å"†¦go back with us, hand in hand, we three together, into the town† (p. 166). As is usually the case, the mother must comfort the child by reminding her that one day â€Å"We shall have a home and a fireside of our own; and thou shalt sit upon his knee; and he will teach thee many things, and love thee dearly† (p. 66). However, as if not believing her mother, Pearl refuses to admit her love for him at this point. It appears that Pearl is waiting for Dimmesdale to admit to everyone that she is his daughter. Their relationship is finally made public, as he calls her to him during the holiday parade, and she â€Å"†¦flew to him, and clasp her arms around his knees† (Hawthorne, 1991, p. 193). He finally is able to speak to his daughter as every father should. He says, â€Å"dear little Pearl, wilt thou kiss me now? † (p. 196). Of course she complies, overjoyed at the admission of her father. The beautiful scene is played out as â€Å"her tears fell upon her father’s cheeks†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p. 196). Unfortunately, the physical bonding occurs too late; Dimmesdale perishes, leaving Hester and Pearl to continue alone. Even if the physical bond is denied, an emotional bond will always exist between a father and a daughter. As Dimmesdale and Pearl demonstrate in The Scarlet Letter, this relationship is ultimately undeniable by either party. By refusing to acknowledge this bond, Pearl and Dimmesdale are not able to continue their relationship.

Early Cold War Essay Example for Free

Early Cold War Essay The term Cold War was first introduced by Bernard Baruch, an American businessman and political adviser to every President from Woodrow Wilson to John F. Kennedy (â€Å"Bernard Baruch†). It was a time of mutual distrust between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies which begun after World War II. From Democracy in America’s author, Alexis de Tocqueville, â€Å"There are now two great nations in the world, which starting from different points, seem to be advancing toward the same goal: the Russians and the Anglo-Americans. . . . Each seems called by some secret design of Providence one day to hold in its hands the destinies of half the world† (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). The primary concern of the United States during the early years of the Cold War was the political threat of the spread of Communist ideology from the Soviet Union (Zinn, 1980). Further back in its history, Russia exhibited radical tendencies by overthrowing Tsar Nicholas, followed by the Bolshevik Revolution, the unification under Lenin where Communism’s seed began to sprout and continued by Stalin (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). A history of military intervention in Eastern Europe climaxing in 1948 in the overthrow of the democratic government in Czechoslovakia by a communist coup were thrown as examples of Soviet expansionism. This reminded the American public of the atrocities of Hitler (Zinn, 1980). And with him in mind the United States and its western European allies began to see Stalin as a threat (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). The more fearful concern was the Soviet Union’s revitalizing industry after badly scathed by the aftermath of World War II and its increasing military strength (Zinn, 1980). The United States slowly exercised its economic might by refusing to aid any post-war reconstruction in Russia as approved by the U. S. Congress in 1945, a major about face in policy under the Lend-Lease Act of 1941 wherein the U. S. shipped huge amounts of war equipments to Russia (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). Coming from the huge gains of World War II, the United States was also wary of regimes opposed to its capitalist structure. That fear was best exhibited by the emergence of Soviet Union as a global power with an ideology opposed to democratic and industrial capitalist principles of the United States (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). Americans generally fear revolution. They fear â€Å"change real, fundamental social, economic and political change† (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). Fro all its democratic talk, America has a history of suppressing true liberalism and radicalism. The Soviets also had their share of fears in the early years of the Cold War. After World War II, Stalin feared that democratic principles would be forced upon the Communist tenets of the Soviet Union. He believed the two principles cannot co-exist. As he warned in his speech, capitalism and imperialism made future wars inevitable (â€Å"Episode 2: Iron Curtain 1945-1947†). Stalin also was aware of the United States expanding influence all over the world. He was wary of this move and pressured Turkey, a country located strategically on the southern borders of Soviet Union, for a Soviet military presence in the Darnanelles and the Bosporus. Turkey was then influenced by Great Britain and eventually aided by the United States. The atomic bomb that was dropped in Japan started the concept of the nuclear arms race which the Soviet Union was interested to join. But Stalin received intelligence reports that the Americans â€Å"would not share atomic secrets with the Soviet Union† (Zubok, â€Å"Cold War Chat†). The mutual distrust and fears of both the United States and the Soviet Union resulted in actions that further shaped the history of the Cold War. The United States’s fear of the possible spread of Soviet Communist ideology led to their policy of containment. What is now known as the Truman Doctrine paved the way to the formal declaration of cold war against the Soviet Union. This was the famous speech of President Truman to the U. S. Congress asking for $400 million to aid Greece and Turkey’s fight against communism (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). The containment policy of the United States involves military interventions to countries where Communism was viewed to thrive. The most famous display of the containment policy was the Vietnam War which started in 1950 under President Truman’s administration. Armed with the U. S. Congress resolution named Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, President Johnson further escalated the war by bombing North Vietnam and continuing to send as many as 540,000 troops by the end of 1968. As more Americans left and died in Vietnam, the anti-war sentiments back home put pressure on the government. The Nixon years saw the continuance of the Vietnam War with the expansion of hostilities in Laos and Cambodia. Nixon’s Vietnamization policy of providing military aid but not troops proved to be a temporary success. A 1972 preliminary peace draft in Paris was initially rejected. By 1973, Nixon convinced Hanoi and Saigon’s President Nguyen van Thieu to sign the Paris Peace Agreement which ended the hostilities between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The containment policy also played a role in the creation on April 4, 1949 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), currently an alliance of 26 countries from North America and Europe. This was the outcome of Europe’s fears of another Soviet aggression in the guise of Stalin when they were just about to rebuild after Hitler’s dictatorship. Western Europe also needed the assurance of the United States’s protection while they started to rebuild from the ruins of World War II. NATO members’ common grounds are said to include the same democratic ideology and capitalist structure of economy (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). In the late 1940s to 1950s both the United States and Soviet Union sought to build their military arsenal. For the United States, this gave way to military integration, the passing by Congress of the National Security Act in 1947 which created the Department of Defence, the National Security Council, and the Central Intelligence Agency (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). On the Soviet side, they detonated an atomic bomb of their own in 1949. The first H-bomb was also detonated by the United States in 1952. Not to be outdone, the Soviets detonated a fusion bomb in 1953 (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). NSC-68, a policy the United States adopted in 1950 raised defense spending to staggering amounts, up to $60 billion dollars, â€Å"a symbol of Americas determination to win the cold war regardless of cost (Kreis, â€Å"The Origins of the Cold War†). Although the Cold War has now officially ended, the United States, the only legitimate superpower left, continues to establish a world order that caters to its capitalist structure. Military interventions have been part of its policy if it serves U. S. interests. During the Cold War, the goal was the containment of Communism. At the present, terrorism is the new battle cry. It is said the United States owns a very large percentage of the world’s wealth while it tries to suppress those who oppose to its capitalistic tenets. Currently, we are seeing the emergence of a possible superpower like China. It has been known as the sleeping giant and could be a contender to displace the United States from its current status. Whether there will be another Cold War by any other name, only time will tell. References Bernard Baruch. Answers. com. Retrieved 10 December 2006 from the Web: http://www. answers. com/topic/bernard-baruch Cold War (1998). CNN. com. Retrieved December 10, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www. cnn. com/SPECIALS/cold. war/episodes/02/ The Origins of the Cold War (2006). TheHistory Guide Website. Retrieved December 10, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www. historyguide. org/europe/lecture14. html Zinn, Howard. (1980). A People’s History of the United States. Retrieved December 10, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www. writing. upenn. edu/~afilreis/50s/zinn-chap16. html Zubok, Vladislav Dr. (1998, October 4). [COLD WAR chat moderated by COLD WAR reporter Bruce Kennedy for CNN’s COLD WAR series]. COLD War Chat: Dr. Vladislav Zubok, Historian. Retrieved December 10, 2006 from the Web: http://www. cnn. com/SPECIALS/cold. war/guides/debate/chats/zubok/

Strengths and Weaknesses of Incident Reporting in Nursing

Strengths and Weaknesses of Incident Reporting in Nursing Problem based learning. Using the nursing process as a model formulate an action plan by critically analysing the strengths and weaknesses of incident reporting in relation to nursing. Identify reasons for a low level of incident reporting and offer a solution to the problem, eg. awareness of incident reporting procedures, accountability, consequences of not reporting incidents. Include professional, ethical and legal practice as it relates to the role of the nurse: continuing professional development following registration. Introduction Problem solving in nursing is often aligned to the ‘nursing process’, which is the APIE model – assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Using this structure in problem solving allows the nurse to assess the problem, by gathering information about it, plan how to address the problem, and also plan how to implement change and evaluate the process. It is important to use structured approaches to problem solving which include evaluation so that the problem can be reassessed and actions changed accordingly. In this essay, the problem of low levels of incident reporting in clinical practice will be explored, through a review of the literature, and an action plan will be developed which is in line with the professional, legal and ethical imperatives which underlie nursing practice. It is important to identify the problem carefully, understand the potential reasons for the problem, and then to use this information to plan changes in practice which will allow the problem to be resolved, partially or fully. Discussion Assessment Incident reporting serves a number of purposes within clinical practice. It is part of the risk management process, for example, and is focused on improving patient safety (Wagner et al, 2004). â€Å"Incident reporting captures more contextual information about incidents, and, when actively promoted within the clinical setting, it can detect more preventable adverse events than medical record review† (Evans et al, 2006 p 40). Taylor et al (2004) show that reporting allows for the understanding of and prevention of medical and healthcare errors, and provides data on the occurrence, frequency, types and results of such events. Incident reports however can also be used for â€Å"personnel credentialing and review (Taylor et al, 2004). According to Waring (2005) â€Å"the management of errors requires an acceptance of error with consideration given to the relationship between individual human behaviour and the factors that influence this behaviour† (p 1928). This means that the organisation must be responsive to incident reporting (Waring, 2005). However, incident reporting activities remain at low rates in many clinical areas, or do not report all of the incidents or the range of incidents that occur (Nuckols et al, 2007). There are limitations to what the incident reporting systems seem to be able to achieve in practice. â€Å"The subjective nature of reports, the lack of consistency and validation of incident data classification, and underreporting constrain incident reporting from being used as a reliable epidemiological tool to measure the frequency of events and whether interventions are effective in improving patient safety† (Evans et al, 2006 p 40). What this shows is that incident reporting is a very important aspect of the ongoing surveillance and improvement of healthcare practice. This underreporting may be due to a number of reasons, including a reluctance to admit mistakes or to be seen as being ‘to blame’, because of a sense of vulnerability on the part of nurses and other professionals (Bolsin et al, 2005). Johnstone and Kanitsaki (2006) state that as disciplinary and legal cases against nursing staff show, reporting nursing-related errors carries a risk for the nurses themselves, which is something which should be addressed in relation to promoting better incident reporting. It may also, in relation to medical professionals, be because a sense of medical hegemony which leaves doctors feeling invulnerable (Bolsin et al, 2005). However, the NMC (2008) requires nurses to be accountable for their own practice, to put patient needs and safety at the centre of all their actions, and to strive for the highest possible standards of care. Therefore, incident reporting must form a part of good nursing practice. Even the sense of vulnerability that can come from working in unsupportive clinical environments should not erase the legal obligation to report incidents which have adversely affected patients. Organisational culture may limit the incident reporting of the staff involved (Waring, 2005). Also, misconceptions of what constitutes an error may limit reporting activities (Throckmorton and Etchegaray, 2007). However the literature also suggests other reasons might prevent nurses from reporting adverse clinical incidents, despite the legal, professional and moral imperative to do so. One reason might be that the process of incident reporting is seen as too onerous. â€Å"Traditional narrative methods of documenting adverse incidents are time consuming and may not yield sufficient and accurate data.† (Wagner et al, 2004 p 835). Evans et al (2006) suggest that those incidents which occur most frequently, as well as incidents which are not easy to record using the typical recording systems seen in many clinical areas. Evans et al (2006) in their research found that barriers to incident reporting for doctors included a lack of feedback from reporting incidents previously, the form used taking far too long to complete, along with a belief that the incidents not reported were too trivial to be reported. Nurses, however, although they also found a lack of feedback prevented them reporting incidents, but unlike doctors, they believed that there was no point in reporting near misses, and they quite often forgot to make a report when the ward was too busy (Evans et al, 2006). Incident reporting can be related to specific clinical risks for target populations, groups or clinical areas. For example, incident reporting on falls in elderly care settings is a high priority (Wagner et al, 2004). It is also commonly a priority in relation to medication errors (Handler et al, 2007). The solutions to this problem are potentially diverse. The literature shows that for some clinical areas, for example, changing the documentation to suit the area and the kinds of incidents being reported might improve incident reporting rates and reduce incident rates (Wagner et al, 2004). Thus, providing streamlined, focused documentation might be a solution, but this would have to be quite specific, and some clinical areas might contain too many diverse risks for this. Vogus and Sutcliffe (2007) suggest a more managerial approach to improving incident reporting rates, such as bundling safety organizing with leadership (trust in manager) and design (use of care pathways) factors into nursing practice. Their research suggests that managerial approaches which affect the everyday behaviours of nurses can improve incident reporting (Vogus and Sutcliffe, 2007). Handler et al (2007) in their research showed that organizational-level interventions rather than individual-level interventions improved medication error reporting. Nakajima et al (2005) suggest that incident reporting should form part of patient safety programmes, and suggest the use of a web-based incident reporting system, along with identified staff responsible for incident reporting and support, staff education programmes, and integrated (and varied) feedback mechanisms. They found that this mulit-layered approach helped to improve and support a safety culture, improve multidisciplinary collaboration, and an overall systemic improvement, but that this required strong managerial leadership (Nakajima et al, 2005). Evans et al (2007) also used a similar approach, with identified people at all levels of staffing who supported the process, tailored incident reporting systems, and staff education. Kingston et al (2004) focus on the use of all kinds of supportive approaches and mechanisms to basically motivate staff to report errors. â€Å" Both medical and nursing participants made comments that a more effective and efficient incident reporting system without threat or blame, providing prompt, relevant feedback and driving improvements in health administration, would possibly motivate medical staff to report† (p 38). Pierson et al (2007) state that â€Å"web-based or electronic error reporting systems are particularly effective in increasing the quantity and quality fo reporting and yielding the type of information needed for improving care† (p 297). This would suggest that the use of some kind of electronic system would be an appropriate way of improving incident reporting, although this author believes this might depend on the skills and attitudes of staff concerned. Taylor et al (2004) cite similar findings from their research, suggesting that electronic reporting systems could make it easier and quicker, and state that â€Å"a substantial educational effort, aimed at nurses and, in particular, physicians, about which types of events should be reported and how to report errors is needed† (p 734). Dollarhide et al (2007) show the efficacy of a handheld-based electronic reporting tool for clinical incident reporting, showing that this made reporting much easier and more streamlined , but these would be too costly for the NHS setting. Planning The change that would be needed is summarised below. The change would be planned to incorporate the following elements: Identification of key personnel, including managerial level leaders, and staff across each grade and within each profession, to support the patient safety programme. Development of a mission statement encompassing patient safety protocols and incident reporting processes Development of incident reporting tools for specific incident reports, and an electronic/digital/web-based or email-available general reporting form. Development and implementation of a staff education programme on the new system, and incorporation of training and updating on staff mandatory study days (attended yearly). Development of a range of feedback mechanisms to staff are aware of what happens to the cases that are reported upon. Implementation All of the above activities should be finalised before the change is implemented. The key personnel will help to disseminate the information about the change, and then implement the change, supporting staff constantly as they adjust to the new procedures for reporting. Evaluation Evaluation of the change should be formalised at six monthly intervals for the first two years, but should also be built in to the feedback and reporting mechanisms so that staff themselves are fully involved in the evaluation and can feel that they ‘own’ this aspect of their work. Involving staff at all levels is likely to improve motivation (Evans et al, 2007). Focusing on practical solutions which are effective in this environment means that the evaluation should look at suitability, effectiveness and acceptability by the staff concerned. Conclusion It would appear from this brief review of the literature that in order to improve incident reporting, it is necessary to motivate staff to report. This can be achieved through education, through better incident reporting tools, which may ideally be electronic, and through managerial level leadership which changes organisational/workplace culture as well as providing better staff  involvement, better feedback on reporting, and less threat to staff. References Bolsin, S., Patrick, A., Colson, M. et al (2005) New technology to enable personal monitoring and incident reporting can transform professional culture: the potential to favourably impact the future of health care. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 11(5):499-506. Dollarhide, A.W., Rutledge, T., Weinger, M.B. and Dresselhaus, T.R. (2007) Use of a handheld computer application for voluntary medication event reporting by inpatient nurses and physicians. Journal of General and Internal Medicine 23 (4) 418-422. Evans, S.M., Berry, J.G., Smith, B.J. et al (2006) Attitudes and barriers to incident reporting: a collaborative hospital study. Quality and Safety in Health Care 15 39-43. Evans, S.M., Smith, B.J., Esterman, A. et al (2007) Evaluation of an intervention aimed at improving voluntary incident reporting in hospitals. Quality and Safety in Health Care 16 169-175. Handler, S.M., Perera, S., Olshansky, E.F. et al (2007) Identifying Modifiable Barriers to Medication Error Reporting in the Nursing Home Setting. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association 8 (9) 568-574 Johnstone, M-J. and Kanitsaki, O. (2006) The ethics and practical importance of defining, distinguishing and disclosing nursing errors: a discussion paper. International Journal of Nursing Studies 43 367-376. Kingston, M.J., Evans, S.M., Smith, B.J. and Berry, J.G. (2004) Attitudes of doctors and nurses towards incident reporting: a qualitative analysis. MJA 181 36-39. This article is not included in your organizations subscription. However, you may be able to access this article under your organizations agreement with Elsevier. Nakajima,K., Kurata, Y. and Takeda, H. (2005) A web –based incident reporting system and multidisciplinary collaborative projects for patient safety in a Japanese hospital. Quality and Safety in Health Care. 14 123-129. NMC (2008) Code of Conduct for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Available from www.nmc-uk.org accessed 2-1-09. Nuckols, T.K., Douglas, Bell, D.S., Liu, H. et al (2007) Rates and types of events reported to established incident reporting systems in two US hospitals. Quality Safety in Health Care. 16(3):164-168. Pierson, S, Hansen, R., Greene, S. et al (2007) Preventing medication errors in long-term care: results and evaluation of a large scale web-based error reporting system. Quality and Safety in Health Care 16 297-302. Taylor, J.A., Brownstein, D., Christakis, D.A. et al (2004) Use of incident reporting by physicians and nurses to document medical errors in pediatric patients. Pediatrics 114 729-735. Throckmorton, T. and Etchegaray, J. (2007) Factors affecting incident reporting by registered nurses: the relationship of perceptions of the environment for reporting errors, knowledge of the nursing practice act, and demographics on intent to report errors. Journal of Perianaesthesia Nursing 22 (6) 400-412. Vogus, T.J. and Sutcliffe, K.M. (2007) The Impact of Safety Organizing, Trusted Leadership, and Care Pathways on Reported Medication Errors in Hospital Nursing Units. Medical Care. 45(10):997-1002. Wagner, L.M, Capezuti, E., Taylor, J.A. et al (2005) Impact of a Falls Menu-Driven Incident-Reporting System on Documentation and Quality Improvement in Nursing Homes The Gerontologist 45:835-842. Waring, J.J. (2005) Beyond blame: cultural barriers to medical incident reporting. Social Science and Medicine 60 1927-1935.