CAFS IRP Project Plan Essay

1. In your own words briefly explain what you understand is required for the Independent Research Task? It is expected that within our research task we answer/ create findings on a certain topic or question. We need to be interested in the topic in order for it to be a successful and fully finished research task. We are to use primary and secondary research methodologies and are to reference any work/ information that is not our own. For primary research we can use methodologies such as surveys, interviews and observations, and for our secondary research methods we can use literature review, news programmes, statistics etc. For most of this assessment we need to complete it in our own time, but we are also given much class time to formulate questions, hand in drafts, ask questions and work on our research plans individually. 2. Describe your research topic. Be specific as possible. After much deliberation I have chosen my topic, in which I am going to formulate my research task on, it is: What are the factors affecting body image amongst adolescents aged between 13 and 17? This will focus on how the 3 main factors are exposing adolescents to negative body images, these factors include: a) The Media b) Psychological c) Cultural 3. Which course topic areas is the focus of your IRP? Individuals and groups 4. Rewrite your topic area as a research questions i.e. A hypothesis / or statement? Adolescents aged 13- 16 body image interpretations of what is good and bad is influenced by three specific factors, they include psychological, cultural and the influence of the media. These specific factors are evident in both girls and boys. 5. Why are you interested in this topic? I believe that body image and the affects that it has on adolescents is a growing concern within today’s society. I have also known a person that has struggled with body image issues and had found herself in hospital many  times due to this. I find the idea of chasing unattainable perfection to be a mental focus that some people cannot break and I would find it intriguing to research the idea of body image from the perspective of 13 – 16 year old teenagers. 6. Outline the methodologies you hope to utilize for your IRP. Include literature review as a methodology. Explain why you are using each method. Literature Review To gain secondary data Insight into other findings on the topic Inspiration for any follow up questions that aren’t answered Surveys To gain an idea of perspective from adolescents aged 13 – 17 I can then use these surveys to compare different age categories Get more information on how important body image is to young people but also how it influences them Compare the information to see if it parallels secondary data Interviews I am planning to interview various workers from the retail industry to see what stories or experiences they have from the influence of the media and how it has affected their workplace 7. Who and where (people and organisations) do you hope to gather your primary data from? I plan on gathering my primary data from various sources, these include: Year 7 students at CCAS Year 10 students at CCAS I also plan to have open conversations and ask various open ended questions to school councillors to see whether they have ever had any cases where body image has been an issue. 8. List some resources (at least four) that you can use as secondary data. These will contribute to your literature review. These might include textbooks, newspapers, articles, websites, statistics etc. State how each one is relevant to your IRP. YOU MUST VARY YOUR SOURCES OF SECONDARY DATA. Don’t just use google! I plan on using: Magazine articles Magazine covers Newspaper Articles Internet websites And Statistic information that has been gathered from other people. 9.   Week Details of What is to be done 1 Brainstorm questions and topics in which I am interested in and begin to gain information and articles about the topic 2 Begin writing up surveys and organise interviews 3 Hand out surveys and collect data 4 Draft Project Plan Due Friday 31/10/14 5 Project Plan Due Friday 7/11/14 6 Diary Due 14/11/14 – For checking 7 Complete collecting all data needed and begin writing up report sections for final draft 8 Begin to finalise all writings and finish all referencing whether it be in text, appendix or bibliography 9 IRP and Diary Due no later than Friday 5/12/14 10. Identify any potential problem areas you think you may encounter? I believe that it may be hard to get the particular age category in which I have chosen to open up about their opinions and thoughts on the topic, because it can be one that is held quite close to them. I also believe that getting somebody to interview can be difficult, this is because counsellors may not want to or be allowed to display any information referring to a person currently at our school. 11. Any other comments? I think this is a very interesting task and it will be a challenge to make sure all information is conveyed correctly, but it is much more interesting than taking a test on research methodology because we are not just learning fact, we are putting that fact into practise in a real life situation.

Literacy: Mrs. Fleming Essay

There are few fundamental skills in life that are of greater importance than the ability to read and understand the written word. It can take a person of any background as far as they can dream. This is truly evident in the essay, â€Å"Superman and Me†, by Sherman Alexie which tells of the author’s struggle growing up poor on a Native American reservation in Washington State. From a young age, his literacy became Alexie’s saving grace, thanks to his father who inspired him to begin reading. This inspiration changed the path of his life. I, too, was inspired and encouraged at a young age to be a great reader by my Mother and a special teacher. I am thankful to my Mother for starting me on my path to literacy. I grew up in a house full of books, music and loud women. My Mom was never without a book in her hand, my middle sister loved to sing and write poetry and my oldest sister always had her eight tracks blaring. From the time that I was tiny, I wanted to be just like my Mother. She had beautiful hair, perfect makeup, and lovely flowing dresses. Since I was too young for these things, I latched on to something else that my mother loved; books. Alexie felt much the same way about his Father. Alexie writes, â€Å"My father loved books and since I loved my father with an aching devotion, I decided to love books as well† (89). My Mother and I spent many hours roaming the library aisles for our next great read. She encouraged me to try new authors and different genres. I discovered Judy Blume and even attempted Charles Dickens and Louisa Mae Alcott. My Mom challenged me each summer to read as many books as I could and she was always ready for me to tell her all about them. Mama and I still recommend books to one another and tell each other all about the characters that we meet in between the pages of our latest book. I was fortunate enough to have many fantastic teachers during my school years. One teacher In particular is my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Fleming. I was a twelve year old girl that felt awkward and self-conscience and Mrs. Fleming always found a way to boost my self-confidence. She made  it a point to compliment me every day on anything from how I read aloud in class or what I was wearing or my hair style. Mrs. Fleming’s interest in me built up my self-esteem by leaps and bounds. We also bonded over our mutual love of books. Mrs. Fleming would take the time to ask about a book I was reading and recommend others that she thought I might like. She found ways to let me know that she loved that I was so excited about reading even if it was just a sweet smile that seemed like it was just for me. Mrs. Fleming made me feel special. As an adult, I have, on occasion, run in to Mrs. Fleming and even after all these years she still remembers me as her little bookworm. I am thankful to have had the support and encouragement throughout my life to keep me reading and learning. It continues today as I show my children how fun and entertaining it can be to read a good book I love to read with my girls and the sound of their voice reading on their own is like music to my ears. As I continue my education I hope that they can see through me that a love of reading can take you anywhere you want to go. So dream big†¦and go read a book!

E-commerce: Business Logic and Amanda Jane

Introduction The purpose of this report is to examine e-commerce and also to provide a broad strategy that should be taken by Amanda Jane Horse Wear. Besides that, it is also to provide suggestion about suitable e-commerce that Amanda Jane should adopt. Firstly, a short summary of the case study, Amanda Jane Horse Wear will be illustrated with the main problem that will be identified. Next, a brief description of e-commerce in terms of definition, issue and benefits and the current trends will be explained as a part of e-commerce analysis.The relationship between e-commerce and information systems which are data, people and procedure will be illustrate in system specification. Recommendation about ways to implement e-commerce and other suggestion to Amanda will be outlined in recommendation. There will a conclusion of this report at the end. Background Amanda Jane Walters owns a small growing business known as Amanda Jane Horse Wear which sells limited number of horse riding apparel items. But Amanda’s product is not available to other specialist retail stores.Her business has steadily developed and earned a reasonable income because she can compete with other suppliers. Her sales are mainly during horse events and through previous customer’s recommendation. Besides that, her advertisement is limited to specific clubs and organisations. The main problem of Amanda Jane is absent of online service since customer’s desire towards it has increased. The issue that has been identified is ways e-commerce will boost the sales and direction that should be taken. eCommerce Systems The meaning of eCommerce Change in economy and business process in present is known as e-commerce (Ratnasingam 2002).According to Walczuch, Braven & Lundgren (2000), electronic commerce is involving telecommunications network in sustaining business relationship, distributing business information and for business transactions. In simple, E-commerce is marketing exchange via internet, mobile or other telecommunication (Elliott, Rundle-Thiele & Waller 2012). E-commerce that customers deal directly with an organization is known as Business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce. Benefits Improved Customer Services Customer service is the quality of service the organizations provide to customers while increasing sales.According to Ratnasingam (2002) level of satisfaction the customer has increased after business adopt e-commerce. This will result in customer’s loyalty and purchasing behaviors. For example, Virtual Vineyards, a wine and specialty food shop only present on the internet is one of the successful cases. Cost savings E-commerce applications will help to reduce daily basis operations cost of producing and distributing the product, usage of paperwork and making bills payment (Ratnasingam 2002). Motorola and Dell companies gather customer orders for a product; send out them by e-mail to the manufactures.No more 24-hour-time constraints Customers can b e contacted at any time by companies and this will help to save from losing customers. Internet can provide well-timed information to users which the customers because of its capability for instantaneous communication, and its accessibility for 24 hours a day. This means more communication can gain customer satisfaction and quicker responses so it helps to increase the sales (Kuzic, Fisher & Scollary 2002). Better inventory management On a daily basis manufacture involve in keep on track, regulating and book-keeping for product inventory.Through internet inventory control system or processes can be made simpler or eliminate also at the same time are able to manage inventory as a consequence can ensure that there will be no huge stockpiles of inventory, whereas all together reduce out of stock circumstances. Lower telecommunications cost Value added networks (VANs) much expensive than internet usage which were based on leasing telephone lines. It is also much cheaper to send a e-mail or fax via the Internet than direct dialling. In addition, business that dependent on Internet communication can lower long-distance phone and fax costs.Issues Lower system security and trustworthiness There are bundle of issues a rises regarding reports of hacking websites and databases and security holes in software. For example, there is lot of security warnings and patches for Microsoft software. Several banking and other business websites, including Barclays Bank, and Consumers’ Association in the UK, have experienced breaches in security where ‘a technical oversight’ or ‘a fault in its systems’ led to confidential client information becoming available to all. Rapidly growing and changing technology Business has to follow and not be left at the back.Under the circumstances to keep on track and develop business models to make use of the new opportunities which at times guide to strategy detrimental to the organisation. The easiness which busines s strategy can be copied and imitate via Internet increase that stress on longer-term competitive advantage. Problems with compatibility of older and ‘newer’ technology Lead to a number of businesses running approximately two independent systems which data cannot be shared; There are problems where older organisation systems cannot communicate via internet and web based. This leads to invest in new systems, which implement the different systems.In this situation financially costs as well as disruptive to the efficient running of organisations. Current Trends and Examples in eCommerce The customers feedback is one of the latest trends are used by many organisations to improve customer service. Customer re-evaluate are level-headed entry into social shopping, the review is like an online discussion. Feedback is the best way to promote your products and it will add a positive value like Amazon  and  Edmunds companies following. Sharing on Social media such as facebook and twitter about the particular product where eople share if they like a product its very powerful or influential way to promote. Blogging also will give a greater impact on your product achieve by helping it to stand out in the search engines. Blogging is hot current trend followed many people and also extraordinary implement which will help small business to compete with larger businesses. Furthermore, email marketing also used by many organisations to promote their product. Weekly or monthly basis send newsletters about their new products can gain more awareness and keep the customer to visit the site.Besides that, live video interaction is a latest trend and newly three companies using it in Sweden. These trends are to help consumers to ask live questions about the products from the retailers. For instance  3? s Live Shop  and  Cozone are using live video interaction. In additional, apps on mobile because mobile production is reaching higher level and produce more smart p hones upcoming to marketplace every day. It means there are loads of consumers you can get in touch through via mobile and make the mobile phone optimised websites for cell phone users or create apps to boost the user experience.New advanced payment system has been developed and executes that permit secure payments which made directly on ecommerce system from any mobile device. Examples are Paypass by MasterCard, Visa, America Express and Google’s Wallet service. System Specifications PEOPLE Amanda Jane should involve in the system or she can hire a worker who is expert in IT to manage the system. PROCEDURES Procedure of customer obtaining the hire product is change in Amanda Jane’s current business. A client-server model name Three-Tier Architecture also known as multi-tier architecture can be used in this process.This model is a basic model that segment components into three tiers of services, which are the user tier, server tier and database tier. User Tier Server T ier Database Tier Web Client Web Server Database Server Computers that have requested browser and process web pages besides present and permits the data is known as user tier (Kroenke,Bunker & Wilson 2012).The two main types are traditional application and the Web-based application. Server tier also referred as  business logic tier that consists of web server that support resource sharing and process application programs (Kroenke,Bunker & Wilson 2012). These components is used to enforce business rules (legal or governmental regulations) and data rules (consists data structures databases). According to Kroenke,Bunker & Wilson (2012), database tier is actual DBMS access layer that processes SQL request consists recover and store data that support resource sharing.Through this model, Amanda Jane customer can click on the web page and then find a product which the server will transmit the information of the products. The client can also select and order the product needed and make on line payment. After that, the server will send a confirmation email on the product selected to the customer and another copy to admin. Now, the admin will process the transaction payment, inventory process and arrange for shipping to the relevant customer. The similar process will continue to every customer according to their needs of the product.DATA Data is an important component for both customers and business. From customers view, it allows them to know about the business and their activities (Kohavi, Mason, Parekh & Zheng 2004). For that, the website should display availability, description and price of horse products and activities of Amanda Jane’s business. On the business perspective view, customers registration code, customers information and creation of individual portal are important for customers to place order and for business to target market segments. RecommendationsConsidering the benefits of e-commerce, it will help her business to improve. Amanda Jane can us e the parallel conversion approach to implement e-commerce in her business. Parallel conversion is using both (old and new) system at the same in the beginning. This is to ensure that there are no errors or problems with the new  system. Even when the new system is introduced the old system continues running. Although the approach cost high since running two separate system but Amanda can compare both system to benchmark and measure its effectiveness.Besides that, since old system continues to function with the new system it helps to minimizes the risks of operational and data-processing failures. Conclusion Amanda Jane should direct her business towards e-commerce because it is the best solution to boost her sales. Business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce is will help business since the world is moving towards online trading and the usage of telecommunication has increased. Benefits of e-commerce are Improved Customer Services, Cost savings, No more 24-hour-time constraints, Better inventory management and lower telecommunications cost.While the issues in e-commerce are lower system security and trustworthiness, Rapidly growing and changing technology and Problems with compatibility of older and ‘newer’ technology Business must understand system specification to implement ecommerce. System specification is concentrated on the people, procedure using Three-Tier Architecture and data. Understanding and implementing e-commerce in the right way is important for a business success. In addition, Amanda Jane’s business is small business so it is a good choice to use parallel conversion for smaller systems with existing infrastructure use.

Devil's Knot by Mara Leveritt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Devil's Knot by Mara Leveritt - Essay Example hin the book entitled â€Å"Devil Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three.† In the first half of the book, readers are given an in depth look at Jesse Miskelley’s trial specifically, and from the evidence provided, the verdict returned by the jury does not appear to be correct. Although some elements of the crime remain shrouded in mystery, there are certain aspects that all parties regard as factual. The murders of three eight year old boys—Christopher Byers, Michael Moore, and Stevie Branch—occurred on May 5, 1993(Leveritt, 6). The details of the crime were particularly gruesome as the boys were found naked, beaten, hogtied with shoelaces, and floating in a bank within the Robin Hood Hills(Leveritt, 11-12). One of the boys was missing parts of their genitals, and it appeared that the primary cause of death was drowning. The murder shocked the close-knit, largely religious community, and there was a lot of pressure on the local police to find the murderers as quickly as possible. After a few leads that did not go very far, the police began to focus on the idea of a gang or cult perhaps having committed or been involved with the murder. This idea quickly took shape due to the disturbing nature of the crime. Additionally, in 1993, there was a certain kind of satanic panic spreading across the United States. Leveritt states, â€Å"By the late 1980s, interest in the suspected prevalence of satanic ritual abuse, or SRA, as it became known, had grown so intense in the United States†(Leveritt, 44). Basically, anyone who dressed in black, listened to heavy metal music, or was in any other way an outsider, was seen as someone who could potentially be involved with satanism. Ultimately, it was a combination of the crime and the satanic panic that pointed the police in the direction of three teenagers: Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jesse Miskelley. Although these boys were initially suspected due to their odd behavior and dress, there was not really

Gillette case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Gillette - Case Study Example Although Gillette was familiar with and held the patent of the coated stainless steel blades, Gillette was so slow in introducing the same due to its large market share for the uncoated blades at the time. The company was already generating massive revenues from its global market through its existing blades and therefore it Gillette did not foresee the long-term competition for the growing market taken to the coated stainless steel blades as the improved product. The implications for firms faced with making long-term investments in manufacturing and supply chain resources would be to first patent or at least by the licence for the product or services. The second option would be to invest heavily in products and services that would have the long-term appeal to the customers through constant product differentiation and modification (Ingrassia 170). It is not enough for Gillette to simply design a razor that gives the â€Å"best shave possible†. This is because come consumers may have certain preferences and evaluation criteria that may not correspond to Gillette’s specifications. When designing a razor, consumer interests come first and therefore the price tag should play a key role in design besides the quality of the razor. On the other hand, manufacturing help Gillette maintain its market share and profitability through continuous product innovation that ensures Gillette’s razors are at par with the latest design technologies like the production of disposable or double edged razors. During the development stages, it is essential to integrate the services of the operations and supply chains personnel. This is because in addition to connecting production manufacturing department to the consumers, they also convey invaluable information to the production department as regards consumer preferences due to th eir close association with the customers (Ingrassia

Money and Banking Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Money and Banking Assignment - Essay Example This is due to the fact that banks are involved in risky investments without fear or concern about the repercussions nations may face in the advent of losses. Risky investments are aggravated by the fact that banks will be bailed out in case of losses by central banks. This can facilitate organized losses and economic failures by rogue individuals with the aim of channelling all the banks’ financial assets into their possession and then request for central banks’ intervention. This burden, through the central banks is channelled back to taxpayers. The reverse is also true. If financial institutions were unable to solicit funds from central banks, then chances of them indulging in risky investments would be very minimal. (Hughkitt13 2012) III. Compare the use of open-market-operations, central bank lending facilities (rediscounting), and changes in reserve requirements to control the money supply on the following criteria: flexibility, reversibility, effectiveness, and speed of implementation. The best monetary policy should implement the following criteria to be considered effective: flexibility, reversibility, effectiveness and higher speed of implementation. On the issue of flexibility, the best method to use would be to change the reserve requirements. Depending on prevailing market conditions, reserve requirements can be easily adjusted to either reduce the money supply or increase it. The process is done on a daily basis, making it the most effective and also the fastest method to implement. Central bank rediscounting is a faster method to implement than open-market-operations since they can be obtained easily under short notice. They are also more flexible owing to the fact that they require fewer channels to get them. OMOs are more rigid and are only implemented once financial dignitaries meet and agree on the way forward. However, when we consider

Theology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Theology - Assignment Example By praying, we seek God’s forgiveness of our sins and we in turn forgive others. This way, our human suffering, which is normally as a result of confining ourselves to our areas of operation, is reduced and we remain focused and hoping for the kingdom of God (Gibbs et al. 131). 3. According to Fischer and Hart, How does Jesus resolve the problem of suffering and evil? Briefly explain each of the four elements in his response. How does this response help us to understand what a Christian response to one who has AIDS might be? When we are suffering, Jesus is always on our side to guide us on how to respond to the evil and suffering. Through Jesus, God intervenes in our circumstances and walks with us, showing us what to do at those moments when we feel weak. In regard to solving the problem of evil and suffering, there are four elements involved, which are (Fischer & Hart 121): (1). Jesus forgives us our sins and calls people to get converted. He is merciful enough and is always ready to forgive everyone who seeks his mercy. He forgives us our sins and converts us to be among his chosen ones. Based on the above four elements, a Christian suffering from AIDS will get encouragement to fight the AIDS knowing that even Christ Jesus himself suffered so much. The Christian will have the assurance that the suffering is just for a short time while on this earth, and then inherit the eternal kingdom in the life after. According to Bonhoeffera, suffering can destroy the ability to respond to God, something which he considered as a temptation, a temptation which to some extent may result from despair driving someone into committing suicide. Bonhoeffera however gives us hope from suffering by assuring us that the compassion of Christ is always with us and is enough to rescue a person who is tempted (Blackburn 178). Bonhoeffera noted that the suffering of Christ Jesus on the cross brought people closer to the Christian faith. The death of Christ meant to bring us

Aldous Huxleys Brave New World and the Movie Gattaca - Genetic Enginee Essay

Aldous Huxleys Brave New World and the Movie Gattaca - Genetic Engineering and Its Effects on People - Essay Example On the other hand, Gattaca by Niccol seeks to present a biological vision whereby in the future, liberal eugenics drives the society through the selection of potential children through pre-implantation genetic processes. Through this envisioned process, best hereditary traits of the parents are maintained and passed down to their children while comparatively vague traits undergo elimination. Most importantly, the movie shows concern on the effects and consequences of the reproductive technologies that facilitate eugenics. Evidently, both Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Gattaca by Andrew Niccol seek to enhance and adapt the engineering advancements allowing genetic alteration to produce a new generation of humans. However, both illustrate a certain degree of fear of the outcome as well as the effects resulting from excessive genetic engineering on people. At the outset, evidence shows Dr Lamar’s battle within himself stating human nature as the problem. He says that creation of genetically superior society consequences to snatching away of the rights and dreams of the society born as â€Å"God-children.† This quote clearly illustrates the detrimental idealism behind genetic engineering. Realistically, the story in Gattaca mainly seeks to show how aspects of desire and heart prove to be immeasurable but in an ironic way. Moreover, Lenina in Brave New World quotes that everyone works for everyone else. This quote focuses on insisting on the neutrality of humans even with the attempts to create a difference through genetic alteration. Furthermore, this quote depicts the equality of both â€Å"species,† regardless of caste, to death. Moreover, Gattaca portrays a new world in which everybody, especially the successful, undergoes genetic alteration to perfect their DNA. Vincent further insists on the need for genetic alteration to become successful when he quotes that the normal humans who have not been genetically altered are outcasts with less capability in the real world.  Ã‚  

Anzaldua and Kingstons Feminist empowerment Essay

Anzaldua and Kingstons Feminist empowerment - Essay Example Largely, a call for feminism marks the initiation of a long journey to empower women and to champion for their rights in a male dominated culture. Anzaldua and Kingston examine the topic of feminism in the context of â€Å"Borderland: La Frontera: The New Mestiza† and â€Å"Woman warrior: China Men† and ending to occupy strong empowering position in the post-colonial male dominated society. The works of both authors also traces the journey of women struggles for empowerment in a larger historical structure. Quite strongly, the works of both authors emerge to represent a defensive and generative debate that aims at countering women oppression of their cultures by providing a strong feminist voice of empowerment in a patriarchal society. â€Å"White Tigers† in the Woman Warrior brings to life the struggles of a woman warrior in the context of male dominated culture. In writing this chapter, Kingston is inspired by traditional myth exploring a woman’s struggl e in a patriarchal culture. Kingston creates Fa Mu Lan to defy traditional Chinese customs concerning the role of women in her society. In a precise manner, Kingston presents a traditional Chinese society that expects its women to merely be at the point of taking up already determined ideas and not being able to determine by their own ability what is best for them. Kingston creates a woman who goes beyond this traditional cultural limitation who can take up traditional roles that are largely perceived to be male dominated. Fa Mu Lan ties up her hair and being able to command a unit of army fighting under her. Kingston uses these acts cement the ability of a contemporary woman taking up the perceived male roles. The feminism that Kingston promotes is a complex one. Her creation of a feminist is one who is able to balance male roles and female traditional roles. This exemplifies a woman’s ability to function both in doing male roles and female roles. The ability to give birth a nd take it enables her to function as both a mother and a wife. By creating a woman who can double task the role of a woman and a wife, Kingston presents a strong feminist voice in Fa Mu Lan representing how feminist voices can go beyond the limits of time and liberty, but also past the rigidity of customs that the society sets for women. (Kingston) While Kingston works can be largely perceived as a strong opposition towards the oppression of women in the society, her writing can also be understood not just as a tool for attacking or competing for traditional male roles. Equally, their works look at the position of women in the society and a strong voice that creates an alternative platform for women empowerment in the contemporary society. As the novel opens, Fa Mu Lan’s mother tells her daughter of the great stories of historical woman who have made it as swordsmen and shamans. At the same time, her mother is represented as a doctor who has accomplished her training in the male dominated society. These representations, however, do not exclusively aim at subordinating the societal concept of patriarchy nor to disprove its existence but rather to enable women have ways to give these women a voice of existing and empowering themselves in the patriarchal context. At the same time, Anzaldua creates a woman being who has to transcend the limitations set upon her by her culture and her customs to live beyond the â€Å"Borderlands† experience she finds herself into. While an Anzaldua’s piece is largely considered a generative story with appropriateness within different cultures, Kingston is more of a defensive essay detailing a woman’s refusal to be limited by her male society and chooses to rise above the occasion in defining her true

Can Culture Have Rights, and if so, Can They Conflict with Human Research Paper

Can Culture Have Rights, and if so, Can They Conflict with Human Rights - Research Paper Example The supposed 'maltreatment' of women in some Islamic cultures, for instance, especially those that practice 'fundamentalism' and view women as 'unequal' with men, become a predicament for the proponents of liberalism and its underlying dogma as this violates its egalitarian principles with regards gender. Other liberalists contend that human rights are universal and its ideals are evident in the cultures of the minority. Still, cultural relativists have criticized the UN Declaration as too ethnocentric - one which only strives to perpetuate Western democratic ideas of human rights and equality, focusing mainly on individuality. In addition, various cultural norms and practices violate the principles of international human rights while the UN Declaration equally conflicts with some religious and cultural practices of several cultural groups. Hence, a reassertion of these liberal principles is significant in order to clarify if indeed, under the liberalists thought, cultures are afford ed and can be endowed rights and if these rights conflict with the universal ideals of human rights.The most notable assertion with regards this issue was introduced by Will Kymlicka who contends that the fundamental principles of liberalism oblige for the recognition of the rights of a group to protect cultural minorities.1 Kymlicka asserts that these principles do not violate the doctrines of liberalism; rather, he believes that liberals have to come to the defense of the minority cultures within the multicultural state. This does not project a nationalist belief but rather a reassertion of the minority rights within the larger context of the society; yet, Kymlicka also shares the view that cultures must be afforded rights to public expression.  This view partly constitutes a liberal view as he argues that that cultural minority groups require protection from decisions of the prevailing majority culture and adds that the minority has to make decisions on certain issues that affe ct or threaten some aspect of their culture.

Recommendation letter from a Dentist Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Recommendation letter from a Dentist - Essay Example At Smile Dental Mr. Golamari has carried out a number of particular duties and even shown some initiative where the situation has demanded it. When he first joined, Mr. Golamari spent much of his time observing and taking down notes from what he witnessed. This struck me because most young dental assistants dive straight in without looking first to witness first-hand the tasks that fall under the responsibility of a dental assistant. As an observer, much of Mr. Golamari’s time was concerned with examining patients’ teeth, updating patients’ medical records, and clearly explaining dental procedures to unsure and anxious patients. Throughout all of this, it became clear to me that Mr. Golamari has a real concern for the welfare of his patients and does his utmost to put their minds at ease. Sitting in the chair and waiting for a procedure can be one of the most daunting experiences for a patient, so it has been reassuring to me that Mr. Golamari has eased the tensi on for my patients on numerous occasions and helped to make my job immeasurably more straightforward. Not long after Mr. Golamari began his work as my observer, it became evident to me that he could handle more complex tasks. I did not want to overburden him at first, so I gradually increased the level of responsibility for Mr. Golamari. I knew that Mr. Golamari had worked previously as a dental assistant back in India, but the procedures here are a little different and so he needed some time to get uptospeed. After I felt that he was ready, I made Mr. Golamari my dental assistant, and he has performed such duties as chair side assisting taking full mouth x-rays, coronal polishing, placing temporary fillings, fabricating and fixing temporary crowns, and overall patient education. Over the time Mr. Golamari has spent as my dental assistant he has never once complained

Macro Factors that Affected Roosevelt’s Foreign Policy Initiatives Essay Example for Free

Macro Factors that Affected Roosevelt’s Foreign Policy Initiatives Essay A foreign policy is a country’s independent strategy or outline of how a sovereign state will deal with the rest of the world or how it will conduct its international affairs; this may encompass such fields as military, economy and politics. The contours of US foreign policymaking strategies were shaped to a large extent by the advantages conferred by geographical isolation of the country, lack of contiguous enemies, absence of historical baggage and the indomitable, independent streak of its early settlers who through their sheer perseverance transformed the vast wilderness of the American lands into an economic, political and military powerhouse unrivalled in the modern era. American foreign policy has seen its ups and downs ranging from a period of isolationism to active participation in world affairs to the unilateralism that characterized the Bush era. However, during the administration of Franklin D Roosevelt, American foreign policy was hobbled by the prevailing isolationist ideology and of course the economic conditions of that time. This essay examines the constraints that Roosevelt experienced in conducting the nation’s foreign policy and what events shaped the contours of Roosevelt administration foreign policy directions. During the American Revolution, The United States convinced France, Netherlands and Spain to join them in the war against Britain which was considered as a common enemy. However, after attaining independence, American foreign policy concentrated on regional matters rather than international matters. The country adopted the Monroe Doctrine which declared that America would not tolerate European interference in the Americas. However, soon thereafter American foreign policy took the stand of not interfering with other states affair in the periods before the First World War. The United States was initially not interested in involving itself in the First World War because it deemed it as a continental Europe affair. Woodrow Wilson as the President initially promised to preserve the tenets of neutrality but then was forced to enter the war on German provocation of disruption of American shipping by U boat attacks. After the war, Wilson initiated the 14 points program and created the League of Nations as also encourage idealism as an approach to international affairs. However, the imperatives of domestic politics rolled back America’s foreign policy directions away from the idealistic approach to its traditional isolationist stand. Roosevelt had internationalist views and wished to play a larger role in world affairs. However the Great depression preoccupied Roosevelt through most of his time. The Great Depression originated in the United States and had been triggered by the sudden collapse of the Stock market, which on 29 October 1929, crashed. â€Å"The shocks to the domestic US economy were a primary cause (Bernanke 2000, 5)† for the depression as the primary sector comprising of mining, farming and logging that had been listed on the stock exchange lost their share prices dramatically. This led to a panic amongst American investors who tried to keep out of the stock market and postpone their purchases of white goods. To get over the Depression, Roosevelt initiated a slew of economic reforms and measures collectively known as the ‘New Deal’. Roosevelt first sought to restore the confidence of the American people in the banking system by passing an Emergency Banking Act and creating a Federal Deposit Insurance Scheme. He embarked on massive public works projects like expansion of Dams, railroads and highways to provide employment to thousands of laid-off workers and cuts in military spending. These cuts in military spending further constrained foreign policy initiatives. The 1935 Neutrality Act passed by the Congress despite Roosevelt’s protestations further restricted the President’s foreign policy initiatives.   These were followed by the Neutrality acts of 1936 and 1937 that further tied down the President. The declaration of the Second World War in 1939, gave Roosevelt an unprecedented third term in office and a chance to redeem the US economy. At one sweep, unemployment was wiped out with youth being employed in the armed forces or in the industries to support war effort. Even then, the isolationists did not wish America to enter the war. Despite the administration’s efforts to reform the Neutrality Bill, the isolationists had a upper hand in the congress and succeeded in   obstructing the passage of the bill right until 1940 (Dalleck 1995, 191). It was only after Roosevelt steered the Lend-lease act and the surprise attack by the Japanese in 1941 that Roosevelt could get rid of the neutrality clauses and conduct the war with full vigor. Roosevelt used the Second World War to build American economy and guide its growth for America’s preeminence after the war. It was his vision and forbearance that allowed President Truman to follow a more ‘muscular’ foreign policy by declaring the famous Truman Doctrine and the Marshall plan that defined the pro-activeness of American Foreign policy from 1946 till to date. One can safely state that the considerable constraints of an isolationist’s tradition and the Great Depression hindered Roosevelt’s foreign policy initiatives, which he had to constantly battle to build America’s relevance on the international scene. Roosevelt succeeded admirably and set the stage for future American Presidents to embark on a more robust international role that today defines American foreign policy. Bibliography Bernanke, Ben. Essays on the Great Depression. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2000. Dalleck, Robert. Franklin D. Roosevelt and American Foreign Policy, 1932-1945. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995.

Community education and use in University

Community education and use in University This essay discusses key approaches to learning which have importance for community education and tries to identify how one could develop the use of these during the time at university. Following wide research in academic literature a clear concept should emerge. It has two main parts; the first one, after a brief definition of learning, focuses on key approaches to learning, their strengths and weaknesses, and their importance for community education as a higher education program as well as profession. The second, more reflective part, will look at how these could be developed during my university studies. Each part is broken down into smaller units which will touch on the phenomenon of Learning, Approaches to Learning, Community Education and the Development of Approaches in Higher Education. It will look at how those are related and what is their significance for community education. As there is extensive amount of literature available on each one of these subjects this essay an introduction to these rather than than an exhaustive account. However as a result of this work a clear understanding of the position of approaches to learning within community education and the ways of their utilisation and development should emerge. Learning Even though there is lots of material available on subject of learning, it seems that this term is largely misunderstood, often used instead of the word teaching or in the narrow sense of formal education as the process through which learners acquire new knowledge and skills. There is another factor which complicates defining learning; Moon (2006) states in A handbook of reflective and experiential learning: Theory and practice that it is a lack of vocabulary that complicates this issue; some languages do not distinguish between teaching and learning, having the same word for both (e.g. Russian). (Moon, 2006, p.12) It is almost impossible to define learning without using the word itself or words like learner. However in terms of community education learning can be defined as a constant, social, interactive and constructionist process'(Burns and Sinfield, 2008, p.50) which takes place regardless of the presence of educator, it is a process in which one is gathering new ideas and information, recording them, organising them, making sense of them, remembering them, using them (Devine 1987 as cited in Burns and Sinfield, 2008, p.50) as well as deepening understanding of prior knowledge which will consequently bring a change. Therefore we should no longer assiduously acquire knowledge once and for all, but learn how to build up a continually evolving body of knowledge all through life- learn to be. (Faure et. al., 1972:vi). (Tett, 2010, p.34). Approaches to learning Biggs (1987, 1989) proposes that students seek congruence between their learning motives and strategies in a particular context. Thus an approach to learning can be understood as a process of students devising learning strategies to solve the challenges their motives have defined for them. (Wilson and Fowler, 2005, p.88) As quote suggests approaches to learning are a combination of motives for learning and strategies or methods used in the learning process. There were several studies focused on the phenomenon of students approaches to learning. The original research was carried out by Marton and Saljo in Sweden in the early 1970s, but in addition to this there were almost parallel studies by John Biggs in Australia, Entwistle in England and others around the world. As a result of these findings three approaches have been identified. These are surface approach, deep approach and achieving/ strategic approach to learning which are recognised independently by numerous researchers, although the terminology originated with Marton and Saljo (Beckwith, 1991). Students adapting the surface approach were described as ones who tend to concentrate on absorbing as much information as necessary, memorising material and not reflecting on it and see learning as something that happens to them. Biggs (1987, 1990) suggested that motivation of these students is extrinsic e.g. external conditions and pressure; where the student tries to meet given requirements and balance between working too hard and failing. This presents itself in the lack of a critical view of material, where content of learning has not been questioned and there are no connections made between learnt material and previous learning or knowledge, its purposes and structure. The student looks to simply reproduce material as evidence of learning; focusing on what appears to be the most important topic or element and does not see interconnections between these (Biggs, 1991). A consequence of this approach may be superficial learning, where the learner might have difficulty to apply what he or she learnt in different conditions or structures. This type of learning is possibly a result of low interest in the material, or perhaps because learners believe that this is the proper way of learning. It may also be the result of a state of anxiety or pressure, for example in learning for assessment situation as suggested by Moon (2004). Students who develop the deep approach to their learning are likely to be interested in the topic or material they are learning and see themselves as an active part of learning process. The motive behind their learning is to actualize interest and to gain an understanding of a particular subject; their motivation is intrinsic coming from inside (Biggs, 1990, 1991). These students relate learnt content to previous knowledge; adapt a critical view of material and question its logic and argument (Moon, 2004). They also draw connections to their own experiences, looking for practical examples as well as applications in the real world. While theorising about a subject, generalising it and drawing out hypothesis, searching for meaning and conclusions they tend to put new knowledge or deeper understanding of previous learning into the bigger picture. Their study behaviour is usually marked by wide reading, reflecting on what one reads and hears; engaging in discussion with teachers and othe r students, and the like (Biggs, 1991). Students adapting the surface approach are more able to demonstrate their understanding and creative in problem solving. In his article Learning Approach and Outcome: Some Empirical Observations, Saljo (1991) states findings of his research on approaches to learning. His experimental session started with interviews, in which participants were to describe how they experience their own learning. The point he makes is that the subjects themselves introduced this (surface and deep) kind of distinction in the interview (Saljo, 1981, p.53). The subjects whose outcome was the deep approach made it clear in all cases that in their view there were significant differences between learning as an active process and memorizing. In their view, trying to understand, comprehend, grasp the meaning and on the whole to think and reflect actively on what they hear and read was a necessary part and the true purpose to learning. They did not understand learning as mere reproduction of learnt material but as a process in which they try to relate what they read, hear or see with what they previously know and then inject meaning into what they are learning. Moon (2004, p.60) states that in the later work by Biggs in Australia and at Lancaster University another approach to learning was identified labelled the achieving approach or strategic approach. The difference between the two aforementioned approaches and the achieving approach is that the surface as well as the deep approach are more closely linked with quality of learning whereas the achieving approach focuses more on how to undertake the task with the aim of succeeding especially in an assessment situation (Biggs, 1991) and (Moon 2004). Students using the achieving approach are highly competitive, motivated by performing well and obtaining the highest grades regardless of whether or not they are interested in the learnt material. They are referred to by Biggs (1985) as model students as they are highly organised and self- disciplined, keeping clear notes, following up all suggested readings, allowing appropriate time to the task given, using time management and schedule planning skills in their learning linked to their perception of importance of the studied material. They are also likely to use one or both of the aforementioned approaches in their learning strategy, creating surface- achieving or deep- achieving approach. There seems to be plenty of evidence, says Moon (2004), that modern learners in higher education need to be strategic especially in modules where they are faced with frequent assessments. Strong lines are drawn here between surface and deep approaches to illustrate clear differences between them. However this distinction is stereotypical and therefore there are cases in which it does not demonstrate itself in practice. Memorising itself, as some studies suggest, does not mean that student has a surface approach to learning. It is often viewed as such in western culture but in Asian students it is more a question of gaining the understanding building up stage by stage Marton and Booth (as cited in Moon, 2004, p.61). Another example could be actors learning their lines and later interpreting them in the character they are playing, or students memorising new vocabulary in order to better understand foreign language. Also one student does not adopt one approach constantly. We could say that every student has his or her preferred approach but in some cases approaches students use in practice are influenced by personal and situational factors Wilson and Fowler (2010, p.88). Students might see the deep approach to learning as desirable but may be unable to use it and could slip into the surface approach if pressed by time, work load or if the environment he or she works in is too noisy for instance. The same is the case for students using predominantly the surface approach to learning, who might adapt the deep approach if the task demands it, e.g. surface approach will not be sufficient in writing reflective essays. It would therefore appear that there are many influencing factors on which approach to learning students use. As suggested earlier, learners usually use more than one approach to learning throughout their lives. However findings of the studies (try to back up with actual studies and dates) on this matter are showing evidence in favour of deep approach. Results of researches linked low performance scores to students who used the surface approach where the scores of those using the deep and achieving approaches were significantly higher. Kember and Gow (date) see encouraging students to adapt the deeper approach as the key task for higher education. (as cited in Wilson and Fowler, date.) Community Education What significance do approaches to learning have for community education? Looking at community education as a higher education course in general it is obvious that the approach to learning adopted by students will influence the study experience and its results. Therefore the chosen approach could affect individuals views on community education and its practice. Selecting the learning approach with the best results would certainly help students succeed in their chosen course and prepare for future employment. Community educations primary purpose is education within and for communities encouraging and engaging people throughout life into learning that is based on what they are interested in. (Tett, 2010, p.1). However providing services and meeting the needs merely on a surface level would not be effective. Keeping issues of individuals and communities isolated, engaging them in leisure, learning and action opportunities without considering their personal, social, economic and political needs (CeVe 1990:2 as cited by Smith) would be only a partial and temporary solution. Within this field there is a great demand for critical and reflective practice, making links between learning, development, socio-cultural, economical and political issues and thus sustaining the deep approach not only to learning but to practice as well. The work of community educators, whether their focus is on young people, adults or community capacity building will always concentrate on purposeful learning and education in communities designed to bring about change.'(Tett, 2010,p.106). And through this practice to provide the learning which will contribute to a more robust and active citizenry through enabling people to review more critically and creatively the values and workings of society and developing tolerance of diversity and difference (Tett, 2010, p.51). Practitioners whose preferred approach to learning is the deep approach have a potential to motivate individuals and communities to reflective and critical thinking about whatever situation they are in, equipping them with needed strategies to address those issues, which will help them to be more independent and active participants in society. Development of Approaches to Learning Wilson and Fowler (2005) Conclusion

Lev Vygotsky Theories Analysis

Lev Vygotsky Theories Analysis Lev Vygotsky was a developmental psychologist born in Russia in 1896 in Byelorussia and passed away in 1934 due to Tuberculosis. Throughout his lifetime Vygotsky went from Medical school to law school, from law school to literature, and from literature to psychology. Although he was in the five percent of Jews allowed to attend a university he wasnt allowed to study to be the teacher that he desired to be. After finding an interest in psychology he began to explore child development and child psychology. He graduated from the University of Moscow with a degree in literature. According to Vygotsky the overall goal of education is to generate and lead development which is the result social learning through internalization of culture and social relationships. (The Educational Theory of Lev Vygotsky: an analysis) Lev Vygotsky was intrigued by the relationship between learning and human development. In addition to his theories he wrote over a hundred books and articles that were all stored in a secret library and were not published until after his death. His two major recognized pieces are The Psychology of Art and The crisis in Psychology. Two of his main concepts were inner speech and the zone of proximal development. Vygotsky believed that inner speech is what guides a childs planning and other thought processes. He also believed that learning leads development and the immaturity of students conscious awareness and mastery of their thinking at a school age and sets the stage for his concept of the zone of proximal development (Education Encyclopedia: Lev Vygotsky). Vygotskys theory is called sociocultural because it focuses on how values, beliefs, skills, and traditions are transmitted to the next generation. He considered the child as a whole, and believed in a connection between culture a nd development. He believed that childrens skills and interactions varied by culture and that a child learns through family not through stages. Vygotsky thought that a large amount of learning was through play because language and development are built upon each other. When a mentor thinks that a student is ready for a new challenge and can conquer the challenge almost independently, a zone of proximal development is drawn. It is a range of learning that would be what a child can learn on its own but better with the help of someone else. Scaffolding involves encouragement and assistance in the form of advice and suggestions to aid a child in mastering a new concept (Davison). Through what Vygotsky called dialogues, we socially interact and communicate with others to learn the cultural values of our society. The sociocultural theory suggests that learning is active and constructive. Vygotsky claimed that interaction and direct teaching were critical aspects of a childs cognitive deve lopment and that a childs level of thinking could be advanced by such interaction. Language is socially based and childrens speech during age three to seven is tied to what children think. The development of language is considered to be a major principle of Vygotskys sociocultural theory. The language of a certain group of people indicates their cultural beliefs and value system. He thinks that children gradually grow intellectually and begin to function on their own because of assistance. He also says that a childs cognitive abilities increase through exposure to information that is new, interesting, and easy to understand. When children play and cooperate with others they learn what is important in their society and advance cognitively in their understanding of the world. The sociocultural theory suggests that development is a reciprocal transaction between the people in a childs environment and the child. According to Vygotsky, people and settings influence a child and in return influences the people and settings. He also suggested that children with and without disabilities be taught together, he thought isolation would hinder social Development. As a constructivist, Vygotsky believed that learning is affected by the context in which an idea is taught as well as by students beliefs and attitudes. Vygotsky felt that learning happens before development can occur and that children learn because of history and symbolism. Lev Vygotsky is considered a seminal thinker in psychology, and much of his work is still being discovered and explored today. While he was like Skinner, Pavlov, Freud and Piaget, his work never attained their level of acknowledgement during his lifetime. Part of this was because his work was often criticized by the Communist Party in Russia, and so his writings were largely inaccessible to the Western world, his early death at age 38 also contributed. Vygotsky was one of the first people to recognize and acknowledge the importance of culture and as today becomes more multicultural the sociocultural theory is helping us understand the influences on development. In conclusion, cognitive development plays a key role in learning and thinking methods of children. Vygotsky offers some incredible insight into the possible ways children learn and by using these theories it is possible to create a more conducive learning environment for each child. I believe that principles such as scaffoldi ng, co-constructed knowledge, dialogue, and cultural tools are all important components of a students knowledge acquisition. By helping students within their zone of proximal development, we offer them useful learning strategies which they internalize and utilize later. Works Cited Browne, Gordon. Beginnings and Beyond. Thomson Delmar Learning , n.d. -. Beginnings and Beyond. Thompson, n.d. Davison, Brandi. Piaget Vs. Vygotsky. Ac Associated Content 08 December 2006. Feldmen, Robert. Child Development 5th edition. Prentice Hall, n.d. Gredler, Margaret E. Education Encyclopedia: Lev Vygotsky. 10 23 2009. . K. Geonnotti, D. Passalacqua. The Educational Theory of Lev Vygotsky: an analysis. 2007. .

The Effects of Stigma and Labeling on Mental Illness Patients and Their

Mental Illness, that name conjures up a vast array of frightening images in the minds of the general public and media; an unfair image that is stigmatizing for the sufferer. The stigma is also pervasive in the mental health field, where patients who receive treatment are sometimes treated unfairly by the practitioners, who are supposed to help them in the first place. This is what my paper will discuss, the effects of stigma and labeling on patients and their families. I have culled many sources from scholarly papers, that back up my claim. I will describe what I thought of about the articles and how they pertain to the main points I am trying to make. In our society today, mental health treatment is considered to be much more humane and scientific, rather than the barbaric treatment given to mental health patients in the past. Although the psychiatric profession has considerably advanced, there seems to be a growing consensus from many mental health consumers and families, that the stigma of the past is still present in the treatment of mental illness today. It is considered inhumane to deprive someone in getting adequate treatment for their mental illness, but that is what is happening to many disabled mental health consumers. The majority of mental health consumers cannot afford to get the advanced treatment that is available to them, unless they either have enough money or good insurance coverage; most however do not. It is usually impossible to get into the specialty psychiatric clinics, like Stanford and UCLA, where treatment is very advanced and up-to date, therefore consumers have to be treated often within the county's mental health system; which is very rated very poor. In the article published by: Sharon Bowland, ... ...ple with mental disorders. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 43(3), 183-200. doi:10.1080/00048670802653349. Kondrat, D., & Teater, B. (2009). An anti-stigma approach to working with persons with severe mental disability: Seeking real change through narrative change. Journal of Social Work Practice, 23(1), 35-47. doi:10.1080/02650530902723308. Rao, H., Mahadevappa, H., Pillay, P., Sessay, M., Abraham, A., & Luty, J. (2009). A study of stigmatized attitudes towards people with mental health problems among health professionals. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 16(3), 279-284. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2850.2008.01369.x. Wesselmann, E., & Graziano, W. (2010). Sinful and/or possessed? Religious beliefs and mental illness stigma. Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology, 29(4), 402-437. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

good vs evil :: essays research papers

Beowulf Good VS. Evil   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many times we see a battle of good vs. evil in movies, books, society, and in this case, an epic poem. This motif is used so often because it pertains to so many facets of authentic life. The epic poem Beowulf is an example of this because the hero of the story has an ongoing conflict with the evil villain, Grendel. In Beowulf, the conflict between good and evil is the poem’s main and most important aspect. The poet makes it clear that good and evil do not exist as only opposites, but that both qualities are present in everyone. Beowulf represents the ability to do good, or to perform acts selflessly and in help of others. Goodness is also showed throughout this epic as having the ability to cleanse evil. Even though evil is presented by Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon, who are filled with a desire to act against people and ultimately destroy them. Even pride, a human quality, is presented in Beowulf as a sign that evil exists.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Beowulf is the character in the story that played the super hero. He was the man who went to innocent peoples rescue. When they needed someone to help them he was the man who would respond to their cries for help. For example, Beowulf went to the aid of the people of another country to fight a monster and protect them from another ambush of attacks from the monster. He risked his own life, to face this monster that would destroy any human in a matter of seconds. Beowulf isn’t just any normal human, he has the strength of 30 men in each hand. He is â€Å"the Prince of goodness†(46). He has been sent down from heaven to protect the earth from evil such as Grendel. As you can see clearly by the fact that he is called â€Å"The Prince of goodness† he is the â€Å"good guy† in the story (46). He has been chosen to protect the world from evil. When this story was made, the author intended for it to be clear that Beowulf is supposed to be the hero of the story.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Beowulf takes it upon himself to announce several great deeds that he will perform to help countries in need. One of these deeds is his offer to King Hrothgar, in which he proposes to slay Grendel. Beowulf states, â€Å"single handed I’ll settle the strife (37).

Is Your Sore Throat Strep?

Is Your Sore Throat Strep? By Kristin Hayes, About. com Guide Updated October 06, 2009 About. com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board Question: Is Your Sore Throat Strep? It can be difficult to tell if your sore throat is strep or simply a cold virus. However, in most cases of strep throat there are some key differences. Answer: The only way to know for sure if your sore throat is strep is to have a rapid strep test or a throat culture.These tests must be performed at a physician's office, but let's face it you can't go running in to the doctor every time your throat gets a little scratchy. Characteristics of strep throat include a severe sore throat that may cause pain or difficulty swallowing. The back of the throat is usually very red and there may be white patches in the back of the throat or on the tonsils. The tonsils and lymph nodes also may be swollen. Some people get a fever. It is not uncommon to be very tired and achy or to lose y our appetite.In some cases you may get a rash. The biggest difference between strep throat and a cold virus is that strep throat usually does not cause runny nose, congestion, sneezing or coughing. All cases of strep throat must be treated with an antibiotic to avoid serious complications including heart problems, kidney problems or Scarlett fever — especially in children. For these reasons, it is very important to see the doctor if you or your child have symptoms of strep throat.

Meralco Financial Analysis

INTRODUCTION MERALCO is the Philippines’ largest electric power distribution company, with franchise service area covering 9,337 square kilometres. It provides power to 4. 8 million customers in 31 cities and 80 municipalities, which include the whole of Metro Manila, the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan, and parts of Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon. Business establishments in the franchise area account for almost 46% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product or GDP.Through Clark Electric Distribution Corporation or CEDC, a 65%-subsidiary, it holds the power distribution franchise for Clark Special Economic Zone in Clark, Pampanga. CEDC franchise area covers 32 square kilometres and 1,611 customers. The Company is organized into three major operating segments, namely, power distribution, real state and contracts, services and others. In 2010, MERALCO PowerGen Corporation or MPG (formerly Asian Center for Energy Management), a wholly owned subsidiary, was reorg anized as the Company’s vehicle for potential entry into power generation. COMPANY PROFILEMERALCO marches on to its 108th year of service in 2011. Consistently in the list of the Philippines’ top five corporations and cited among Asia’s finest, MERALCO today serves over 4. 8 million residential, commercial and industrial customers. It is strategically located to serve the country’s center of commerce and industry and its hub of government services and infrastructures. It services about 30 manufacturing economic zones, which also compete in the global market. Likewise, the Company caters to providers of outsourced business process, both domestic and international. MERALCO’s 9,337 sq. km. ranchise area overs 31 cities and 80 municipalities including Metro Manila, the entire provinces of Bulacan, Rizal and Cavite; parts of the provinces of Laguna, Quezon, Batangas and Pampanga. Electrification level in the franchise area is 99%. MISSION to provide our customers the best value in energy, products and services. VISSION to be a world-class company and the service provider of choice. OBJECTIVES: To protect and enhance the interest of its stakeholders by committing itself to the following principles. 1. The Customers are its reason for being, and therefore, they should always be treated with dignity.The Company must be fully responsive to their needs. The Company has the responsibility to: * Provide the customers with the highest quality products and services, consistent with their requirements and with international standards; * Treat the customers fairly, courteously and with integrity in all of its business transactions; * Act promptly on their immediate concerns and be receptive to their long-term needs and interest; and * Make every effort to ensure that the health, safety and general well-being of its customers are enhanced by its products and services. 2.The Employees are its most valued asset, and therefore, they should alway s be treated with dignity and with full consideration of their interest. The Company has the responsibility to: * Provide its employees with incentives and opportunities for professional growth and advancement; * Provide its employees with just and competitive compensation, and benefits that improve their living conditions and incentives * Guarantee fairness, equal treatment and opportunity and avoid discriminatory practices; and * Provide suitable and safe working conditions to protect employees from avoidable injury and illness in the workplace. . Its Investors are its principals, and therefore, the trust they have placed in the company must be honoured. The company has the responsibility to: * Apply professional and diligent management to ensure the financial viability of the company and maintain a fair and competitive return for its investors; and * Conserve and enhance its investors’ assets, and fulfil and safeguard their interest. 4. The Suppliers and Creditors are its business partners and, therefore, the relationship with them must be based on mutual respect and benefit.The company has the responsibility to: * Foster long-term stability, direct relation and continuous development with suppliers to attain quality, competitiveness, process efficiency and performance reliability; * Seek fairness, truthfulness, integrity and transparency in all of its business dealings with them; and * Seek encourage and prefer suppliers whose business practices respect human dignity and the environment. . The Competitors are its catalyst toward continuing service excellence and, therefore, the competition with them should be fair and honest, a basic requirement for national development in the distribution of products and services to the community. The Company has the responsibility to: * Promote behaviour that demonstrates mutual respect among competitors; and * Maintain the highest level of business ethics and integrity. . The Community is its business environment and the society it serves. The Company has the responsibility to: * Uphold and maintain at all times the highest standards of business ethics; * Fulfil with dedication and commitment its social responsibilities; * Undertake activities that support and contribute to the economic and social development of the country; 7.Employ proactive measures and cooperate with the government and non-government institutions in activities to serve society towards a collective benefit. * Help the government in its efforts and programs in its efforts and programs towards raising investor confidence, developing the capital market, and ensuring high sustained economic growth through good corporate governance. Observe and comply at all times with the orders, rules and regulations of the government, its agencies and instrumentalities, in the pursuit of its utility objectives and other corporate endeavors; * Institutionalize sound environmental practices in collaboration with the concerned government agen cies and encourage other corporations/organizations to support all programs for an effective environmental management system. SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES * Meralco Powergen Corporation (MPG) * Clark Electric Distribution Corporation (CEDC) * Radius Telecoms, Inc. * Meralco Financial Services Corporation (FINSERVE) Lighthouse Overseas Insurance Limited (LOIL) * Meralco Energy, Inc. (MEI) * Rockwell Land Corporation (ROCKWELL) * Republic Surety and Insurance Company, Inc. (RSIC) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION| | | | | December 31 | | 2010 | 2009 | | (amounts in millions) | ASSETS| | | | | | Current Assets| | | Cash and Cash equivalents| Php 24,370. 00 | Php 17,068. 00 | Trade and other receivables – net| 25,609. 00 | 21,600. 0 | Inventories – at lower cost or net realizable value| 2,043. 00 | 1,857. 00 | Land and development costs – at lower of cost or net realizable value| 1,708. 00 | 1,191. 00 | Other current assets| 2,027. 00 | 2,969. 00 | TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS| 55,757. 00 | 44,685. 00 | | | | Noncurrent Assets| | | Utility plant and others – net| 101,009. 00 | 98,231. 0 | Construction in progress| 2,241. 00 | 3,627. 00 | Investments in associates and a joint venture| 321. 00 | 1,203. 00 | Investments properties – net| 8,037. 00 | 8,021. 00 | Deferred pass – through fuel costs| 1,222. 00 | 3,161. 00 | Deferred tax assets – net| 42. 00 | 17. 00 | Other noncurrent assets – net| 10,339. 0 | 13,184. 00 | TOTAL NONCURRENT ASSETS| 123,211. 00 | 127,444. 00 |   | Php 178,968. 00 | Php 172,129. 00 | | | | | | | LIABILITIES AND EQUITY| | | Current Liabilities| | | Notes Payable| Php 149. 00 | Php 513. 00 | Trade payables and accrued expenses| 31,138. 00 | 28,261. 00 | Income tax payable| 413. 00 | 133. 00 | Customer's refund| 7,131. 0 | 9,147. 00 | Current portion of interest – bearing long-term financial liabilitie s| 5,574. 00 | 4,069. 00 | TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES| 44,405. 00 | 42,123. 00 | | | | Noncurrent Liabilities| | | Interest-bearing long-term financial liabilities – net of current portion| 15,498. 00 | 17,234. 00 | Customer's deposits – net of current portion| 23,761. 00 | 25,063. 0 | Deposits from pre-selling of condominium units| 741. 00 | 343. 00 | Deferred tax liabilities – net| 3,322. 00 | 4,230. 00 | Long-term employee benefits| 9,547. 00 | 10,987. 00 | Provisions| 12,875. 00 | 7,492. 00 | Advances for construction – net of current portion| 3,271. 00 | 2,989. 00 | Other noncurrent liabilities| 2,352. 0 | 522. 00 | TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES| 71,367. 00 | 68,860. 00 |   |   |   | TOTAL LIABILITIES| 115,772. 00 | 110,983. 00 | | | | Equity Attributable to Equity Holders of the Parent| | | Common Stock| 11,273. 00 | 11,273. 00 | Subscriptions receivable| (738. 00)| (960. 00)| Additional paid-in capital| 4,111. 0 | 4,112. 00 | Excess of Acquisit ion cost over carrying value of non-controlling interest acquired| (328. 00)| (328. 00)| Employee shared-based payment plan| 743. 00 | 569. 00 | Unrealized fair value gains on available-for-sale investments| 96. 00 | 71. 00 | Share in cumulative translation adjustment of a subsidiary and an associate| 12. 00 | 684. 0 | Retained earnings:| | | Appropriated| 6,000. 00 | 4,198. 00 | Unappropriated| 37,800. 00 | 37,750. 00 | Equity Attributable to Equity Holders of the Parent| 58,969. 00 | 57,369. 00 | | | | Non-controlling interests| 4,227. 00 | 3,777. 00 | TOTAL EQUITY| 63,196. 00 | 61,146. 00 | | | | | | | Php 178,968. 00 | Php 172,129. 00 | MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME| | | | | Years Ended December 31 | | 2010 | 2009 | | (amounts in millions, except per share data) | | | | REVENUES| | | Sale of electricity| 239,077. 00 | 178,686. 00 | Sale or real state| 3,375. 00 | 2,877. 00 | Sale of contracts, services and others| 3,009. 00 | 2,987. 00 |   | 245,461. 0 | 184,550. 00 | | | | | | | EXPENSES (INCOME)| | | Purchased power| 200,916. 00 | 150,928. 00 | Operations and maintenance| 15,711. 00 | 13,611. 00 | Depreciation and amortization| 6,219. 00 | 5,064. 00 | Provision for probable charges and expenses from claims| 5,750. 00 | 3,351. 00 | Cost of real estate sold| 2,640. 00 | 2,230. 0 | Interest and other financial income| (2,690. 00)| (4,246. 00)| Cost of services| 1,996. 00 | 1,803. 00 | Provision (reversal of provision) for probable losses from refund – net| (1,632. 00)| (1,179. 00)| Interest and other financial charges | 493. 00 | 3,328. 00 | Equity in net earnings of associates and a joint venture| (283. 00)| (245. 0)| Accretion of present value impact on customers' refund | 225. 00 | 555. 00 | Foreign exchange losses (gains) – net| 51. 00 | (266. 00)| Taxes, fees and permits| 974. 00 | 421. 00 | Others| 654. 00 | 216. 00 |   | 231,024. 00 | 175,571. 00 | | | | INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX| 14,437. 00 | ,979. 00 | | | | PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAX| | | Current| 5,233. 00 | 3,218. 00 | Deffered| (913. 00)| (595. 00)|   | 4,320. 00 | 2,623. 00 | | | | NET INCOME| Php 10,117. 00 | Php 6,356. 00 | MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW| | | | | | | 2010| 2009| | | (Amounts in Millions)| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES| Php 14,437. 0 | Php 8,979. 00 | Income before income tax| | | Adjustments for:| | | | Depreciation and amortization| 6,219. 00 | 5,064. 00 | | Provision for probable charges and expenses from claims| 5,750. 00 | 3,351. 00 | | Interest and other financial income| (2,690. 00)| (4,246. 00)| | Interest and other financial charges| 493. 0 | 3,328. 00 | | Provision (reversal of provision) for probable losses from refund – net| (1,632. 00)| (1,179. 00)| | Loss on disposal of utility plant and others – net| 1,033. 00 | | | Provision for doubtful accounts, net of recoveries| 982. 00 | 886. 00 | | Cost o f guaranteed service levels pay-out| 388. 00 | 216. 0 | | Loss from disposal of investment| | 46. 00 | | Equity in net earnings of associates and a joint venture| (283. 00)| (245. 00)| | Present value impact on customer's refund| 225. 00 | 555. 00 | | Employee share-based payments| 174. 00 | 301. 00 | | Reversal of write-down of inventory to net realizable value| (3. 0)| (41. 00)| | Gain on disposal of investment property| (4. 00)| | | Donation of investment property| 2. 00 | |   | Foreign exchange loss (gain)| 51. 00 | (266. 00)| Operating income befor working capital changes| 25,412. 00 | 16,749. 00 | Decrease (increase) in:| | | | Trade and other receivables| (10. 0)| 15,601. 00 | | Inventories| (130. 00)| (168. 00)| | Land and development costs| (517. 00)| (531. 00)| | Deferred pass-through fuel costs| 1,939. 00 | 631. 00 | | Other current assets| 955. 00 | (1,854. 00)| Increase (decrease) in:| | | | Trade payables and accrued expenses| 41. 0 | 8,798. 00 | | Customer's re fund| (2,241. 00)| (2,889. 00)| | Customer's deposits| 1,298. 00 | 2,913. 00 | | Deposits from pre-selling of condominium units| 398. 00 | 307. 00 | | Long-term employee benefits| (1,424. 00)| (1,555. 00)|   | Provisions| (140. 0)| (4,935. 00)| Net cash generated from operations| 25,311. 00 | 33,067. 00 | Income tax paid| (4,953. 00)| (3,797. 00)| Net cash flows generated from operating activities| 20,358. 00 | 29,270. 00 | CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES| | | Additions to:| | | | Construction in progress| (5,769. 00)| (7,914. 0)| | Utility plant and others| (2,741. 00)| (187. 00)| | Intangibles| (300. 00)| (127. 00)| | Investments properties| (110. 00)| (662. 00)| Interest and other financial income received| 1,058. 00 | 1,332. 00 | Proceeds from:| | | | Return of investment| 752. 0 | | | Disposal of utility plant and others| 82. 00 | | | Disposal of investment property| 28. 00 | | | Settlement of deliverable currency forwards| 5. 00 | | Dividends received from associates| 96. 00 | 445. 00 | Dividends paid by subsidiaries attributable to non-controlling interests| (15. 00)| | Decrease (increase) in:| | | | Other noncurrent assets| 622. 0 | (1,657. 00)| | Other receivables| | | Net cash used in investing activities| (6,292. 00)| (8,770. 00)| CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES| | | Proceeds from:| | | | Interest-bearing long-term financial liabilities, net of issue costs| 10,528. 00 | 12,398. 00 | | Notes payable| 380. 00 | 2,936. 00 | | Collection of subscriptions receivable| 222. 0 | 445. 00 | Payments of:| | | | Interest-bearing long-term financial liabilities| (10,748. 00)| (8,295. 00)| | Dividends| (6,187. 00)| (2,820. 00)| | Interest and other financial charges| (2,044. 00)| (1,524. 00)| | Notes payable| (744. 00)| (12,251. 00)| | Stock transaction costs| (1. 0)| | Increase(decrease) in other noncurrent liabilities| 1,830. 00 | 277. 00 | Net cash flow used in financing activities| (6,764. 00)| (8,834. 00)| NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALE NTS| 7,302. 00 | 11,666. 00 | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR| 17,068. 00 | 5,402. 00 | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR| Php 24,370. 0 | Php 17,068. 00 | MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES| RATIO ANALYSIS| | 2010| 2009| TEST OF LIQUIDITY| | | | | | A. Current Ratio =| Current Assets| | | Current Liabilities| | | | | =| 55757. 00 | 44685. 00 | | 44405. 00 | 17234. 00 | | | | =| 1. 26| 1. 06| | | | B. Acid-test Ratio =| Cash + Short-term investments +receivables (net)| | | Current Liabilities| | | | | =| 49979. 00 | 3048. 00 | | 44405. 00 | 17234. 00 | | | | =| 1. 13| 0. 18| | | | C. Receivables turnover =| Net credit sales| | | Average net receivables| | | | | =| 245461. 00 | 184550. 00 | | 36409. 00 | 36409. 00 | | | =| 6. 74| 5. 07| | | | Average Collection period =| 365 days| | | receivable turnover| | | | | =| 365 days| 365 days| | 6. 74| 5. 07| | | | =| 54. 15 days| 72. 01| | | | D. Inventory turnover =| COGS| | | Average inventory| | | | | =| 22126 3. 00 | 168572. 00 | | 2971. 50 | 2971. 50 | | | | =| 74. 46 times| 56. 73| TEST OF SOLVENCY| | | | | | A. Debt to total assets ratio =| total debt| | | total assets| | | | | =| 115772. 00 | 110,983. 00| | 178968. 00| 172,129. 00| | | | =| 0. 65| 0. 64| | | | B. Times interest earned =| Income before income taxes and interest expense| | | interest expense| | | | | =| 14,437. 0 | 8979. 00 | | 493. 00 | 3328. 00 | | | | =| 29. 28| 2. 70| | | | TEST OF PROFITABILITY| | | | | | A. Profit Margin =| Net income| | | Net sales| | | | | =| 10,117. 00 | 6356. 00 | | 245,461. 00| 184550. 00 | | | | =| 4%| 3%| | | | B. Asset Turnover =| Net Sales| | | Average assets| | | | | =| 245,461. 00 | | | 175,548. 50 | | | | | =| 1. 40| | | | | C. Return on assets =| Net Income| | | Average Assets| | | | | =| 10,117. 00 | | | 175,548. 50 | | | | | =| 6%| | | | | D. Return on common stockholder's equity =| Net income| | | Average common stockholder's equity| | | | =| 10,117. 00 | | | 11,273. 00 | | | | | =| 90%| | | | | E. Earnings per share =| Net Income| | | Weighted average common shares outstanding| | | | | =| 10,117. 00 | | | 1,127. 00 | | | | | =| 8. 98| | | | | F. Price-earnings ratio =| Market price per share of stock| | | earnings per share| | | | | =| 10| | | 8. 62| | | | | =| 1. 16| | | | | G. Pay-out Ratio =| Cash Dividends| | | Net income| | | | | =| 7,834. 00 | | | 10,117. 00 | | | | | =| 77. 43| | ANALYSIS HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL ANALYSIS REVENUES For the year end December 31, 2010 MERALCO procured a Php245, 461 million revenues, 33. 0% higher than previous year revenues worth Php184, 550 million. Sales from the three major operating segments increased during the year 2010 with the power distribution as the top performing operating segments. Php178,686 million sales from electricity was a 96. 82% of Php184,550 million. EXPENSES Expenses for the year 2010 amounted to Php231,024 million was increased by Php55,453 million or 31. 58% due to higher purchased power that was increased by 33. 12%. In support to this, purchased power got 86. 97% of the total Php231,024 worth of expenses. NET INCOME Php10,117 million net worth of income of 2010 was 59. 7% higher than 2009 it’s because of the higher sales of electricity for the year 2010. Eventhough the net income for the year 2010 is just a 4. 12% of the total sales the company still achieved its higher net income compare to 2009. CURRENT ASSETS As of December 31, 2010, the Company’s consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to Php24,370 million, Php7,302 million or 42. 78% higher compared with the balance of Php17,068 million of December 31, 2009. In addition, cash and cash equivalents achieved 13. 62% of its Php178,968 million total assets. This is due to a higher average collection period from 29 days to 24 days.Other increase in current assets may be due to higher sales for the year 2010. CURRENT LIABILITIES Current liabilities had increased by 5. 42% or Php2,282 million by the yea r ended December 31, 2010 with trade payables and accrued expenses having the highest increase worth Php2,877 million, achieving 20. 52% of its total liabilities. Decreases in the current liabilities was due to payments of some payables and some customer’s refund. NONCURRENT ASSETS Most of the noncurrent assets had decreased by the year 2010, this is due completion of major electric projects and due to consumption of fuel gas.NONCURRENT LIABILITIES A total of Php4,789 million increase in noncurrent liabilities of the company may due to issuance of long term obligations that could result in an increase in working capital. This increase was due to pre-termination of some loan deposits received from units sold on instalment contracts. EQUITY The employee shared-based payment plan had increased by 31% as of December 31, 2010. This is due to recognition of the provisions of PFRS2, â€Å"Shared-based Payments† related to Employee Stock Puchase Plan. And a decrease of 98. 5% of the share in cumulative translation adjustment of a subsidiary and an associate was resulted from the return of capital related to the Company’s investment in FPPC. RATIO ANALYSIS CURRENT RATIO A total of Php55,757 million worth of current assets definitely means a capability of the Company to pay its current liabilities worth Php44,045. This means a 1. 26 current ratio is an indicator of a slightly strong financial position. ACID-TEST RATIO A 1. 13:1 acid-test ratio of the company simply portrays that its most liquid assets can settle its current liabilities. RECEIVABLE TURNOVERThe Company can collect its receivables 6. 74 times in a year with an average of 54. 15 days or less than two months collection period. This situation is favourable to the company’s present position. INVENTORY TURNOVER As inventory is being concern, the company is efficient in managing its inventories. A 74. 46 times inventory turnover is a proof of the latter statement. It is not too high n or too low indicating a better liquidity. DEBT TO TOTAL ASSET RATIO More than half of the company’s assets are financed through the company’s debts. This is proven by a 0. 65 ratio of debt to total asset.TIMES INTEREST EARNED Since the earnings of the company, Php14,437, is higher than its total interest expense, Php493, the company has the capability to settle its debts. Getting a 30. 28 ratio means that the company is able to meet its interest obligations because its earnings is significantly greater than its annual interest obligations. PROFIT MARGIN Compare to 2009 profit margin of 3%, the company got 4% profit margin which indicates that the revenue earned, Php245, 461million by the company was effectively converted into actual profit, Php10,117 million, despite of Php231, 024 total expenses .ASSET TURNOVER The 1. 4 asset turnover ratio of 2010 is relatively higher than 2009 meaning despite of Php178,968 million total assets the company still gained a total revenu e of Php245,461 million with a total net profit of Php10,117 million meaning the company is efficiently utilizing its assets to produce a favourable profit. RETURN ON ASSETS The company has a total 6% return on assets of 2010 which is 2% higher than 4% return on assets of 2009 indicates that the company can make an intelligent choice on how to spend its money on new assets. RETURN ON COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITYA 6% increase in return on common stockholder’s equity simply indicates that the company is generating profits on its common stock investment meaning it is generating an income for the benefit of common stockholders. EARNINGS PER SHARE With an 8. 62 earnings per share which is higher than the 2009 EPS, 5. 74, the company is getting a higher earnings, meaning a strong financial position. PRICE-EARNINGS RATIO The 1. 16 price-earnings mean that investors are ready to pay 10 times earnings. The company has a chance in getting numerous investors. PAY-OUT RATIO A 77. 3 % of the total Php7834 can be paid back to shareholders. Investors will increase its confidence to the company. CONCLUSION MERALCO is the Philippines’ largest electric power distribution company, with franchise service area covering 9,337 square kilometers. It provides power to 4. 8 million customers in 31 cities and 80 municipalities, which include the whole of Metro Manila, the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan, and parts of Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon. Business establishments in the franchise area account for almost 46% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product or GDP.The Company registered consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to P=245,461 million, 33% higher compared with the P=184,550 million for the same period last year. Sales from all operating segments increased during the year with the highest registered by power distribution. The increase in electricity spending is attributable to (i) increased number of customers across all customer classes, (ii) growth in various industries as restocking activities resume after the global economic crisis, (iii) unusually warmer temperature during the first half of the year and, (iv) election spendings.Sales from electricity amounted to P=239,077 million, an increase of P=60,391 million, or 34%, from P=178,686 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Consolidated costs and expenses amounted to P=231,024 million for the year ended December 31,2010, P=55,453 million higher than the P=175,571 million last year, primarily due to higher purchased power costs, increased provision for doubtful accounts, accrual for compensation and employee benefits. The 2010 consolidated full year results reflect higher recurring net income compared with 2009 mainly as a result of increased volume of energy sold.Revenues generated from power distribution amounted to P=239,164 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, higher by 34% compared with P=178,752 million in 2009. Pass-through charges increased by P=48,442 million, or 33% to P=195,435 million compared with P=146,993 million in 2009, as a result of higher average generation charge during the year, partially offset by the decrease in the average recoverable system loss charge to P=11,567 million from P=16,108 million. Costs and expenses of the power distribution segment increased by P=55,211 million, or 32%, to P=225,905 million in 2010 compared with P=170,694 million in 2009.For the year ended December 31, 2010, purchased power costs amounted to P=200,916 million, an increase of 33% from P=150,928 million in 2009 brought about by the higher electricity consumption particularly from the industrial customers and increased in average purchased power cost per kWh. Operations and maintenance expense increased by P=2,100 million, or 15%, to P=15,711 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared with P=13,611 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 brought about by the increases in salar ies and wages and provision for doubtful accounts.MERALCO’s liquidity increased as the current and quick ratio rose in 2010. On the other hand, the company’s collection of receivables had dropped down from 72 days of 2009 to 54 days of 2010. This means the company is having a good turnover when it comes to it receivables. in this connection, the company achieved the 74. 46 times of inventory turnover that resulted to a higher sales. 0. 65 debt to total asset ratio and 30. 28 times interest earned proved that the company is solvent and able to meet its interest obligations.Revenue earned was effectively converted into actual profit despite of a higher total cost of expenses still the company gained a 59% increase in net income. As far as asset is concern, the company is efficiently utilizing its asset that resulted to a favourable profit. And because of the increase, we can say that the company is profitable and this could gain the trust of shareholders and may attract investors. RECOMMENDATION MERALCO’s total performance could be the basis of prospective investors to invest and it could be the reason why present stockholders will continue to do business with the company.A favourable increase in sales as well as the increase in net income may not be an indicator of a total good performance of a company. The management should still preserve its good turnover on assets and inventories to preserve its stockholders and the legacy that MERALCO had started ever since. The company should sustain its good performance since it’s the number one electricity supplier here in the Philippines. The service should be enhanced and be improved as well. Customer’s refund should be minimized as well as the receivables.The company should think of a better way of reducing refunds and receivables without sacrificing it’s service and trust of the customers. Assets should continue to increase and be utilized in the right manner. Acquiring of as sets should be done in the right time so that the company will not suffer in paying its unwanted debts. Continuous improvement and innovation when it comes to service is highly recommended for the company to hold its present position in the market. MERALCO should continue to give light and power to the entire archipelago.

Canon

Case Study Introduction Canon is one of the most recognisable brands worldwide. It is a Japanese Multinational Enterprise (MNE), specialised on manufacturing of imaging and optical products, including printers, cameras and copiers. This paper will investigate on the degree of global expansion of Canon. It will focus on the problem statement on how Canon evolved from a Japanese company to a global player. First, this paper starts with Canon’s structure and their background. Furthermore, the paper elaborates on the motivations, means and mentalities of expanding and an analysis of the international context.Next to that,†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Sama jouw stuk!. Finally, this paper will describe the social responsibility of Canon and will end with a conclusion. Background of Canon Canon focuses on three different groups: the Customer, the Office and the Industry and others. They are producing a lot of different products but the most important are for the Customer: cameras, camcorders, print ers, projectors, scanners and equipment. For the Office: laser/ large-format printers, multifunction devices, solutions software, cartidges. For Industry and others: lithograpy systems, card printers, radiography systems, vacuum equipment, components. Canon, 2011). Founded in 1933, Canon started as a small laboratory in Tokyo. At the time, all high-quality cameras were European with the majority coming from Germany. It was in this small room that young people with a big dream began to work on producing a high-quality Japanese camera, this was the start of Canon. In 1950, Canon's first president, Takeshi Mitarai, went to America for the first time to attend an international trade fair. He got a lot of inspiration and good ideas and started to build a new factory as modern as in the US. In 1955, Canon made its first step into the global market with the opening of a U.S. office in New York City. In 1970, Canon was doing really good but was hit by dollar and oil shocks. In 1976, Canon l aunched its Premier Company Plan, an ambitious strategy to transform Canon into an â€Å"excellent global company†. The plan proposed high ideals and pooled the strength of its employees, enabling the company to promptly recover. Then, in 1988, Canon introduced its corporate philosophy of kyosei, an unfamiliar term at the time. We will elaborate on this later in the report. In the 1990s, Canon carried debt of more than 840 billion yen and in 1996 the Excellent Global Corporation Plan was launched.Transforming the corporate mindset from partial to total optimization and from a focus on sales to a focus on profits, the new plan was the start of the innovations that characterize today's Canon. From 2001 to 2010 the number of employees almost doubled, this shows the huge growth of Canon in the last years. (Canon, 2011) Canon’s global expansion Canon satisfies both requirements for being a Multinational Enterprise according to Bartlett and Beamish (2011, p. 2), such as subs tantial direct investment in foreign countries and active management in foreign subsidiaries.Canon goes beyond the trading relationships of an import-export business in countries such as France and Australia. The headquarter in Japan plays however a crucial role in determining organizational culture and strategy. This can also be seen in the representation of the Board of Directors which consists exclusively of Japanese. (Canon, 2011). Canon’s mentality can be categorized as Global. The production of the mainly standardized products takes place to a large extend in Japan, but also in the US, Germany, France, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.These few plants are highly efficient, which provides economies of scale but also transparency of quality. When considering the products itself world is seen as one Due to the organizational structure the Japanese headquarter takes over the central coordination and control of the subsidiaries, their various product or business manage rs have worldwide responsibility. Furthermore R&D and manufacturing activities are managed from Japan. R&D subsidiaries are located in France, China, the Philippines and Australia but mainly Japan. Canon, 2011). Main motivations for Canon to expand their activities globally were mainly due to market-seeking behaviour and increasing scale economies. Especially in the technology sector where competition is increasing, R&D costs are rising and product life cycles are becoming shorter, so Canon was forced to expand if it wanted to gain first mover advantages. This is in line with the principle of global chess. (Bartlett & Beamish, 2011, p. 4). Canon operates in an international industry, where technological forces are central.As mentioned above the technology industry is fast moving, highly competitive and requires huge R&D investments. Therefore Canon need to follow the international strategy and focusses on its ability to exploit technological forces and leveraging international life cycles. Furthermore its business also contains some attributes of a global industry, such as highly centralized, scale-intensive manufacturing and R&D operations, which allows Canon to leverage through worldwide exports of standardized global goods. (Bartlett & Beamish, 2011, p. 123).Besides competitive positioning, global scanning and learning capability play a crucial role. This responsibility is usually taken over by the R&D departments. However Canon adjusts to local needs mainly in marketing activities. In order to reach the local market Canon focused on marketing activities. Headquarters for marketing activities are located in Japan, New York (USA), Florida (Central and South America, Caribbean) London and the Netherlands (Europe), Dubai (Middle East) and Singapore (South East Asia). Numerous local marketing offices are places in almost every country where products of Canon can be purchased. Canon, 2011). After having analysed Canon’s administrative heritage, clearly in line with the Japanese tradition, the EPG framework can be applied. On the first sight Canon seems to be mainly ethnocentric oriented. (Perlmutter, 1969). Performance criteria for products and managers are clearly formulated in Japan. Managers of the subsidiaries are Japanese, many of them are related. (Flannery, 2011). This also shows the cultural distance between Japan and the western business world. Further culture distances include differences in social norms, such as the principle of â€Å"saving face† and of course a language barrier.Many differences were embraced by Canon by expanding globally. An example of this is the implementation of a FengShui activity for employees in Europe. Furthermore Japanese do not expect foreigners to have comprehensive knowledge of the Japanese culture and tolerate mistakes. Overall Canon managed to overcome most of these obstacles without losing their Japanese identity. (Ghemawat, 2001). When considering marketing activities, Canon manag ed to capture and target all the different local market needs and appears to implement a world-wide approach and not just following home-country objectives.Part Sama!!!! Corporate Social Responsibility Initially international expansion was viewed as something very positive. It would not only help the richest nations, but also the poorer countries were able to benefit from globalization. However, in the last years of the 20th century contradicting views were arising. People saw a lot of drawbacks, globalization was seen as continued exploitation by MNEs. The growing gap between the rich and the poor was seen as an evidence of this exploitation. There was a need for a different approach and many people believed that MNEs could provide a solution.Because MNEs controlled the resources and power, they should play a larger role in the global development. (Bartlett & Beamish, 2011, p. 646) Canon is a perfect example of a company who is trying to be responsible and who wants to take care of the world. In 1988 Canon officially introduced its corporate philosophy of  kyosei. This means ‘living and working together for the common good’ (Canon, 2011). They want to achieve this in a community in which all people, regardless of language, culture or ethnicity, live together.Based on the concept of kyosei and with the idea of their â€Å"excellent global corporation† plan in mind, Canon tries to take the responsibility for the impact of its activities on society. (Canon, 2010) Besides that they also focus on CSR internally, a nice example is the change of offices in 2008. They implemented Feng-Shui in their European offices to remedy a real, modern problem: high levels of employee office stress and rage. In the end, a Zen Workplace was created by a US-based Feng Shui Master consultant. (Mainini, 2007) According to Bartlett and Beamish (2011, p. 49) there are four MNE responses to developing world needs. The first one is the exploitive MNE, this company o nly focuses on making profit and does not care about the community at all. The issue of sweatshops is common within these companies. The second response is one of a transactional MNE, today this is viewed as the minimum expectation of MNE’s behaviour. These companies do not pursue the bottom-line at all costs but respect laws and regulations. The third approach is the responsive MNE, they are making a difference. Canon can be categorized into this category.They really try to make a difference and not only for their own benefits. The question that could arise is if Canon should try to move to the fourth one, the transformative MNE? In this transformative approach companies are trying to lead the change, so take a initiative to set up projects. In our view this should not be the aim for Canon, they are already making a huge difference because of their commitment to society. A good example to show why they are still a responsive MNE is the investment of Canon after the recent Ja panese earthquake, their commitment was enormous but this was also due to their own damage.The most important reason for their action was their own recover. This is in line with Prahalad and Hammond (2002), companies can help the community profitably. On March 11, 2011 a great Japanese earthquake caused a lot of damage. This earthquake took place where Canon’s operations are based. Canon acted immediatley and supported the Red Cross Society with a financial donation but more important with portable digital radiography systems. This system has shown to be effective in contributing to medical activities in disaster areas.The earthquake caused damage to buildings and equipment of Canon, but most of all their supply chain was hitten. Canon realized the only way of minimizing the impact was a rapid recovery so they concentrated all of their resources and tried to provide customers still with a supply of their products. (Canon, 2011) Canon focuses on two different parts of the comm unity, the social and cultural support activities and environmental acitivities. This is still a really broad focus, because they want to be committed to everyone and everything.Their environmental view is the produce – use – recycle circle, in which they want to reduce their environmental impact in every stage. (Appendix, figure 1) Canon is also focused on the social and cultural support activities. Canon Global uses the philosophy of Kyosei to focus their CSR iniatives in a couple of categories. They are humanitarian aid and relief, art, culture and sports, education and science, local communities, social welfare and conservation of the environment. Due to cultural differences and needs, the implementation of projects varies between branches. Canon, 2010) Conclusion The aim of this paper was to investigate in the evolution of Canon from a Japense company to a global player. †¦. blabla Conclusion!!!!!!! * References Bartlett, C. A. & Beamish, P. W. (2011). Transn ational Management, Text, Cases, and Readings in Cross-Border Management. (6th ed. ) New York: McGraw-Hill. Canon. (2010). Social and Cultural support activities. Retrieved from: http://www. canon. com/scsa/index. html Canon. (2011). Canon support relief efforts following Japan quake. Retrieved from: http://www. canon. om/scsa/aid_relief/support/japan_quake/index. html Canon. (2011). Canon up to now. Retrieved from: http://www. canon. com/about/history/outline. html Canon. (2011). Products. Retrieved from: http://www. canon. com/products/ Canon. (2011). Sustainability report. Retrieved from: http://www. canon. com/environment/ Flannery, N. P. (2011). Japanese Business Culture and the Value of Good Governance. Retrieved from: http://foundersforum. gmiratings. com/2011/11/japanese-business-culture-and-the -value-of-good-governance. html Ghemawat, P. (2001).Distance Still Matters: The Hard Reality of Global Expansion. Transnational Management, Reading 1. 2. Mainini, S. F. (2007). Zen W orkplace, how to use Feng Shui to reduce office stress? Retrieved from: http://www. canon-europe. com/Images/Feng_Shui_report-v1_0_tcm13-612885. pdf Perlmutter, H. (1969). The Tortuous Evolution of the Multinational Corporation. Transnational Management, Reading 1. 1. Prahalad, C. K. & Hammond, A. (2002). Serving the World’s Poor, Profitably. Transnational Management, Reading 8. 2. Appendix Figure 1 Canon. (2011) Sustainibility report