Product Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Product Development - Essay Example Some of the well-informed customers often work out what improvements need to be made before other customers are aware. Some ideas are also arrived at by seeing what the products lack and rushing to bridge the gap. Sony is known for its innovative products. With Apple iPod being a big success with a market share of 80% in the digital portable media player market and sold over 30 million iPod devices by 2005. A market research of about 20,000 iPod consumers was undertaken in order to receive a feedback. The sample was random and consisted of subjects surveyed in diverse geographical areas of the UK and France. The target segment included current iPod users and future iPod purchasers as well as those who were planning to purchase a home sound system or a high-level stereo system within the next year. The fact that emerged most often was that multiple numbers of speakers were used to project sound in the room, and this was slightly frustrating and the positioning required some effort. The separate speakers like the Dolby Surround Sound 5.1 standard based speakers, required several wires to be installed and once the speakers were installed, their positions were fixed and the sound was confined to the one spot. Portability was an issue. The survey subjects welcomed the idea of a single integrated speaker doing the work of the multiple ones. Idea generation Brainstorming sessions were held to discuss the gap in the market for the Sony Speaker. With the spark for an idea generated, the cross-functional team consisting of manufacturers, market researchers, financial analysts and advertising agencies met to discuss and develop the concept. The benefits of having a cross-functional team were that it brought in expertise from all related departments. The diversity of the team members brought in different cultural viewpoints that added to decision making potential. It helped reduce inefficiencies because problems were addressed such as the dimensions of the speaker and the types of possible packaging in the initial process itself, rather than addressing them afterwards, which might have proved costly at the end of the product development process. The idea generation sessions that were on going, specific and involved, resulted in several viable alternatives. These were carefully screened to see if they aligned closely to the goals and strategy of Sony they were compatible to the existing production and packaging lines could be marketed through the current distribution channels and promotional expenditure that would be required Concept Development and Testing Careful analysis of the concept design, product/packaging prototype, justification, feasibility, delivery model was undertaken. The need for an integrated speaker replacing several speakers capable of throwing sound to various areas in the room was an interesting product idea to pursue for the Research and Development department. The product would be Sony's new spherical speaker that can be placed in the middle of a room to project sound in all directions. This would be instead of the consumer having to buy many speakers to project the sound inwards. It would include the following features: Delivers, stereo sound using reflector technology Automatic tuning receiver for reception up to 150' from the transmitter Built-in 4 watt

Cultural Perspectives in Education Essay Example for Free

Cultural Perspectives in Education Essay The word ‘Culture’ refers to civilization or human activity. It can also refer to universal human capability to categorize skills, and to train and convey them characteristically. Therefore, one can say that Culture evolves over a period of time in response to adaptive challenges. What activities are carried out, who should participate, why they are valued and the rules of interaction are coded into the cultural models. There are different ways to educate, express or reveal knowledge to a student. The student’s education very much depends upon the teacher’s philosophy of education. This philosophical point of view appears to be true that could bring a negative influence in the classroom, no matter what syllabus is designed for the student. The students possess different qualities and beliefs that teachers should realize and learn to adapt to in the classroom. If teachers are not able to go beyond the boundaries of social class, religion, race, creed, gender, sex, disability or cultural background, then the focus of the students will also turn heavily upon differences and the classification of students as special needs or underachiever, thus building insensitive pre-expectations toward students in the classroom. â€Å"The primary goal of education is to show students different points of view and encourage them to evaluate their own beliefs. The teacher should help the students to appreciate how ones observations and interpretations are influenced by social identity and background†. Chang, H. (1993). Students should be allowed to feel free to voice an opinion and empowered to defend it. A student is able to focus on and enjoy learning more when the school and classroom make him feel safe-comfortable with himself and with his surrounding. The learning situation should be made culturally neutral by keeping in mind the potential barriers and obstacles that each student may have. Taking this into account Marda Steffey (2001) suggests a four point motivational framework for culturally open teaching: 1. Establishing inclusion—norms, procedures, and structures woven together to form a learning context in which all learners and teachers feel respected by and connected to one another. 2. Developing attitude—â€Å"norms, procedures and structures that create through relevance and choice a favorable disposition among learners and teachers toward the learning experience or learning goal. 3. Enhancing meaning—norms, procedures, and structures that expand, refine, or increase the complexity of what is learned in a way that matters to learners, includes their values and purposes, and contributes to a critical consciousness. 4. Engendering competence—norms, procedures, and structures that create an understanding for learners of how they are or can be effective in learning something of personal value†. (Nawang, 1999) The main idea of the four points is that when student and teachers find themselves submerged in a unique world of the classroom, the interaction of culture is invaluable for the success of the learning process. Solomon, B. B. (1991). Teacher should recognize any biases or stereotypes in the class room, â€Å"by treating each student as an individual, and respect each student for whom he or she is. Amend any language practices or examples that exclude or degrade any group, should be aware of how students feel about the cultural climate in the classroom†. (Woolbright, 1989) A productive education must start with an awareness of these issues and some basic schemes for overcoming them. Although a variety of teachings can be fruitful, it seems especially cooperative to offer an atmosphere where students can easily hold an open discussion rather than class session in which a correct answer is required. True open discussion will send a message of authority between equal students who have something substantial to add to a common endeavor. Sharing the facts and principles of ones discipline with students is very important as that helps to prepare an environment of comfort, trust and joint respect. Therefore, such an environment makes it possible for people to exchange ideas and thoughts on complex and often terrifying issues. It opens a way for students to carry out a common ground of joint practices and respect which can bind students together and at the same time make it easier for them to understand and observe many differences. The teacher should not only establish a content of diversity but a procedure that creates and demonstrate appreciation of diversity. It is important to keep in mind that students always observe and learn their teachers’ behavior as well as their expressions. The classroom environment not only represent the fundamental value of appreciation of diversity of cultures nevertheless it also capitulate great rewards in terms of vital thinking skills, especially the aptitude to value sophisticated multiple point of views on complex rational and ethical issues. The school or college should recognize all of the various types of diversities, whether it is cultural or not. Students should understand when they go their classroom that they will be interacting with many different types of students from all walks all of life. Levinson, B. A. , and Holland, D. (1996). They should understand that they are all in this facility for a reason and that it doesn’t matter what they look like or what language they speak, they need to cooperate to make their class environment more conducive to learning. It is very unfortunate to say that not much improvement in this has been made around the world except few countries, while in rest there is still school and colleges where cultural factors are given preferences. Every discipline is influenced by the inequity of power that exists across racial and cultural groups, between genders, and among other socially created classes of difference. In spite of advances in race and cultural relations, gender equality, and religious tolerance, significant documented differences continues to exist around the world. In order to gain a true moderate education, school administration should honor diversity of cultures. It should recognize holidays of other ethnicities and always study new and interesting ways of life. The students of the respective schools and colleges should â€Å"love learning about other cultures and how they interact with one another†. (Harold, 2006) The students should be allowed to do arts and projects that are representatives of other cultures and take great pride in the fact that they now have knowledge of their brothers and sisters around the world. Educators have a responsibility to assist the people who are privileged enough to be students in becoming aware of the inequalities around them. Therefore, each educator should work to infuse each class with the diverse voices that contributed to the knowledge base of the discipline. References Chang, H. (1993) Affirming Childrens Roots: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Early Care and Education: California Tomorrow. Hodgkinson, Harold L. (2006) Education in Social and Cultural Perspectives: Prentice-Hall Levinson, B. A. , and Holland, D. (1996). The cultural production of the educated person: An introduction. In B. A. Levinson, D. Foley, and D. Holland (Eds. ), Albany: SUNY Press. Phuntsog, Nawang. Magic of culturally responsive pedagogy: In search of the Genies lamp in multicultural education. Teacher Education Quarterly, Summer 1999 Solomon, B. B. (1991) Impediments to Teaching a Culturally Diverse Undergraduate Population: Kendall/Hunt Publishing. Woolbright, C. (Ed. ). (1989) Valuing Diversity on Campus: A Multicultural Approach. Bloomington, Ind. : Association of College Unions-International.

India and UK Financial Insurance Industry Analysis

India and UK Financial Insurance Industry Analysis Chapter 1: Introduction The financial performance of insurance industry can be assessed by knowing either its strategies or by knowing its profitability. Knowledge of strategy will helps in examining internal and external position of a company. Comparative study of insurance sector is analysis of financial performance of any insurance company. This is directly linked with the earning potential and effectiveness of management strategies of a company. Choosing a wise insurance is very crucial because of, balance to the risks and returns. The reason for choosing Indian and UK insurance industry for the research is because of improved economical status of the country and increase in the value of insurance in the country during last several years. The UK Economy is the largest in Europe and is also ranked as the fifth worldwide as per the market exchange rates, in terms of GDP (Broadberry et al, 1992) were Indian economy is now improving and it is now booming growth in insurance companies were greatest effect of Indian economy during the last several years. This would need a grate deal of financial planning knowledge, as well as the knowledge about the current financial market thus it can compare the other to the insurance companies the analysis of different insurance companies from India and UK. Also insurance companies has to manage their investment in such a way that the principal amount should not erode, investor should get the assured returns those company has promised. This would involve a grate deal of knowledge about the portfolio management of the risk and return and comparative study of insurance industries. Comparative study of insurance is also a topic of hunger for many economists. Till date many researches has been carried out for comparative study of financial analysis in banking sector and very few research has been taken on insurance industry. The main purpose of the research is to find comparative study of insurance companies in India and UK. What characteristic will determine of insurance industry is the main thrust behind the research. Further research is carried out to know in depth relationship of various characteristics that will make up the of Indian and UK insurance industry. The main outline objectives of the research are as under; A Research Design is the framework or plan for a study which is used as a guide in collecting and analyzing the data collected. It is the blue print that is followed in completing the study. The basic objective of research cannot be attained without a proper research design. It specifies the methods and procedures for acquiring the information needed to conduct the research effectively. It is the overall operational pattern of the project that stipulates what information needs to be collected, from which sources and by what methods. Objectives of the research This research has been carried out to comparative study of insurance companies and analyzes financial performance between Indian and UK’s insurance companies. The main aims of the research are: To analyze financial performance of insurance companies in India and UK To evaluate factors that determine financial performance of insurance companies To carry out strategic financial analysis of insurance in India and UK The structure of the research paper is as follows: Chapter 2 reviews the literature on comparative study of insurance sector; Chapter 3 describes the subject matter of the research: the Indian and UK economy and insurance industries ; Chapter 4 outlines the methodology and data used in this study; Chapter 5 presents the analysis and Findings and Chapter 6 discusses the results obtained in the context of the underlying theory the findings of other empirical research; Chapter 7 concludes the research outlining the limitations of the current study and makes recommendations for further work. Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Theory Insurance is, a contract in which one party agrees to compensate another party fir any losses or damages caused by risk identified in the contract in exchange for the payment of a lump sum or periodic amounts of money to the first party. In simple meaning facilitates recompense during crisis situations, insurance means promise of compensation for any potential future losses. Insurance is a form of risk management mainly used to hedge against the risk of a contingent loss. It is designed to protect the financial security of an individual, company or other entity in the case of unexpected loss. Insurance is defined as the realistic transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for a premium. It is a contract between two parties the insurer (the insurance company) and the insured (the person or unit seeking the cover) in which the insurer agrees to pay the insured for financial losses arising out of any unforeseen events in return for a regular payment of premium. These unforeseen events are defined as risk and that is why insurance is called a risk cover. Insurance may be described as a social device to decrease or eliminate risk of loss to life and property. Under the plan of insurance, a large number of people correlate themselves by sharing risks attached to individuals. The risks which can be insured against include fire, the perils of sea, death and accidents and burglary. Any risk contingent upon these, may be insured against at a premium commensurate with the risk involved. Thus collective bearing of risk is insurance. Analyzing insurance companies is very different from analyzing corporate and thus presents unique challenges and industry specific issues. The ability of any insurance company to meet its policy obligations is the foundation of the industry. Absent the trust of policyholders in the financial integrity of any insurer and the industry as a whole, this risk transfer mechanism/industry would collapse. This truth is even more acute in the ES industry where no guaranty funds exist, except New Jersey. However, rapid growth of Insurance sector during the situation liberalization period is seen as the most significant event in financial sector hist. in view of the fact that then, lot of changes take place in the sector as it was exposed to new challenges of competitive competition. For the first time, the private and foreign players were given entry and thus the sector saw a wonderful rate of growth in its business. A well-developed insurance sector is needed for economic development for a rising economy like India as it provides long-term funds for physical and social infrastructure progress at the same time make stronger the risk taking ability. The investment supplies for India in the upcoming years are well-known. Thus, Insurance sector, to some extent, can enable investments in infrastructure development to help maintain economic growth of the country. In this backdrop, we raise two questions: what is the contribution of insurance sector growth towards economic development and financial intermediation in India and United Kingdom. Our study does not stop here as we take a step further to examine the financial and economic growth effects of Insurance sector reforms and the rate of growth of reforms. The insurance companies offer a comprehensive range of insurance plans. The most common types include: term life policies, endowment policies, joint life policies, whole life policies, loan cover term assurance policies, unit-linked insurance plans, group insurance policies, pension plans, and annuities. General insurance plans are also available to cover motor insurance, home insurance, travel insurance and health insurance. Due to the growing demand for insurance, more and more insurance companies are now emerging insurance sector all over the world. With the opening up of the economy, several international leaders in the insurance sector are trying to venture into the insurance industry. The comparative study of insurance sector, Analysis of ratios are calculated from companys balance sheet and income statement and are used to evaluate the performance of the company in a particular reporting period. Analysis of ratios can be compared to the previous years in order to assess trends or between the comparable companies across the industry in classify to get the relative performance estimation. It is very important that every ratio should have a reference point the industry (sector) average or median. The ratio analysis works better if comparing ratios not with the complete set of companies within a particular industry, but with a preferred subset of companies that share certain features, produce the similar product, and have identical macroeconomic and governmental factors affecting them. For the study of companies, operating in several industries it can be helpful to run a cross-sectional analysis to identify a group of firms, involved in the same mix of industries. In some cases a comparison to the economy averages can be meaningful, especially in successful or constricting economies. Therefore, stable margins may be a good indicator during the recession, while the industry and economy averages are declined. It is also important to that usually conclusions can not be made from reviewing one set of ratios. That creates a necessity of a complex analysis of one set of ratios against another. The classification of the objective ratio for the comparison may require a substantial amount of work and a good judgment in order to evaluate a range of achievable and acceptable values. Although the understandable simplicity, such ratios have certain limitations that often make them most useful at identify questions to be answered rather than giving answers to them. There are multiple factors affecting and limiting comparative study of insurance sector, in particular the actual comparability of the firms and different accounting policies used by them are among the most important ones. The issue of comparability may become one the critical aspects to pay attention to while performing the analysis. Various macroeconomic or legislative factors may apply to the companies in the same industry but in different countries that sometimes makes a direct comparison inappropriate. Comparisons with other companies may become even more difficult because of different accounting policies, especially outside the US. Thus different accounting methods may result in significantly different ratio values that require normalization by the analyst. 2.2 Classification of insurance sector There are mainly two types of insurance life and non-life (general) Life insurance is concerned with making provision for specific event happening to the individual, such as death whereas General Insurance(non-life) is more commonly concerned with provision for a specific event affects properly, such as fire, flood , theft, burglary etc. The major difference between Life Insurance and General Insurance is the Principal of indemnity. Indemnity means â€Å"making good the loss† i.e. for tangible goods, one can make good for the loss that has been caused due to reasons like – theft, fire or natural disaster. Here basically we can value the exact monetary value of a commodity, but in case of life insurance the principal of indemnity does not work, since we can not value in any way the value of human life. 2.3 There are five main sectors: Life Insurance Home Insurance Auto Insurance Health Insurance Disability Insurance Section 2 (11) of Insurance Act 1938 defines Life Insurance Business as follows: â€Å"Life insurance Business is the business of effecting contracts of insurance upon human life, including any contract whereby the payment of money is assured on death or the happening of any contingency dependent on human life and any contract which is subject to the payment of premium for a term dependent on human life and shall be deemed to include.† (Mukherjee and Hanif, 2007) In simple term we define life insurance as a contract in which the insurer in consideration of certain premium, either in a lump sum or by other periodical payments, agrees to pay to the assured sum of money , on the happening of specific event contingent on the human life. 2.4 Benefits of insurance industries Life insurance has long been a staple in basic estate planning. Life insurance  can provide an income tax-free death benefit* far in excess of the premiums paid. However, much of the life insurance proceeds can be wasted if the ownership and beneficiary designations are not properly structured. Superior to Any Other Saving Plan Unlike any other savings plan, a life insurance policy affords full protection against risk of death. In the event of death of a policy holder the insurance company makes available the full sum assured to the policyholder’s near and dear ones. Encourages and Forces Thrift A saving deposit can easily be withdrawn. The payment of life insurance premiums, however, is considered sacrosanct and is viewed with the same seriousness as the payment of interest on a mortgage. Thus, a life insurance policy in effect brings about compulsory savings. Easy Settlement and Protection against Creditors A life insurance policy is the only financial instrument the proceeds of which can be protected against the claims of a creditor of the assured by effecting a valid assignment of the policy. Administering the Legacy for Beneficiaries Speculative or unwise expenses can quickly cause the proceeds to be squandered. Several policies have foreseen this possibility and provide for payments over a period of years or in a combination of installments and lump sum amounts. Ready Marketability and Suitability for Quick Borrowing A life insurance policy can, after a certain time period (generally three years) ,be surrendered for a cash value. The policy is also acceptable as a security for a commercial loan, for example, a student loan. It is particularly advisable for housing loans when an acceptable LIC policy may also cause the lending institution to give loan at lower interest rates. Disability Benefits Death is not only hazard that is insured; many policies also include disability benefits. Typically, these provide for waiver of future premiums and payments of monthly installments spread over certain time period. Accidental Death Benefits Many policies can also provide for an extra sum to be paid (typically equal to the sum assured) if death occurs as a result of accident. Tax Relief Under the Indian Income Tax Act, the following tax relief is available 20% of the premium paid can be deducted from your total income tax liability. 100% of the premium paid is deductible from your total taxable income. When these benefits are factored in, it is found that most policies offer returns that are comparable or even better than other saving modes such as PPF, NSC etc. Moreover, the cost of insurance is a very negligible. The issue of comparability may become one the critical aspects to pay attention to while performing the analysis. Various macroeconomic or legislative factors may apply to the companies in the same industry but in different countries that sometimes makes a direct comparison inappropriate. Comparisons with other companies may become even more difficult because of different accounting policies, especially outside the US. Thus different accounting methods may result in significantly different ratio values that require normalization by the analyst. Seasonality may also affect the ratios if the business is a subject to seasonal fluctuations in demand, thus year-end values may not be enough representatives and should also be normalized. Most of the ratios are preferred to be within the industry averages or economy norms. For example, all turnover ratios belong to this category. However, for some ratios the extreme deviations from the industry averages may mean that the company is highly attractive for the investors. This is usually true for all ratios dealing with income or cash flows. There are different insurance companies that offer wide range of insurance options and an insurance purchaser can select as per own convenience and preference. Several insurances provide comprehensive coverage with affordable premiums. Premiums are periodical payment and different insurers offer diverse premium options. Insurance companies may be classified into two groups: Life insurance companies (which sell life insurance, annuities and pensions products) and Non-life, General, or Property/Casualty insurance companies (which sell other types of insurance). Life insurance is concerned with making provision for specific event happening to the individual, such as death whereas General Insurance(non-life) is more commonly concerned with provision for a specific event affects properly, such as fire, flood , theft, burglary etc. The major difference between Life Insurance and General Insurance is the Principal of indemnity. Indemnity means â€Å"making good the loss† i.e. for tangible goods, one can make good for the loss that has been caused due to reasons like – theft , fire or natural disaster. Here basically we can value the exact monetary value of a commodity, but in case of life insurance the principal of indemnity does not work, since we can not value in any way the value of human life. 2.5 Introduction of insurance sector India In India, the concept of insurance was never a serious thought as compared to other countries. People still are under insured, life insurance premium to gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio is a mere 1.4% as compared to a healthier rate of 8% amongst other developing with poor state of services provided. Presently in India, the insurance sector is nationalized, services are rendered by Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and General Insurance Company (GIC) along with its 4 subsidiaries .While LIC provides life insurance, GIC is concerned with non life insurance. – Motor, marine, fire, health and personal accident insurance. LIC employs people in various departments – publicity, public relation department , development department, personal department , accounts department, legal department ,investment department , inspection department, mortgages department vigilance department, foreign department, corporate planning department, building department etc. Of late, parliament’s nod for the insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) bill has changed the whole scenario. With the passage of the bill, entry of Private Indian as well as foreign companies, a long with existing players, in the insurance sector will add variety and quality to the present insurance services. The other positive impact would be on creation of new employment opportunities. Till now employment in the insurance sector was considered akin to any government job, but now with private participation, it will assume significance importance and probably become an exciting career option. UK’s The UK Insurance sector remains a crucial contributor to the UK economy after the public, banking and manufacturing sectors. The industry accounts for approximately 10% of total UK IT expenditure, and positive growth is expected to continue for the next few years as insurance firms begin to realize the benefits to be gained from IT investment. Although the United Kingdom (UK) insurance market is now one of the five largest in the world, relatively little is known about the practices of the major firms and policy-makers which influence its operations. In particular, whilst the determinants of rating agencies’ assessments of United States (US) insurers is well documented, published studies have yet to provide comprehensive evidence about insurance company ratings in the UK. (Hardwick, P and et al, 2000) 2.6 Current scenario of insurance industry Breaking of strict monopoly of LIC was not an easy task where to an audience who spelled insurance as LIC. LIC is working for last 50n years and caved its name for itself in the Indian psyche. Insurance being long term contract, an established name means feeling of security and more importantly LIC policies come with the safety tag-the most touted government guarantee. To enter private insurers with an altogether new agency force, all ready to hawk freshly designed insurance policies. and the market scene – a government owned established insurance entity-the Life insurance Corporation with a field force of over 6,00,000agents and more than 80 products to choose from. Purchase of Insurance is a decision that determine by a number of demographic as well as personal behavior factors. Main responsible factors include Age, Income, Education, Risk, etc. Some of the important determinants as review by different scientists in their research are as under 2.7 Risk and return in industry Risk seems to be a fact of life experienced by an individual as well as by a whole organization. This risk may be economic, physical or financial. There is an increase in unexpected losses caused by natural disasters as well as accidental damage. Wealth is subject to possible loss, and therefore everyone from individual to the whole financial firm desire to invest in loss prevention activities that reduce the probability of loss (Hoffman, 2007). A sense of security may be the next basic goal after food, clothing, and shelter. There are various forms of risk is exist in the market. All the risks are differed from each other. Some risks creates a quick big impact on a business while, the impact of some risks can be seen at a long run. The risk in business is always associated with losses. Prevention and management of risk is only possible after having sufficient information regarding its intensity. Preventing and managing risk is one of the burning issues for the corporate world. The management of any company is always looking for the thing that will reduce the risk on their investment and definitely gives some output on the account of their investment. The ultimate thing that will satisfy this need is the return. Return is the proportionate sum of capital given to the investors for their investment. In other words, return is some kind of security against the investment made for any kind a business. Figure 2.1 Risks management in business Asset Market Credit Operating Business Event Liquidity Catastrophe Non-Catastrophe Risk Financial risk is mainly divided in to 2 main categories i.e. Systematic or Market risks and Unsystematic risk. The risk associated with an investment can be broadly divided into two categories based on nature and occurrence of risk. Some risks are associated with the firm, and that risks are called as firm-specific, whereas the rest of the risk is associated with market condition and generally affects all investments in whole market. The firm specific risk can be further sub-divided in to various categories. Some firm specific risks are affect s project value that is called Project specific risk and in some cases projects value is affected by the nature of competitions and that type of risks are known as Competitive risks. Some risks are affecting the value of a whole industry and so known as Industry associated risks. In some cases, all the companies in a market will affect by macro economic factors and so that type of risk is known as Market specific risk (Friend and Bicksler, 197 7). Default risk is the risk fallen on the part of financial institution or a creditors for your investments i.e. weather they are able to make a monthly return on your asset or not. To achieve short term financial goals most of the investors preferred cash investments. The only limitation with use of cash investments is that, they are unable to produce higher returns over long term as compared to other financial options. The only reason for this is cash investments are unable to adjust inflation rates. In other words cash investments are not preferable source of investment for long term project. So, what are the other options that will satisfies needs for investment of long term project. 2.8 Empirical research Economic decisions are made on both the negative as well as positive issues. Positive issue studies on insurance gradually integrated these issues via assimilating developments in the field of risk and uncertainty following works by Arrow (1963), Lewis (1989), (1953) and others. The economics on insurance demand became more attentive on evaluating the amount of risk to be shared between the insured and the insurer rather than evaluation of life or property values. Economic value judgments are made on both the normative as well as positive issues. Later studies on insurance gradually incorporated these issues via assimilating developments in the field of risk and uncertainty following works by von Neumann and Morgenstern (1947), Arrow (1953), Debreu (1953) and others. The economics on insurance demand became more purposeful when determining the amount of risk to be shared between the insured and the insurer rather than evaluation of property values. Headen and Lee (1974) studied the effects of short run financial market behaviour and consumer expectations on purchase of ordinary life insurance and developed structural determinants of life insurance demand. Morris and Barbara A (2003) study about Risk Insurance and mean study related with a Wedge between Insurers and Reinsurers, authored by credit analysts and legitimate disagreements between insurers and reinsurers about the values attributed. Criteria and claims values, insurers and reinsurers are equally concerned with the Risk. Cole et al, (2008) theoretical in observed research related to the comparative analysis between property-casualty insurance industry, studies commonly focus on either insurers or reinsurers. Richard et al (2008) give article of features a presentation and discussant comments on hurricane and wind insurance organized by Richard A., for the American Risk and Insurance Association (ARIA) 2007 Annual Meeting in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Venard et al. (2008) determine in the article of analyzes Hungarys insurance sector as an important part of the countrys economic transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. It details the historic economic development of the Hungarian insurance market from a state monopoly to a competitive. Yu, Tong et al 2008) study about Intangible assets facilitates insurers capacity to retain existing business and attract new clients. In his study it can be shows that analyze how the incentives to protect intangible assets affect asset risk-taking behaviour of property and ability insurers. Browne et al. (1993) concluded that income and social security expenditures are significant determinants of insurance demand. They further concluded that inflation has a negative correlation with demand of purchasing for insurance. Beck and Webb (2003) identified the two main services provided by life insurance: income replacement for premature death and long-term savings instruments. They further found that demographic variables, higher levels of education and greater urbanization as independent factors in explaining insurance demand. Income has been found to be having a positive association with health insurance purchase decision consistently in different studies conducted in different countries Propper (1989) in UK: Cameron, Trivedi (1988) in Australia and Hurd and McGarry (1997) in USA. Health insurance choice essentially entailed a simple decision whether or not to purchase private health insurance (Barrett and Conlon 2003). Binary discrete choice models using either logit or probit has been used to analyse determinants of this type of purchase decision. Cameron and Trivedi and Cameron (1991) specified a conditional expected utility function that is associated with alternative health care regimes. The consumer chooses the regime that maximizes expected utility. Feldstein (1973) has argued that as the price of health care increases, the demand for insurance should increase as well because this causes an increase in the risk of net worth depletion and thus an increase in the demand for insurance. Healthcare expenditure largely depends on healthcare costs. Recent research has documented that most of the secular change in health insurance coverage can be attributed to higher health care costs (Cutler et al. 2002). Zietz (2003) and Hussels et al (2005) has studied about purchasing behaviour of a customer to purchase life insurance over a period of 50 years. The research further concluded that there is a positive association observed between increase in savings behaviour, financial services industry and demand for life insurance. Beenstock et al. (1988) noted that marginal tendency to insure i.e. increase in insurance spending when income rises by 1$, differs from country to country and premium rates are varies directly with real rates of interest. Browne and Kim (1993) found from his study that income and social security expenditures are significant determinants of insurance demand; however, inflation has a negative correlation with demand of insurance. Beck et al. (2003) found out the two main services provided by life insurance: income replacement for premature death and long-term savings instruments. They considered three demographic variables i.e. young dependency ratio, old dependency ratio and life expectancy, higher levels of education and greater urbanization as independent factors in explaining insurance demand. Income is positively co-related with purchase of health insurance product, concluded from various studies conducted in different countries by Propper (1989) in UK: Cameron and Trivedi (1988) in Australia and Hurd and McGarry (1997) in USA. Barrett and Conlon (2003) concluded from their study that choice of health insurance essentially entailed a simple decision whether or not to purchase private health insurance. Binary discrete choice models using either logit or probit has been used to analyze determinants of this type of purchase decision. Cameron and Trivedi (1991) specified a conditional expected utility function that is associated with alternative health care regimes. The consumer chooses the regime that maximizes expected utility. Feldstein (1973) noted that as the price of health care increases, the demand for insurance should also increase. This is because an increase in the risk of net worth depletion. Healthcare expenditure largely depends on healthcare costs. Nyman (1999) noted that higher healthcare costs may led to higher demand for insurance in the face of rising costs. However, people belonging to different income groups are likely to respond differently to these changes. Kronick and Gilmer (1999) argue persons with low incomes and few assets buy insurance primarily to protect their health. Van De Ven and Van Praag (1981) noted that, education and income are generally positively correlated. Higher income generally decreases the opportunity cost associated with the purchase of private health insurance. Overall, increases in both income and education would be expected to lead to an increase in the probability of buying the insurance. Some studies conducted in context with the financial performance of General Insurance Companies of India. The Researcher has studied those research works which are as follows: Performance of various plans marketed by Life Insurance Corporation of India – A case study of Rajkot Division, A dissertation by Mrs.Sonal Naina evalua

Illustrated in the poems The Lady of Shalott and Ulysses by Alfred Lord

Illustrated in the poems The Lady of Shalott and Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson, The Door by Mir slave Holub and The Girl in Times Square, a novel by Paulina Simmons. Change gives us roots; continuity gives us branches letting us stretch and grow to reach new heights. Living as we know it wouldn’t exist if change didn’t occur. This ability to continue changing is the only true security we have. This is illustrated in the poems ‘The Lady of Shalott† and ‘Ulysses’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson, ‘The Door’ by Mir slave Holub and ‘The Girl in Times Square’, a novel by Paulina Simmons. Tennyson’s ‘The Lady of Shalott’ is divided into four parts, following a strict and consistent meter and rhyme pattern throughout. The Lady of Shalott is a magical being who lives alone on the island of Shalott across the river from fast paced Camelot. The first 2 parts of the poem illustrate a place where everything stands still. There is a severe lack in movement and The lady of shallot’s surroundings appears to be idle. This is illustrated through the bleak and dull the poem provides.. â€Å"Four grey walls and four grey towers..† â€Å"And the silent isle embowers† â€Å"Slow horses†. The uneventful and bland introduction serves its purpose by setting the tone and mood as a boring one, to only make the end excitingly climatic. The first and most important change that occurs in this text is the arrival of Sir Lancelot in Shalott. He is represented through the imagery of flames, sun, sparkle, glitter, stars, gold, silver, shine, burning light and glow. It was His mere presence that further sickened The lady of Shalott of only seeing shadows and compelled her to leave her loom. The fact that the decision to leave was hers alone, even t... ...result of choices among alternate paths offered by the present, but a place that we create using our minds and will, then in activity. The future is a place we are creating not going to. The path is to be made not found and through change she can achieve the most unique and fulfilling destinations. It is from the didactive nature of all of these texts we can conclude that change is inevitable. Change can be positive or negative. With change comes responsibility, but the price is always worth what we got for it. The emotive, descriptive language and imagery used in Tennyson’s poems, symbolism and simplicity of ‘The Door’ and the mystery of ‘The Girl in Times Square’ all profoundly affect the way I have viewed change as a necessary element of living, making it so simple to say that Change by itself is the most powerful agent to growth and transformation.

Ethics Game Reflective Journal Essay

Nursing has evolved throughout the years. Gone are the days that the existence of nursing geared towards following the orders of senior members on the profession and initiation of routine procedures. In today’s nursing, nurses are valued and needed for their reasoning as well as intellectual skills. The changes in nursing require the desire to be more responsible and contributory to the wellbeing of those that needed care. These changes led to more complex ethical dilemmas that nurses’ encounter. This paper aims to provide a reflection on the Ethical Dilemmas presented on the Ethics Game Simulation, the decision-making steps taken to address the ethical issues, how the ethical concepts influenced the decisions made, and the application of the ethical concepts to a medical-surgical unit. The Case of the Troubled Teen This case illustrates Rachel Banks a 16 year-old teenager who got pregnant out of wedlock and currently on her tenth hour of labor on the OB/GYN unit at Seva Medical Center. She’s accompanied by her parents. Rachel’s parents are instructing the staff nurses to withhold the pain medication as punishment for getting pregnant before getting married. Since Rachel Banks is a minor, legally, the parents can decide for her. The nurses are concerned due to the possible detrimental health effects that the situation can cause to Rachel and her unborn baby, Lily. The nurses also became aware that the parents may not be fully educated on the consequences of their decision. In order to make an ethical decision on this case, I used the Baird Decision Model which provided five frameworks: Step 1: Be attentive, Step 2: Be Intelligent, Step 3: Be Reasonable, Step 4: Be Responsible, and Step 5: Be Reflective (University of Phoenix, 2013). The main issue in this case is how to ensure that Rachel and the baby get appropriate and timely medical care. I reviewed the e-mails and communications gathered in order to get a picture of the situation and see that the best possible solution arise. Upon understanding the main issue of this case, I’ve identified that the primary stakeholders includes; Rachel Banks, her parents, her unborn child, the staff nurse, and the primary nurse because they will be impacted on the decisions made in this situation. After identifying the main issue and the primary stakeholders, using the rights/responsibilities lens I was able to identify that my obligations and duties includes providing the best possible care to Rachel Banks and her unborn child, not to accommodate parents who are harming their child, and also support my staff’s professional improvement. On the results lens, I was able to recognize what would create the greatest good for the greatest number of stakeholders which was to involve the nurses and the parents in assessing need for medication intervention and also provide information for aftercare support and education. I believe that the decision made on this scenario benefits both the patient and her family. By involving the parents in the assessment of Rachel’s medical needs, conflict is alleviated and thus, creates a positive outcome. The Case of the Policies and Politics This case is about Alain Trottier, a patient brought in the emergency room by his domestic partner, Yves. Alain was admitted to the ICU unit and has been unconscious. The day- shift supervisor, Carlotta Baldwin is preventing Yves from seeing the patient and refuses provide information regarding the patient because he is not an actual family member. However, according to the hospital policy, domestic partners are to be treated as married couples for the purposes of access and, most importantly, when it must be determined who can make medical decisions for a patient unable to give their own consent. My duty as the nurse taking care of Alain is to identify the critical issue in this situation which is the equal treatment and access of gay partners at Seva Medical Center as equal to those of straight couples. Upon identifying this as the main issue, it is easier to analyze the problem. Again, the following stakeholders were identified: Alain Trottier (patient), Yves (domestic partner), C arlotta Baldwin, RN (shift supervisor), Amelia Flinch (Director of Nursing), the shareholders of the hospital, and lastly, I the staff nurse taking care of Alain. This scenario has led to the identification of relationship lens. The relationship lens focuses on the community. The main concern of this lens is to provide basic liberties to all people (University of Phoenix, 2013). The three rights represented in this case were: right to participate in decision-making for an unconscious family member, right to have hospital policy regarding participation by family members implemented, and right to be informed that your interpretation of hospital policy is inaccurate. I believe that these rights are the major component of this lens because it focuses on the patient, family, and healthcare providers. Upon understanding the basic rights related to this situation, the following actions such as educating all employees with hospital policies, establishing a taskforce to make sure that the policies are put into practice and conducting yearly audits to make sure that the policies are implemented. These actions will ensure that the patient will benefit greatly on the policies placed on the facility. Lastly, the reputation lens discusses the virtues important for leadership; core competencies such as managing diversity, problem-solving, self-knowledge, decision quality and fairness. These values are important because of the overall positive effect that it can bring to the patient and the facility. My final decision in this case is to note on Alain’s chart that Yves is to be given access and treated as family. Speak to Carlotta about my decision and let my supervisor know. I believe that this decision has no risk. This decision has demonstrated that I am fully knowledgeable on the hospital policies and also implementing what I know for the benefit of my patient. By assuring equal access will likely improve the hospital’s status in the community. Lastly, by informing Carlotta Baldwin and the supervisor know of the decision can be a message that further education is needed for all employees to be more aware and knowledgeable of the hospital policies. Ethical Dilemma at a Medical-Surgical Unit I’ve been working as a RN at a medical-surgical unit for almost a year now. I still consider myself as a novice nurse and I feel that I haven’t been exposed to a lot of ethical dilemmas. However, I believe that pain management or providing pain relief can be an ethical dilemma for any nurse. The ethical issue is this: can we as nurses undertreat a patient’s pain because we are concerned about the repercussions or because we know that the patient is addicted to the medication. I believe when challenging situations like this arise, I need to be conscious of my own biases and make evidence-based decisions that can provide optimal treatment to the patient. By not being judgmental, I can fully assess what would benefit my patient greatly and include him/her on the treatment plan- giving autonomy. By including the patient I can also decrease the harm because I will have a better understanding of what will work best for my patient, and lastly, by hindering my biases I will be able to treat my patient’s pain in a non-discriminating way possible. As nurses continues to encounter complex ethical dilemmas as the profession and society gears forward, we must still go back on the foundation of nursing in accordance to the mission of Florence Nightingale; nurses are missioners of health dedicated to the advancement of human welfare. References: University of Phoenix. (2013). Ethics Game Simulation [Multimedia]. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, HCS478 website.

buy custom Corporate Finance essay

buy custom Corporate Finance essay The Indian and Chinese aviation industries are among the fastest growing aviation businesses in the world. Various overseas markets have already staked claims on this profitable market. The wealth generated by these two economies means they will make up a huge majority of airline tourists (Renga and Mentges, 2010). Demand in domestic air travel will quickly be followed by demand for international flights. Inward investment from other nations of the world will count for a big section of the revenue increase that will be witnessed in the near future. International business tends to gravitate around major cities that have among other things, good transport networks. Booming economies being experienced in China and India are set to continue. This means that in the next few years means their governments will begin to focus on improving the air industry. To cut costs and expand Dan Airs revenues at the same time, it is important, for all the direct overseas flights be conducted only from M anchester, which is where the headquarters of Dan Air is (Shaw, 2007). Dan Air flights from other U.K. airports consume avoidable expenses and can cause confusion among the passengers. We want Dan Air to be easily identifiable whether by its locality or first class service. Dan Airs U. K. passengers originating from other U. K. airports must also connect via London. They can also use other airlines that with direct services. To cater to the tastes of an increasingly cosmopolitan clientele, Dan Air needs to carry out improvements in the arrangements within the planes too. Gone are the days when flying through the third world countries meant that standards could be compromised, and no complaints would be raised (Morrel, 2007). Those with the capacity to afford air transport in India and China are individuals who expect quality for their moneys worth. The interior of the planes, especially the Business Elite Class, should sport the most novel luxury. New materials will enable the employ of translucent walls and ceilings, deluging the fuselage with usual light. The sitting locations should be attractive, roomy and filled with interactive equipment. When flights are running at less than full capacity, unneeded seats should be moved to the rear. There they ar e out of sight and should be utilized in other ways. The remaining seats should then be redistributed so that every client has the maximum possible legroom. These seats should also be created with materials which are both durable and accommodating. That way, they will be able to alter to fit passengers bodies. Travelers will be reenergized with vitamin and anti- oxidant enriched air, mood lighting, aromatherapy and acupressure treatments. The center of the plane will be a high tech zone offering a range of activities. Virtual golf, conference facilities and bar and lounge settings, are just some of the improvements that can be effected (Salerno, 2010). Though it seems a drastic move to ensure comfort of the travelers while they are in our care, it will pay in huge dividends. Word of mouth, if not advertisement, will ensure that an experience on Dan Air is recommended to people who have the means to afford our services. The wealthy hobnob within their class, and a good reputation in a few of their members estimations cannot compare with millions invested in advertising gimmicks. As more Chinese and Indian households acquire disposable earnings in surplus of their requirements, a considerable share will be depleted in touristic travel. In 2006, 34 million Chinese went abroad. In the first quarter of 2007 alone, 9.7 million Chinese visited another country. Domestic travel for various purposes ahs also risen dramatically (Morisson and Winston, 1995). The Chinese Spring fiesta is usually a peak touring phase with citizens visiting their homes and other sightseer destinations. In the past, markets such as India and China have been highly regulated and have kept out the foreign carriers. This is slowly changing as their economies liberalize. The Chinese government in the past has shown interest only in developing small aircraft with 50 to 70 seats in regional flights. Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and other locations around them pose great opportunities for other carriers because they are not properly covered by present Chinese airlines. Future Demand for Air Cargo With the projected growth rate of many third world economies in the future, cargo services will form just one of the many services they will require. It is important for agreements to be sought with the governments of all these economies with emphasis on India and China. Though Dan Air currently has no cargo aircraft capable of long haul transoceanic services, it is important to expand the role of airfreights in our airports. In reference to bigger airlines that have invested in nations such as India and China among others would probably allow limited points, predetermined capacity and limited intermediate points. With increased contact, more elasticity as to steering and supplementary faculties for all cargo flights may be incorporated in the bargain. To this end, sufficient resources should be placed aside for the employ of a number of aircraft loadmasters. Aircraft Replacement within the industry To reduce operating costs, improve compliance, enhance performance, and cycle times, Dan Air should consider outsourcing procurement of air pars and planes. There are companies in the market, which while achieving dramatic cost reduction, and increasing productivity, will help identify the right outsourcing approach that maximizes efficiency (Vasigh, Fleming and Mackay, 2010). They enable clients to achieve and maintain a competitive edge over others by proffering specialized outsourcing of aircraft parts purchasing services to provide lower costs. Such offers also ensure faster turnaround and improved quality. These companies have state of the art computer soft ware, information technology equipment, and global communication services that facilitate a highly efficient supply management system. It is advisable that Dan Air utilize the services of such companies in procuring parts. These will be needed to improve the overall quality of our staple of aircraft. Managerial Style of Dan Air Good management of employees is a key factor in determining if the airline will be a success or not. It can be measured in terms of efficiency and confidence. Efficiency refers to the usefulness of each member of staff in carrying out his or her allotted task and even surpassing the requirements to deliver spectacular results. It is characteristically calculated in traveler miles per airline employee. It calls for a manager to encourage his workforce to go beyond their expected routine to give good service. This can be implemented by offering rewards for the hardworking employees, as well as promotions (Haines, 2004). Morale is more difficult to quantify as it refers to the overall satisfaction of airline employees. Poor morale shows on an employees face and can result in apprehensive customers, cancelled flights and thus lost revenue. It is important to have a human resources department that will efficiently address the concerns of employees whether they are work related or not. An issue in the home should not be assessed as unimportant since it affects the capacity of the worker to operate at their best. Fleet Management It is important for our airplanes to maximize the use of each plane and the revenue it generates. This can be achieved having many seats at cheap prices. Alternatively, after considerable improvement of the dcor of the plane, we can charge higher prices for each seat. A higher ticket cost permits proficient task force administration without the need for all voyages to be filled. The following graph demonstrates the roughly calculated expenses of implementing all these changes along with others not here mentioned. It is more than is currently being used at Dan Air, but with the mentioned improvements, significant profits will be realized by the airline. Start Up Expenses Legal and Consulting 200,000 dollars Route and Market Study 100,000 dollars Office Supplies and Stationary 10,000dollars Brochures and Marketing Materials 30,000 dollars Design Consultants 60,000dollars Corporate Insurance 20,000dollars Office Rent 50,000dollars Software and Systems development 100,000dollars Expensive Equipment and Office Furniture150,000dollars Nine Expensed Vehicles 1 20,000 dollars Public Relations and Advertising 80,000dollars Crew, Staff Training and Manuals 80,000dollars Other 30,000 dollars Total 1,010,000 dollars New Terminal The construction of a new passenger terminal is a project that will add the airlines profitability and should be considered. This will include an aircraft apron, entrance roadway, and vehicle parking area. Passengers will have a larger seating area with concessions such as restrooms and passenger amenities. It will be an energy efficient construction streamlining passenger screening and adhering to the code upholding disabled peoples rights. Cost Cutting Measures In order to ensure the continued profitability of Dan Air, there are unpleasant changes that have to be effected. We need to reduce 20% of our workforce as well as realign our current domestic route system. There are European routes that are currently not yielding the desired results and they need to be abandoned (Doganis, 2002). Pilots may have to agree to pay cuts to boost the overall revenues for an extended period of time. Accelerated fuel costs, an aging fleet badly in need of replacement and intense domestic competition have proved to be the Achilles heel of Dan Air. It also has to struggle with the fact that terrorism has led to fear in the masses. The majority of citizens began to avoid travelling via flying due to the shocking events of September 11, 2001. On that material day, all flights were temporarily halted. Even though, they were back in action the next day, they hardly conducted any business. People stayed away, and those who had to travel urgently chose to take their cars or use public buses (Crans, 1996). As countrywide fear of flying receded, it was replaced by inconveniences brought about by security measures that proved cumbersome and time consuming. For the majority of airlines, they just meant that more capital would have to be used just to stay in the running. Long lines and inevitable delays were characteristic of every airport. Severe measures were taken soon afterwards to ensure that Dan Air survived the crisis. We formed alliances with other carriers to ensure that their customers had easier connections while our seats remained filled. The ensuing trouble with the union of pilots saw several weeks of unproductive negotiations. This translates to lost revenue. Other airline workers began to demand increases in salary while refusing to work overtime in one of the airlines busiest season. Dan Air was forced to cancel 1500 flights. In this period, more workers had to be released for Dan Air to keep afloat. Taking into consideration the recession, hiked fuel prices, and war in the Middle East, the vast majority of smaller airlines at that time were hardest hit. They did not survive whereas we came out battered and bruised but still functioning. Dan Air weathered industrial troubles relatively well during that period. It was also affected by the failure of a well-known airline in which it had a significant portion of routes. Dan Airs consistent growth in times of hardship can be attributed to the stock of leaders that it has kept (Banfe, 1992). At first, dictatorial men who did not consider the opinions of the board of directors even as the company went into a slump headed it. Most of these pioneers were majority stakeholders who did not want to share power with others. They also did not believe in preparing potential successors to take over their positions when they retired. This led to a situation where every time there was a change in the top hierarchy, things would stagnate for a period while the new man in office got his bearings. He had to learn what running an international airline constituted of while in the office. Major decisions would not be made. The management did not feel able to dictate how the airline would be run if they were not the final authorities. There were the inevitable delays and grumblings from dissatisfied customers. They began identifying Dan Air by this unexplained hiatus of inactivity every time there was a change in management. Soon, without being told, the other stakeholders began to understand what caused the delays and sought to improve their choices of managing directors. This simple change led to a spike in the growth of Dan Airs revenue. Such leaders are now needed that will effect painful but essential changes to the structure of this airline. The new heads also have to find ways of instituting change that will lessen costs but not necessarily influence security. Southeastern European carriers have a reputation of operating at a lower level of service than is customary in Western Europe. Purchasing airplane parts or entire crafts from these nations, though cost effective, is inadvisable. They are perceived as less comfortable, less safe, and less reliable. These observations are often correct. The operating costs of such planes tend to be higher than those crafts that are built in the Western. The comfort, reliability, speed, and safety of a new aircraft will allow it to be the airline of preference for all governmental, business and organizational travelers. Most leisure travelers will also prefer it. State of the art navigational facilities allow the plane to operate under a wide range of climate and visibility conditions. This means that the plane will be able to undertake more trips. Safety issues will not be a deterrent due to the high technical expertise employed in the planes construction. This will translate to more profits for Dan Air. It will also reduce the incidence of flight cancellations and delays due to compulsory servicing procedures. Because of new technology and renovations, the airline will be able to charge high prices without its customers feeling conned. Local competition, unless it spots the same expert technology arraigned in the new models, will n ot be much of a threat. Airlines should set these requirements as a genesis for the running a successful airline as they are sure to benefit whichever industry implements them. Buy custom Corporate Finance essay

Doctrine and Covenants Summary Essay #1 †Theology Essay

Doctrine and Covenants Summary Essay #1 – Theology Essay Free Online Research Papers Doctrine and Covenants Summary Essay #1 Theology Essay At the top of my mission statement, it reads, â€Å"I found my existence on the principles of integrity and excellence.† I hold this sentence very dear to my heart; it is the foundation of the purpose of my life- of my very existence. I constantly strive for the best. I continuously pursue the path that leads me highest in any endeavor- be it academic, physical, or spiritual. And I had not always espoused this philosophy to the degree I do now- the effort to strive for the top in my early years was never quite serious or even remarkable, so I really had never come into any conflict with the principle of equality embraced by the law of consecration. No conflict, of course, until complete application of this philosophy of excellence made me realize the full power of the law and understand its potential greatness†¦ and its danger. In section 82 of the Doctrine and Covenants we come to a scene in the spring of 1832 where the Lord has decided to introduce a key element in the path towards creating a people worthy of Zion- worthy of living under the glory of a celestial law. This element is the law of consecration. To begin with, the Lord tells a group of his servants, Edward Partridge, Newel K. Whitney, and others that they â€Å"are to be equal, or in other words, [they] are to have equal claims on the properties, for the benefit of managing the concerns of [their] stewardships, every man according to his wants and his needs, inasmuch as his wants are just† (DC 82:17). The Lord is basically giving them a commandment that they are to be equal. Now, granted this verse is simply talking about the management of certain businesses, but it is a part of a great whole- the whole commandment of the Law of consecration. In this Law, the central principle dictates the saints are to be equal; they are to â€Å"be e qual in the bonds of heavenly things, yea, and earthly things also†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (DC 78:5, italics added). The Lord of course mentions that they are to be equal in heavenly things, but the striking addition is that they are also to apply this equality to their worldly possessions and activities! The law of consecration is part of the â€Å"celestial law,† meaning it is that which those who are worthy of and striving for the Celestial Kingdom embrace. Truly, a mode of living worthy to be called â€Å"celestial† falls within that category of excellence that we are striving for. However, when first examining the law of consecration and its principle of total equality for all, I couldn’t help but feel a certain tie with the equality of man promised by communism and socialism. Not that I have a problem with human beings being equal economically or in any other manner. However, although my full understanding of true excellence bloomed later in my life, the concept of compelled equality always gave me a sense of discomfort and repulsion. I now understand why- it is contrary to the very essence of excellence to force a group of people into dead-level equality; I have always, consciously or otherwise, believed that there is nothing more unequal than the equal tre atment of unequal people. When you force those who are striving to be great to come down to the level of those who are putting forth little effort, or worse, those putting forth only enough effort to plunder the labors from the noble individuals on top, you punish excellence. You punish ability and talent; you stifle competence and genius. This was my objection to forced equality. And for a short time, it seemed that the law of consecration was just this very thing- after all, wasn’t it a commandment? Herein lies the paradox. It seemed that the Lord was telling the saints to strive for excellence, but simultaneously instituted a program that punished and stifled it. However, God is not a god of contradiction and confusion. The most important thing the reader must understand in examining this apparent incongruity is the very nature of the people who make up the true United Order, the Law of consecration. First, â€Å"equality† in that sense as it is spoken by the Lord in sections 78 and 82 does not mean dead-level equality. President J. Rueben Clark, Jr. stated that the equality spoken of in these sections of scripture are â€Å"not a case of ‘dead level’ equality. It is ‘equality’ that will vary as much as the man’s circumstances, his family, his wants and needs, may vary† (Conference Report, Oct 1942, p. 55). Obviously then, God is speaking here of relative equality- dependent on the circumstances and positions of His children. Furt hermore, coming back to the nature of the people who comprise the celestial society of Zion- they are not the bottom-feeding, looter type. They do not hope to steal from the efforts of those who are striving to be great. They strive to be great themselves. True equality is wonderful; the equivalence that comes from an individual freely choosing excellence and then surrounding himself with similar individuals is truly celestial. But this equality cannot be forced- such a constraint is the element of Lucifer’s plan. The true follower of celestial law espouses excellence by free will and endeavors to seek â€Å"the interest of his neighbor,† and do â€Å"all things with an eye single to the glory of God† (DC 82:19). Eventually, however, as outlined primarily in section 104, the law of consecration was rescinded only two years after its introduction to the saints. This section details centrally the procedure of taking the ownership of the various businesses involved in the United Order out of the names of the order itself, and into the names of several individual servants of the Lord, including Edward Partridge and Newell K. Whitney, as mentioned above. Thus, the order was officially dissolved. Why was this celestial law revoked? Why was it taken away from the lives of the saints when the potential for greatness and progression was so imminent? The Lord mentions specifically several times that they had â€Å"broken the covenant through covetousness, and with feigned words† (DC 104:4). They were covetous of their neighbor. In short, they were guilty of the great sin- pride. Pride is a disease. It stifles righteous progression in every form. The most evil of all- our brother Satan, fell to his pitiful and lowly state because of his pride. The early saints, although certainly not as evil and malicious as Lucifer, nevertheless were perpetrators of the sin of pride. C.S. Lewis tells us that â€Å"Pride is essentially competitive- is competitive by its very nature- while the other vices are competitive only, so to speak, by accident† (Mere Christianity, p. 110). The â€Å"other vices† Lewis speaks of include all other sins, including greed or immorality. A greedy man may want to hoard millions of dollars for the pleasure, but a prideful man will do the same just to be above all the others. It is enmity and evil competition in its very basic form. Someone guilty of pride does not necessarily take pleasure in being rich, or smart, or handsome. They only seek to be richer, smarter, or more handsome than the next man. Thus, it is the very opposite of the law of consecration- the celestial law which advances excellence in the individual- in essence being the â€Å"best one can be.† Additionally, rather than competition, consecration encourages the care and help in advancement of one’s neighbor. The saints were condemned for the lack of ability to stifle pride and live the Law of consecration, but Heavenly Father is forever merciful to his children. He took away the celestial law, removing further condemnation, and instituted a the new law of tithing as outlined in section 119. This incident has a glaring parallel to the children of Moses. Unable to live the higher law, the Israelites were given a law of carnal commandments, which was a â€Å"schoolmaster† to bring them to Christ (Galatians 3:24). In this same manner, the Latter-day Saints have also been given tithing, a schoolmaster to bring us to the celestial principles of consecration outlined by Christ. It is comforting to know that our Lord will never give us greater commandments than what we are worthy of. It is equally comforting to understand that He wants us to be excellent- he has given us guidelines and commandments for us to progress in that manner. Does consecration contain danger? Does it really repress talent? In continuation of the passage from section 82, â€Å"and all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, even a hundredfold† (DC 82:18). Truly, we have nothing to fear. I am thankful for the opportunity to progress and help my fellow man become excellent even as I strive to be. Creation of united order Principle of excellence and â€Å"shooting for the top†living the celestial law however, causes conflict with my own philosophy of excellence because I had thought that forced equality punishes the excellent for being excellent true followers of celestial law espouse excellence Dissolution of united order celestial law is brought down because of pride – expound on prideSimilar to children of Moses – preparatory law of tithing in place to be a schoolmaster for consecration Research Papers on Doctrine and Covenants Summary Essay #1 - Theology Essay19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraCapital PunishmentQuebec and CanadaHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayResearch Process Part OneRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresHip-Hop is ArtWhere Wild and West MeetAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into Asia

Experience and education

Experience and education It is beyond doubt that a states Constitution is fundamental for the efficient running of any country. It contains the rules and regulations that govern individuals, institutions and the country as a whole (Dewey 1966). It contains the laws that are supposed to be adhered to by the people of the nation. People who do not act as per what the Constitution states are supposed to be charged in the court of law.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Experience and education specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In this case, the Constitution is significant in government owned institutions like universities as will be seen in the case stated below in Mountainside University. It is vital for employees in university institutions to know their rights and how to fight for them when someone tries to abuse them. Tenure status refers to the state in which one is entitled to exercise authority on a given position (Dewey 1938). In th is case, Dr.Fords tenure status allows her to work as a faculty member in the School of Education. According to her tenure status, she is strictly supposed to play the role of coach or that of lecturing students undertaking education courses. She is not entitled to work in any other post in the university according to her tenure status hence she is strictly supposed to attend classes to lecture students and not play the role of the Provosts assistant. Property rights refer to the authority of one to own, use or even transfer goods. In this case, the property rights refer to Dr. Ford’s occupation in the university (Hooks 1994). She is supposed to teach education students in the university and earn from her job. This means that she has the right of being a lecturer in the university in the faculty of Education but not in other departments as stated in the Constitution. She is therefore supposed to exercise her right fully and avoid being derailed in her job. She is also entitle d to the property right of earning income as a lecturer in Mountainside University as a reward of her labor in the institution. She also has a property right to attend classes in the institution and instill knowledge in the minds of the students. This means that she has been posted into the institution to lecture and not to perform any other duty besides that. She is also entitled to the right of enforcement of property rights. This means that she has the right to defend her property rights. For example she has the right to ask for space in the teaching curriculum if she is locked out of the timetable.Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Liberty interest refers to the interest of denied liberty. It is the state in which a person seeks for her denied property rights in a governmental institution. For instance, in this case, Dr. Ford has a liberty interest for being denie d the opportunity to exercise her duties in the faculty by the dean of Education in the university. She is seeking for her liberty in the faculty because of being marginalized as a lecturer in the faculty. It is evident that she threatens to file a complaint in Federal Court against her deprived rights. In this case, she has all rights to exercise her liberty rights as an employee of the university because she had not committed any offense as per her alleged accusations. Due process can be defined as the requirement that the state is expected to respect the constitutional rights that a person owns (Hooks 1994). In Dr. Fords situation, due process applies in the sense that she has her rights as a lecturer in the university and she is entitled to exercise her duties as a lecturer in the faculty of education. Due process in this case helps her gain the confidence to threaten in filing a complaint in the federal court against her deprived rights as a lecturer in the university (Dewey 19 66). She does not deserve being fired from the institution because she went for her legal leave. Dr. Ford was terminated for â€Å"cause† meaning that it was unavoidable for her to be terminated as the assistant Provost because she had been appointed â€Å"†¦.at the pleasure of the Provost†. This means that she got the position informally and the government had posted a formal employee to the post hence she had no choice but step aside. I agree with this because she was operating at the wrong post despite being appointed by the Provost. According to Kaplin and Lee text, a person has a â€Å"standing to litigate† if the plaintiff suffers an injury with causation and that the court of law can redress the injury. In this case, Dr. Ford has a â€Å"standing to litigate† as she suffers being terminated from being an assistant provost and also has been fired as lecturer from Mountainside University. She is not guilty of the offense because she followed rul es from the Provost.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Experience and education specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In conclusion, it is fundamental for people to know their constitutional rights for them not to be deprived their property rights. This will help them make right decisions in any occupation hence avoid suffering. Dr. Ford suffered because she did not know or think of the repercussions associated with being appointed â€Å"at the pleasure of the Provost†. References Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York: Macmillan. Dewey, J. (1966). Democracy and education: An introduction to the philosophy of education. New York: The Free Press. Hooks, B. (1994). Teaching to transgress: Education as the practice of freedom. New York: Routledge.

Project Risk Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Project Risk Management - Essay Example They are present almost everywhere like in business, homes, and government agencies. Government agencies are using digital mediums to improve their governance style like filing of taxes, utility bill payments, pension payment etc. Through the use of e-governance the government is trying to speed up the process and reduce cost at the same time. Because of computers we can now use digital evidence to solve crime and prosecute the offenders at a much faster pace. Many a times the law enforcement agencies and judiciary can’t handle such evidences. There is an ample shortage of judges and attorneys who understand technology. Digital courtrooms refer to use of technology to run the courtrooms so that prosecution or trials can be done at a much faster pace and at considerably low cost. They use electronic evidence which can be effective at implicating the criminal. Electronic evidence refers to the information and data which of investigative value and stored in the electronic medium. With new advancement of technology digital forensic specialist will ensure that the evidence meets the standards. In such trials both the parties need not be present in the courtrooms. They can be connected via internet and use their laptops or other visual mediums to get connected to the digital courtrooms. It reduces the cost to a great extent. Risk Identification To make the judicial system digital, necessary infrastructure needs to be built upon; it means technical platforms are needed to be put in place for the data systems (software, equipment, networks and standard services). The aim should be that the same standard platforms should be able to serve the data systems which will be implemented in the coming years (Kendrick, 2009, p67). The users in the digital courtrooms will now require graphical user interfaces and easy to use systems should be installed. Else it would be difficult for all to comprehend and use the devices (Pmp and Knapp, 2010, p65). One of the most common f orms of digital devices to be used is audio devices. One needs to ask the question whether digital recording is better than human reporting or it may cause more trouble. There can be problems like botched recordings, microphone mishaps etc. can lead to a mistrial in the courtroom (Institution of Civil Engineers (Great Britain), 2005, p67). Also with the introduction of new digital courtrooms the pending cases must be first integrated to the system. It may result in few cases not making it through (Bartlett, 2004, p78). With the era of digital information comes the question of security and reliability. The reliability of the saved digital devices must be ascertained at first (Raftery, 2003, p99). It is not impossible to create a fake digital recording or fake videos to implicate someone. Again the security issue must also be looked at. Making the courtrooms digital implies that all of the data needs to be stored somewhere. With the advent of newer technologies it its becoming increas ingly important to keep the data secured from data theft (Grey,

An analysis of reflections in the placement Journal Essay

An analysis of reflections in the placement Journal - Essay Example However, as I got older, I began to see school on a different perspective, a more matured outlook. School started to matter as I got immersed in classes, met new friends, inundated with examinations and peppered with research works. During this time, I got involved in my studies and never realized that my perception of schooling has also changed. That is, I saw the school as the better part of my day, a reason for being. As I progressed from level to level, I started looking at school as a way of life - my way of life. Mornings left me feeling hopeful and energized to face the dawning of a new class and afternoons left me anxious for the following session. My days became identified with the activities in school and my hours were marked by my performance in class. At that time, I was nothing more than a student amongst a million in the world and I was ultimately defined by the role I play in school and I was fine with it. However, even with the apparent positive attitude that I have t aken on, misgivings and hesitations make up a large portion of my outlook regarding the school in its entirety. Feelings of nervousness, apprehension and doubts still clam my palms and make my stomach heave with anticipation. But then again, these are all normal human responses which have been deeply ingrained in all of us. After all, the school is an institution established to measure our capabilities and brand us as either worthy or wanting. As a principled and boastful lot, nobody is too keen of that. First Entry This essay will explain my field work placement at a school located in East London area that is called Vicarage Primary School. Â  In this piece of work I will focus on my first three days of my placement and analyse these three journals entire days. Â  The Vicarage Primary School is a learning institution located in the London Borough of Newham. Most of the students attending Vicarage Primary belong to the vastly diverse culture bisecting the East London community and as such, other languages such as Bengali, Urdu and Somali are being spoken aside from English (OFSTED Report, 2010). Likewise, Vicarage Primary School enjoys a relatively higher percentage of students eligible for free school meals as it averages to almost 40% OFSTED Report, 2010). At present, the school is the recipient of the Basic Skills Mark award and boasts of the Investors in People and Healthy School awards (OFSTED Report, 2010). Â   In the first day of my placement at Vicarage Primary school it was very good for me as I know most of the member of staffs that work there because I done voluntary work there since 2002 in this school and this gives me more confidence, than as if a student started placement for first time, but in the first day of my placement I was thinking what class and years the children I am working are because every year I work there I worked in different classes and year. The first thing that worried me in the first day of my placement was that I wondered would the children welcome me to work and support them, but that day was very good as most of the children remembered me since last year when I was out side with children of my class in their play time and they told me we know you miss. Also in the first day of my placement the teacher and support teacher in years 3 were very good to me as they welcome me and communicate with me about what we are going to do in that day and in which table I am working with.

Trends in collective bargaining in the ukadvantages and disadvantages Essay

Trends in collective bargaining in the ukadvantages and disadvantages of employees in collective bargaining and an assessment of it - Essay Example Nowadays it is being chiefly used for financial purposes and social issues. Recently there has been less centralized collective bargaining in the UK. In regard to this Fox states "[Collective bargaining] has often been seen as, though not by all pluralists, not only as leveling up employee power to an acceptable approximation of that of management, but also as reinforcing government social welfare and redistribute policies in gradually reducing class difference." (Fox, 1985:22) In the UK collective bargaining is treated as the most useful and efficient form of bargaining which can help the workers to regulate their terms and conditions of service in consideration with ILO Convention 84. Nevertheless, the significance of collective bargaining in the United Kingdom and in the other parts of the industrialised world has minimized after the 1980s.Its turn down in the government sector comes from the growth of Review Body arrangements (Jackson, Leopold, Tuck, Katz 1995). A collective bargaining agreement helps the employees to look for progress in wages, hours of working and work environment. In other words it is a base through which the employees can voice their demands but these agreements sometimes can lead to difficult consequences such as strikes. However after the mid 1990s a considerable increase is seen in the partnership deals between the unions and the employers. These agreements allow the employees to have a greater sense of job security and strong p osition in the company. In UK agreements have been made so that the performance is improved by making a chance in organization or improving the relationships with other industries (e.g. Tesco etc). Collective bargaining has made a way for the trade unions to rise and the trade unions in the recent years are stressing on their functions in improving the business performance. Workers are joining the trade unions because of the lack of job security in the firms. Trade Unions have accepted the management offers to negotiate partnership agreements. This new way adopted by them is causing more members to join them and is helping the trade unions to get identification in the non union companies. The Trade Union Congress has formed a Partnership Institute which offers guidance and help to organization who want to build up good relations between unions, employers and employees. One such example which involves collective agreements is Barclays Bank and UNIFI. Strikes were caused in the firm d ue to the belief of upcoming job losses and salary disputes. An agreement was reached between the management and the employees in April 1999. The agreement reached helped the employees to get job security and hence helped them to improve the quality of life. (Industrial Relations Services Employment Trends 715, November 2000).Collective bargaining is a process which provides the employers or the management to deal with the problems of the employees equally. If the general areas of interests are emphasized in collective bargaining it can help to develop an approval of common interests by the employees (Purcell, 1979). The feeling of equality and general interests being fulfilled will help the workers to be satisfied, would lessen disagreements and create an environment of stability within the company for the employees. It can lead to equal pay for all the workers ding the same work and this would provide a social benefit. Equality is

Insanity plea Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Insanity plea - Research Paper Example Of importance to note is that, a person is liable to have committed crime when he or she has committed an illegal act, and or intended to commit an illegal act such as murder, stealing rape among other heinous acts (Anderson and Gardner 52). Simply, the issue of insanity does not revolve around the diagnosis that the accused undergoes but rather the impact that it might have caused on his or her ability to do specific things at the said time when there was an alleged criminal act. Hence, the Law stipulated that it is the relevant factor revolves around a person ability to do a specific thing but not the diagnosis symptoms that are affiliated to him or her (Brooks and Brakel 10). The defense of insanity is only present when a court absolutely declares that there is the absence or present of legal insanity in that the defendant being sane, but also having a medical disease or defect to extent of not being able to resist committing a given criminal act (Brooks and Brakel 12). ... In any court proceeding where the accused is thought of being insane or an insanity defense is found necessary, the accused begins by admitting that he or she committed the crime before a panel of a jury or judges. The lawyer then takes up the case of the accused by convincing the judges that the accused or defendant should not be held responsible for the alleged crime because he or she was mentally incapacitated as at when crime was committed. Thus, the lawyer tries to get the judges convinced as they give their verdict, to give consideration on the state of mind of the defendant objectively as they lay down their description of the victims in a given case (Fersch 2). History of Insanity Defense Pre –McNaughton At present, the defense put upon insanity is confirmatory, meaning that the defendant is at liberty to argue that they are ‘insane’. In case they are confirmed to be insane, the elements of the case are automatically null and void. Never the less, the defe ndant must be in a position to prove the ‘insanity defense; through a comprehensible and persuasive evidence (Worrall and Siegel 62). The argument for an insanity defense over centuries has been alleged as immoral especially when the person being punished is not responsible for their criminal behavior. It further argues that if a person is unconscious of what he or she is doing at the time when the crime is committed then that person is not reliable for the act (Worrall and Siegel 62). According to Pre -McNaughton rule on insanity, three main phases are used to test the phenomenon. They include; â€Å"the good and evil test†, â€Å"the wild beast test†, and â€Å"the right and wrong test† (Worrall and

Chemotherapy Lounge Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chemotherapy Lounge - Assignment Example Nursing as caring by Anne Boykin and Savina Schoenhofer is the most appropriate theory. The theory explains that caring is an innate virtue arising from the humanness of a person. It further explains that people live their live caring at every moment with each moment being unique. The patient in the case requires simple recognitions some of which arises from the humanness of the nurses. He wants the nurse to care for his unique needs at every moment. As such, the theory offers the best description of a nurse that would enhance his holistic healing. Jean Watson’s theory of human caring offers relational caring both for self and for others. The theory explains that one must always cultivate his or her spiritual practice beyond the ego. This requires a form of mind body and spirit type of wholesomeness in order for one to work as a nurse (Watson, 2008). Such an individual practices a form of loving kindness and equanimity that can help the patient in the

Economics essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Economics - Essay Example Fortunately, Economists are getting their due importance in policy making. It's economists who shout both in praise and against all policy decisions of different countries. And at least in a few cases, they themselves get divided in ideas and concepts. Regarding certain policies a group of economists come up with words and swords against another group of economists. Each group depends upon different theories at different times. Basically they keep in mind their own basic view and proceed. For giving stress to their views, depend on theories according to their convenience, that's all. Economics is supposed to act in such a way to wipe out tear from all the human eyes in the world. It should address the issues of poverty, famine and basic needs. All the theories may be different in ways of action but aim the same target: bring prosperity to human race. From theories to application - here starts the real game. Economists have made so many jargons familiar to the common man. But what's the end result Did it take us anywhere they planned or predicted This question stands as a very big unanswered question before mankind, especially these days. In the initial years of the new millennium what the Economic World has been experiencing was boom, boom and boom. The IT boom, banking boom, insurance boom, etc. could be cited as shining examples. Predictions also were aplenty. It was pointed out that the IT boom will stand for many more years. According to economists, banking and insurance were also going to record a trajectory of growth. Many reasons were given numbered one by one to substantiate their point of view. Banking habit is not developed among a large number of people. And an attempt was started by governments of various countries to bring more citizens of theirs to banks. Different packages were announced including zero balance accounts and any time money withdrawal facility. Similarly, it was observed that major chunk of the population remain outside insurance net. Studies were conducted which revealed that there are countries which have only upto a mere 10% of their population keeping insurance policies. Based on the se sorts of observations and statistics, so many new economic concepts were introduced by economists. Since the economists were having crucial role in policy making, their views and beliefs turned out to be policies. Political leaderships were depending much on economists in planning future. Since they themselves were ignorant of economic concepts, believed blindly what was advised. There are cases where enough studies were not conducted or even common sense was applied before reaching in far reaching policy decisions. And such policies affected the concerned economy very badly also. Offshoring of jobs is a typical example. Kathy Sanborn writes: In an article by Paul Craig Roberts ("How the Economy Was Lost"), he explains how the offshoring of jobs helped to create a lower tax base for American communities. Because US workers could no longer keep their IT and software engineering jobs due to 1) offshoring and 2) foreign workers coming in on H-1b work visas, our highly trained technical workers' salaries plunged. In addition, corporations began a mass exodus of manufacturing jobs